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CORVALLIS - An Oregon State University expert in distance education technology will be a keynote speaker at Portland ITEC 2000, a two-day event on Nov. 7-8 at the Oregon Convention Center and part of the largest series of information technology tradeshows in North America.

Mark Merickel, director of distance education at OSU, will speak on "In the Palm of Your Hand: New Directions for Distributed Professional Development," at 1:30 p.m. in the Technology Theater.

More than 300 exhibitors will showcase new technologies at this event and thousands of information technology professionals are expected to attend. More information about the event, speakers and registration can be obtained at the Web site.

Merickel's presentation will focus on new Internet tools that were created at OSU for use in different teaching and learning strategies. They are designed especially for adult learners in our technological society where the "classroom" fits into the palm of your hand, goes where you go, intelligently adapts to your learning style and is available when you need it, Merickel said.

Merickel, an educator for 27 years, has been recognized for creating partnerships between OSU and K-12 schools and his work in extending OSU's teacher education programs beyond the campus via the web and the Oregon Satellite Television Network.