U.S. senators, students, and education-technology experts gathered on Capitol Hill last week for an event that highlighted the benefits of technology in K-12 and higher education. From robots to earthquake shake tables, the exhibits demonstrated that technology is more than just cool--it can change peoples' lives.

The technology showcase, titled "Defining the Future of Learning," was part of the State Educational Technology Directors Association's annual leadership forum, which took place Nov. 1-4. The showcase highlighted projects made possible by Title II, Part D (Enhancing Education Through Technology, or EETT) grants, National Science Foundation grants, and the partnerships that have resulted.

Located in the Senate Hart Building, the showcase hosted more than 500 national policy makers and thought leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sens. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., Kay Hagan, D-N.C., and Patty Murray, D-Wash.

"We were so pleased to host this important event," said Mary Ann Wolf, SETDA's executive director until Nov. 16, when Douglas Levin will succeed her. (See "SETDA names new executive director.") "This was an opportunity to highlight how EETT programs serve as a catalyst for school improvement initiatives that change instructional practice using technology. We greatly appreciate our honored guests' leadership for ensuring that our nation's students are prepared for the 21^st-century global economy."

Wolf said SETDA extended an invitation for all senators to attend, and some representatives for Republican senators attended the exhibit as well.

Sen. Reid praised the tremendous contributions made by educators who are developing cutting-edge technologies for teaching and learning. He cited miniature solar cars, robots playing soccer, and earthquake shake tables as examples of innovative technologies with broad-reaching impact—all showcased at the event.

[Click above to watch Sen. Reid at the exhibit on eSN.TV]

"People do not realize that one of the most earthquake-prone places in the world is the state of Nevada," said Reid. "As a result of that, I became interested in what the University of Nevada, Reno, was doing regarding research on earthquakes. We have done some tremendously important and valuable work there."