Creating a parent-school web site that can be accessed through computer kiosks in local grocery markets, developing historical virtual field trips, and redefining what it means to be media literate in today's world: These are among the effective uses of technology recognized by the cable industry's fourth annual Leaders in Learning Awards.

Ten educators and three national policy makers were honored for their outstanding vision in promoting 21st-century teaching and learning in a June 18 ceremony sponsored by the National Cable and Telecommunications Association and Cable in the Classroom (CIC), the cable industry's education foundation.

The awards ceremony was held after-hours at the Library of Congress, where guests were awed by the elegance of ceiling murals housing decades of written history and delighted at the abundance of free-flowing wine and sparkling water.

Each winner received a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with cable industry leaders, such as C-SPAN President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Lamb, as well as Congressional representatives and other innovative educators. Winners also received a $3,000 cash prize.

"I loved ... that our guide told us if you know the language, you can actually read the room," said David Considine, media literacy professor at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. "In the Jefferson building, the art, sculpture, architecture ... reflects particular views and values at the time the building was constructed. In other words, we were not looking at a building--we were given a way to read text and its context."

Considine has conducted media literacy programs for parents, teachers, students, administrators, and many more in 38 states and four countries. His articles have appeared in several publications, and his textbook Visual Messages has been described as the first comprehensive media literacy textbook in the country.

Considine, who won an award for Media Literacy Education, will host "Media, Diversity, and Democracy," a staff development program open to educators across the country who are interested in media literacy. This special summer institute will run from July 21-24, fusing media and technology with the teaching of social studies.

Guests were ushered from refreshments to an awards presentation hosted by journalist Nick Clooney, host of AmericanLife TV, complete with multi-colored stage lights and thunderous applause as each winner's video documentary played.

"I was so inspired and humbled as I heard the stories of the contributions for which each of the other winners was being honored," said Donna Bownds, campus instructional technologist for Clear Creek Elementary School in Fort Hood, Texas.  "To be chosen among some of the most innovative, caring educators in our nation is the greatest honor of my educational career."

Bownds served three years in the U.S. Army before becoming a teacher. Last year, her school had the opportunity to collaborate with Time Warner Cable and host The History Channel's new event, "Take a Veteran to School Day."