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WHAT: As Pilot William Oefelein prepares to become the first Alaskan in space on Dec. 7 (launch scheduled for 5:30 p.m. AK), Alaska students are following him in their own way via the Internet and through interactive video conferences with him and his NASA colleagues. Using these technologies, students have already participated in a live educational pre-launch videoconference with Oefelein. Upcoming activities include a live video downlink from the shuttle, an interactive videoconference with Oefelein's mission trainer, videoconferences featuring footage from NASA TV, question-and-answers with Oefelein on a special Web blog at akastronaut.org , and a post-mission, in-person visit with Alaska students by Oefelein. WHO: These educational opportunities are another chapter in a five-year partnership between GCI SchoolAccess, Challenger Learning Center of Alaska, the Alaska Distance Learning Partnership, and NASA. Senator Ted Stevens has been integral in bringing these opportunities to Alaskan students.
WHERE: Media welcome to join videoconferences at GCI's offices at Denali Towers (2550 Denali St. #600, Anchorage) OR Challenger Learning Center of Alaska. Educators and students will be available for comment following conferences. WHEN: December 8: Videoconference from Johnson Space Center with Mission Trainer At 9:30 a.m., schools will watch a videoconference feed showing footage of the shuttle launch. Immediately following this conference, Astronaut trainer and Alaskan Adam Flagan will give a shuttle update and answer questions about the mission. This feed will take place from 10:00-10:30 a.m. ABOUT GCI and SCHOOLACCESS: GCI is the largest Alaska-based and -operated integrated telecommunication provider. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services. More information about the company can be found at www.gci.com. SchoolAccess is a suite of services designed to advance the educational opportunities of K-12 students. Designed by both experienced technologists and veteran educators, SchoolAccess provides services and features geared specifically with teachers, administrators and students in mind. More information on GCI SchoolAccess products and services can be found at www.schoolaccess.net. CONTACT: Jeremy Bartram at 206-264-1999 or bartram@itstrategies.com. 
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Alaska's First-In-Space Inspires Learning through Technology in Local Schools