This Active Life -- March 2003

Computers

Introducing OWL.org
NEA's Web Location for Education

There's an old saying that good things, like fine wine, take time. That has certainly proved to be the case for OWL.org, the new online community for NEA members. Nearly three years in the making, OWL.org took flight last fall with a wide variety of tools and features designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of members--including members of NEA-Retired.

For ease of use, the site, www.owl.org, is organized into channels--much like broadcast or cable television:

• "My Profession" provides information and tools to help educators in the classroom and the workplace. NEA-Retired members who substitute, volunteer in the classroom, or serve as mentors for new teachers will find lesson plans, professional development information, and the popular Works4Me tips in this channel.
• "My Life" features information on topics related to members' personal interests, such as finance, health, and leisure activities. Interested in how to shop safely online or how to make sure the Social Security Administration is calculating your benefits correctly? You can find these articles and many more in the "My Money" section. Is the Atkins Diet really what it's cracked up to be? Check out the "My Health" section to find out.
• The NEA channel keeps you up-to-date on important federal legislation and issues that affect members, as well as Association news and background information on vital topics.
• The State channel presents news and information from members' state affiliates. Currently seven "pilot" states--Connecticut, Delaware, Tennessee, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington-- have a state page on OWL.org. Other states will be added this spring.

In addition to this useful information, OWL.org presents education news from around the country and offers opportunities for members to form online communities by participating in discussion boards. Topics such as "Education and Politics" and "ESEA Implementation" are proving to be popular with Association members.

Retail therapy? OWL has that, too! Click on "OWLShopper" in the "Marketplace" section, follow the instructions for downloading a small software application, and find savings at over 200 high-quality online stores such as L.L. Bean and Barnes & Noble. A portion of each member purchase comes back to OWL.org to help add new features.

Check out OWL at www.owl.org. Registration is free, quick, and easy.

Finally...OWL wants your feedback! The site will evolve based on feedback from the community of users. You can help OWL grow by sending your comments, ideas, and contributions to asktheowl@owl.org.

--Brian Bauer

To learn more about the NEA-Retired program while you're surfing the Web, go to www.nea.org/retired. You'll find information about NEA-Retired activities, grant opportunities, and much more.