The Freedom of Information Act, commonly known as the FOIA, (5 U.S.C. § 552), was enacted by Congress in 1966. It established a legal right for individuals to obtain records in the possession of government agencies. The FOIA is critical for the functioning of democratic government because it helps ensure that the public is fully informed about matters of public concern.

Some sites to help in this effort:

• The National Freedom of Information Coalition's State and National FOI Resources
  As part of the NFOIC's continued efforts to support citizen access to government information, the Freedom of Information Resource Web project provides a comprehensive guide to obtaining information guaranteed under state and federal open meetings and open records laws. Regularly updated and maintained, these pages contain descriptions and links for FOI publications, contacts, legislation and current events.
  http://www.nfoic.org/web/index.htm

• FOI Interactive: From the ASNE’s Freedom of Information Committee
  To help the public (including students) —and newsroom staffs—better understand the importance of Freedom of Information, the American Society of Newspaper Editors developed an extensive, interactive FOI training manual, that now is available online in pdf format. The guide utilizes real and fictional scenarios to start discussions about FOI issues and to teach participants how to obtain government records.
  http://www.asne.org/files/2004foiinteractive.pdf

• Access Reports
  Access Reports provides the most comprehensive coverage available of access issues in the United States, Canada, and abroad.
  http://www.accessreports.com

• Freedom of Information Clearinghouse
  This site contains links and resources to assist citizens in using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as well as information and testimony on our involvement with Freedom of Information issues and cases.
  http://www.citizen.org/litigation/free_info/

Good Luck!

This week features an excellent offering from the Exploratorium:

Exploratorium: Online Activities
http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/online.html
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, art, and human perception located in San Francisco, California. Online since 1993, it was one of the first science museums to build a site on the World Wide Web. The Web site is an extension of the experiences on the museum's floor. We've created "real" experiences for our online audience, not "virtual exhibits." The medium of the Internet makes it possible for the museum to reach homes and schools all over the world. This has changed the way formal and informal learning takes place, both in the classroom and in the home.

Enjoy!

Each week, I'll use this area to answer your questions, post announcements and provide interesting input! Please email me at EduHoundWeekly@eduhound.com

Please visit T.H.E. Journal Online for the latest trends and applications in the educational technology market...and to get your FREE subscription to the magazine: http://www.thejournal.com/magazine/subscription/default.cfm

That's all for this week!
"Remember...the Web is a terrible thing to waste!"