The Center for Research on Collaboratories and Technology Enhanced Learning Communities (Cotelco) is a joint social science research center in the School of International Service (SIS) at American University and the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University. The Center is organized to explore the socio-technical infrastructure required to support geographically distributed collaboration and knowledge work, particularly between developed and developing countries and based upon principles of universal design and accessibility. Cotelco is also an affiliated center of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI): Centers of Innovation on Disability.
Our broad research agenda uses mixed methods approaches to investigate three inter-related themes: (1) Global Governance, Transnational Networks and Epistemic Communities; (2) Cyberinfrastructure, Virtual Organizations, and Collaboratories; and (3) Geographically Distributed Collaborative Learning. In 2002, John Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems, nominated Cotelco for a Computerworld Honors Award (also known as the Smithsonian Innovation Award) for its contribution to building the Information Society. A case study on Cotelco is on deposit in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC and in museums and archives around the world.
Elluminate Version 10 was launched in June 2010 with the goal of usability and inclusion. A team of dedicated educators which included, Elluminate customers, users and those who are interested to ensure that technology used in education is accessible to everyone and used by all. This team of educators who helped to assess as well as plan for Elluminate Version 10, includes our very own, Director of Cotelco, Dr. Derrick Cogburn. If you would like to read the entiire article click here: http://www.elluminateblog.com/?p=70

On Thursday, July 1st at 10:45 am, President Barack Obama will deliver an address in the atrium of the new School of International Service building at American University. The speech will surround the issue of comprehensive immigration reform. This event highlights the University’s commitment to public service and international understanding.
Although the event is by White House invitation only, it can be viewed on NBC, CNN, and live at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live. There will also be a Twitter stream at @AmericanU and #ObamaAtAU. Following the speech a video will be made available on the AU website.
In the fast advancing world of technology, cyberspace is used for almost everything; from creating a blog (like this one) to purchasing books, laptops and many other products locally and internationally. A secured cyberspace is extremely important for the economy and security of our country. A draft report titled "National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace" was released on June 25, 2010. Please click on the following link to read this interesting report: http://bit.ly/dhSWGg

A survey conducted by Pearson on “Social Media in Higher Education” generated highly interesting and somewhat surprising results: