From the very beginning CARNet was designed as a user oriented
network. Understanding that we will fulfill our mission only
if we have an active and satisfied user community we encourage
users to take an active part in shaping the network.
At the dawn of the new millenium we have decided to put more effort
in our user support activities enriching it by starting the series
of CARNet User Conferences - CUC. We would like our users to take
an active part and present their results, exchange ideas, express
problems and concerns. CUC is designed to be an opportunity for
users to speak up. We look forward to a live event where everybody
can express opinions and share knowledge. Each year we plan to put
an emphasis on a different topic closely related to the use of Internet.
To put more light on chosen topics we plan to invite keynote speakers
with international reputation and results to share their thoughts
and knowledge with us. Furthermore, our goal is to open the conference
for everybody and we hope to make it an international and respected
event. Last but not the least, as a special event we plan the Web
festival - an open competition for the best Web site.
The title of this year's, CUC '99 is Internet learning. Under
the motto "From Learning about Internet towards Learning with
Internet" we will put more light on 4 everlasting topics related
to the main title:
We
will have two distinguished keynote speakers Mrs. Jill Foster
and Mr. George Munroe. Mrs Foster will speak about Internet
learning and Mr Munroe will cover efficient user support. Here
I would like to them both for their valuable contribution.
This
year Program Committee has accepted 25 papers and presentations.
In addition we have speakers form TERENA and CISCO systems.
We will have panel discussions, open forum with keynote speakers
and two workshops (on Distance learning and Training the Trainers).
Our intention to let the users speak has been fully accomplished
as we have only two CARNet papers on program. Thanks to all
authors for their effort.
Web festival competition this year seeks for the best web site
with educational content. We have accepted 55 applications from
which the jury will select 20 sites that will have an opportunity
to be presented during the conference. Among the selected sites
jury will finally award the 3 best applications. Additionally,
users will have an opportunity to vote for "Users Choice" award
via conference web site.
Finally,
my sincere gratitude to the members of program committee, organizing
committee and web festival jury for their dedication. Thanks
to our sponsors - they made it possible.
I hope CUC is here to stay as an important event in our calendars.
Welcome to CUC '99. I wish you a fruitful conference.
Miroslav
Milinoviæ
Program
Committee Chair
