The LSU AgCenter will host a roundtable discussion on Oct. 24, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to inform consumers about the importance of technology and how to make informed choices regarding the selection and use of wireless plans.

The LSU AgCenter has launched a program called Connect My Louisiana to provide broadband internet education and awareness for residents in rural Louisiana.

While the LSU AgCenter helps residents of rural Louisiana, Consumer Action, a national nonprofit education and advocacy organization, is working to educate consumers on how best to navigate the evolving world of wireless devices and services. Their program, which is called WirelessED, was launched in March 2011.

"We’re pleased to partner with Consumer Action to expand adoption of wireless communication technology, especially in rural communities statewide," said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension. "Through partnerships like this, we can make sure no citizens are left behind when it comes to digital connectivity both within the community and connection to the rest of the world."

“As we all rely on our wireless devices more and more every day, none of us want to be surprised by unexpected charges in our monthly bills,” said Ken McEldowney, executive director of Consumer Action. “WirelessED will promote the use of interactive tools and materials to project monthly data usage, educate consumers about selecting new wireless services and devices and explain how pricing works.”

The program will be offered via distance education from the LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge campus and can be viewed at these AgCenter distance ed centers: In Acadia Parish, at 157 Cherokee Drive, Crowley, phone: 337-788-8821; in St. Tammany Parish, at 1301 N. Florida St., Covington, phone: 985-875-2635; in West Carroll Parish, at 10284 Hwy 17, Oak Grove, phone: 318-428-3571 and in Franklin Parish, at 212A Macon Ridge Road, Winnsboro, phone: 318-435-2157.

Seating is limited. Online registration is available at the following links:

Baton Rouge: www.wirelessedcmlbatonrouge.eventbrite.com 
Crowley: www.wirelessedcmlacadia.eventbrite.com
Oak Grove: www.wirelessedcmlwestcarroll.eventbrite.com
Winnsboro: www.wirelessedcmlwinnsboro.eventbrite.com
Covington: www.wirelessedcmlsttammany.eventbrite.com

More information on the Connect My Louisiana program is available online at www.lsuagcenter.com/connectmyla and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/connectmyla. The WirelessED initiative is sponsored by AT&T and is online at www.wirelessED.org.

Johnny Morgan