Fourthly, through the on-line discussions and the use of technology at the conference, the effectiveness of information technology as a way of working was explored. The on-line discussions produced a rich exchange of personal stories, thoughtful consideration of issues, generation of ideas, recommendations for resources, and peer support. These discussions became a working demonstration of the efficacy of new technologies in bridging distance, time, expense and, in some cases, ability. Women who were unavailable to attend the conference still had the opportunity to contribute to discussion and to the definition of priority issues. On the other hand, it should be noted that some women found participation in the on-line discussions difficult or time- consuming, and there are also those who were unable to participate at all due to lack of access to the technology.

Due to the generous funding of the Office of Learning Technologies, the exploration and utilization of technology as a way of working has continued past the end of the congress. CCLOW coordinated an on-line conference, similar to the pre-conference on-line discussions, building on the organization's previous work on women's learning and technology, titled "The Janus Project." This on-line conference explored technology and women's learning with specific reference to access, control, learning tools and quality of learning in our rapidly changing economic, social and technological environment. Also explored were the community learning network model and how it might respond to the particular needs of women.

Fifthly, a number of exciting and innovative project areas were identified, and the raw material for a new mandate and plan of action for CCLOW was gathered. Taking this information, the Board of Directors of CCLOW identified possible areas for further work:

• labour market programs, specifically for immigrant women and women with disabilities
• literacy programs, specifically related to the labour market, to health and to family literacy
• the role of spirituality in women's learning, education and training
• new technology and its relation to women's learning
• providing a clearinghouse function of information on women's learning, education and training.
  Draft proposals for projects in these areas are included in Appendix A.

Since the closing of the conference, the CCLOW Board has reviewed and revitalized itself, with some longer term members resigning to make room for new energy and enthusiasm. For the first time, CCLOW's board reflects more closely the diversity of the organization's constituency and this achievement is a direct result of the March congress.

These new Board members have worked hard since the March congress to develop a comprehensive three year plan of action for the organization. Once this plan is finalized it will stand as another concrete result of the congress.

Finally, a number of more long term, less tangible goals were also achieved through the medium of the CCLOW/NWRG congress, and these are discussed in the following section, "Evaluation."