We often discuss the use of technology for purposes of entertainment, but it’s important to recognize that it can also be used for educational purposes.

Our sister organization Cable in the Classroom, the U.S. cable industry’s education foundation, is dedicated to this mission: To foster the use of cable content and technology to expand and enhance learning for children and youth nationwide.

A few years ago, CIC launched the Leaders in Learning Awards (LIL) in order to recognize outstanding educators, administrators, policymakers and other community leaders at the forefront of innovation in education.

There are profiles of this year’s winners on here; there is a short video and an audio interview on each winner.

All of which is simply prelude to announcing that the application process has opened for the 2009 LIL Awards. LIL winners – who typically represent a national cross-section of cable systems, programming services, schools and other educational institutions – are recognized annually in Washington, D.C., at the annual Leaders in Learning Awards Gala, scheduled for June 10, 2009. Winners receive a $3,000 cash stipend, an all-expense-paid trip to D.C., and the chance to visit with Members of Congress and other federal officials.

The application period will expire on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. If you know of a deserving educator, administrator, public official, or community leader at any level, in all disciplines, and in all kinds of learning settings, then suggest that they enter.