(a) The State Superintendent and the Secretary of Commerce may provide assistance to an eligible consortium to enable the eligible consortium to establish, promote, advance, improve, and participate in projects for the purpose of encouraging the understanding and use of technology in connection with education.

(b) An eligible consortium assisted under subsection (a) of this section shall develop:

(1) An interactive video, audio, and text communications database;

(2) Connectivity between elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities;

(3) A means to provide information to teachers, administrators, parents, and other interested community entities on State and local educational technology initiatives;

(4) A staff demonstration project; and

(5) A significant contribution and participation from business and industry, local government, teacher associations, administrator associations, regional high technology councils, and community leaders.