The Seattle trip certainly exceeded my expectations! It was such a high ...meeting all the other grantees and hearing about the success and progress of their projects.
On Day one we all met at the Microsoft EBC and were given a computer graphics tablet to use for taking notes. The handwriting recognition software was amazing.
Three projects (one of them ours - ABPC) presented to the group. Then it was the Dr. Chris Dede, Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies at Harvard and Saul Rockman, CEO of Rockman et al show, where they presented on The Technologies for Scaling, Looking Back on the Mid Tier Grants and Rolling Out Year II Evaluation Process.
We ended the meeting with a cocktail reception at the MS Visitor's Center (which was an incredibly cool place with lots of technology to play with and a history timeline of the company) where the US Partners in Learning National Advisory Council and National Advisory Board mingled among us to find out about our projects and look for possible ways to network.
Next was dinner where we got to know each other even better. I sat near Luke Walker, Education Program Manager with TakingITGlobal, Rich Ingram a professor at James Madison University in my home state, Sammy Micklus of Odyssey of the Mind, and Kathleen Fulton, Director for Reinventing Schools for the 21st Century at NCTAF. Day two we were back at the EBC to hear Trish Millines Dziko speak on Non-Profit business planning, followed by a "speed-dating"version of small group sessions.
I'll have more to say soon about what stood out from the discussions-- after I finish with preparations for the upcoming Auburn workshop and the courses I am teaching at William and Mary --which start on Wednesday. YIKES!
How exciting!!! I am very proud that you guys presented. When you find a moment, be sure to brag some more. Great job.
Posted by: Brandi Caldwell | August 29, 2006 at 08:31 PM
I was just listening to you at your most recent presentation. wow, this is moving information. It makes me want to run out and help the kids.
I really like your passion for the subject, your tolerance for the less informed and the way you freely give of your abundant information. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.
Posted by: David | August 31, 2006 at 03:37 PM
I just commented about your presentation at Auburn University on my blog, great stuff, http://cycling-for-life.blogspot.com/.
Posted by: David | August 31, 2006 at 04:45 PM