ADE 2007 Summer Institute Part II

3 days into the institute and still going strong. For an old fart like me that is pretty amazing. It is the energy of this fantastic group of educators that makes it possible though. Yesterday we finished our Class of 2007 orientation. I think I have my head a little more around what it means to be an ADE. I have for so long been what I hope is a passionate advocate for using technology in education in general and Macs in particular. But this really steps it up another level. Being able to meet with other passionate advocates and to feed off or their energy is incredible.
The level of leadership Apple shows in this regard is also incredible. We spent a couple of hours yesterday and a couple more today with Rebecca Stockley an amazing Improvisation Artist and teacher. What a bundle of energy, wit, and fun. We learned some great improv techniques and skills from Rebecca. We also had a brief presentation from Topher Klein from SMART Technologies that ended in a big surprise. Also throughout the day more great food.
Today we had the opportunity to attend 3 workshops of our choosing. Where else in one day can one sit in sessions led by Marco Torres, Ted Lai, and Carl Owens. This evening we had a glorious meal (sorry, those who did not get steak) and the both of the desserts were to die for. The evening was capped off by a presentations by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Vincent Laforet. He has produced some of the most adventurous and also heart rendering images I have ever seen. To see his shot of the changing of the light at the top of the Empire State Building gave me vertigo while sitting down. On the other hand, his images of New Orleans in the days following Katrina brought tears to my eyes. It was an incredible presentation.
Tomorrow we start our 24 hour project period. I will be working with a group of 3 or 4 other ADEs and we will have 24 hours to complete a project based on a visit we will make tomorrow backstage so to speak at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. At this point I have no idea what we will do, but I am excited to work on it with this team from across the nation.
That has actually been the key of attending this event. As I mentioned earlier, I am amazed by the talent and passion of this group. It is so interesting to talk to these people and hear theirs stories and what they do. I got to know the tech director of a 3,700 student private school in Hawaii last night. Tonight I had the pleasure of dining with the Director of Integrated Technologies of a small school located in Martha's Vinyard. That visit makes me want to visit Boston more than ever. Hmmm...how can I get to Alan November's BLC Conference next year.
Well, off for a few hours of sleep tonight as I am thinking there won't be much tomorrow night. See You in a Few! ADE2007

ADE 2007 Summer Institute

I am currently in Monterey, CA for the 2007 Apple Distinguished Educator Summer Institute. We will be here through Saturday. This will be a great opportunity for me to learn from other passionate about the same things that I am. I am looking forward to working with the other ADE's over the course of the next several years. I have not met everyone in our class yet, but I will. Today the new ADE's flew in to San Jose and were taken by bus to the Apple Campus in Cupertino. Yes, we visited the mothership, drank the Kool-Aid, and bought out the Retail Store on campus. It really was interesting to feel the energy on campus. The coolest thing I saw was the Executive Briefing Center, where Apple brings in groups to brief them on products, ideas, etc. We took a group photo in the quad, which I understand is a rare occurrence as photography is not allowed inside Infinite Loop. We then boarded the buses for the drive to Monterey, or more accurately, California State University at Monterey Bay. It is an interesting campus to say the least. It is actually contained within an old military installation so you have a mixture of old military style buildings and more modern buildings. We are "dorming" it in a modern dorm building. It is kind of fun. I have the privilege of rooming with Tom Woodward. This evening we had a delightful Mexican buffet (the shrimp fajitas were great) and introductory meeting. Tomorrow is a busy day with some introductory presentations and then a vendor fair in the afternoon through dinner. Tomorrow a group of alumni ADE's will also descend upon us which I am really looking forward to. This is going to be a great week and it has just begun. See You in a Few! ADE2007

I am Yllek Ducatillon

I have finally found where I wanted to be in Second Life. This is a new experience for this old dog. I found The Bloggers Cafe blog and now the Second Life version. I have been to the Cafe a couple of times, but was always alone there. Tonight when I jumped in, Ryan Bretag and others were there. Ryan is the creator of The Bloggers Cafe in Second Life. He was very welcoming and even got my picture up on the wall. I think I will be spending a lot of time there in the near future.