Technology Wonderings

I’ve been given the task of finding valuable and inspirational staff development opportunities for my colleagues and I.  I could spout off a bunch of good k-12 technology conferences but being new to higher ed (see below http://scheney.edublogs.org/2008/02/15/transition/), I’m not sure what to say.  So far I’ve come up with:
-EDUCause 2008:  Interaction, Ideas, Inspiration in Orlando, FL from October 28-31.  They don’t have session descriptions posted but looking at last year’s program, I think it would be a good fit for us.  Plus it’s in Orlando…in October…that would be nice.

-ASTD 2008:  This training and development conference is in San Diego, CA from June 1-4 (coming right up) and tracks include designing and delivering learning and facilitating organizational change.  The problem is that it isn’t specifically targeted to Higher Ed but a bonus is that Malcolm Gladwell is a keynote speaker…check out his TED talk. So, any other suggestions.  Conferences that you find so inspirational and worthwhile that you attend every year?!  Please share. 

After a handful of years working towards technology integration at the k-12 level, I’m transitioning into a new role in HigherEd as an Instructional Designer.  The process is exciting, I’m learning a much different angle on technology implementation and the university is supportive and welcoming.  The first part of my transition is an updated look for my blog.  You’ll also notice new links on my del.icio.us account related to mentoring (we’re setting up a technology mentor program with the faculty) and technology competencies (we’re interested to know what kinds of faculty technology standards you use…) and general faculty development related to technology.  I’ve also joined http://college2.ning.com/ to start some new higher ed friendships, brain-picking, and collaboration.  There is a solid program in place here at WIT and I’m thrilled to be a part of its evolution.

If you have thoughts, ideas, or resources on any of these topics-please share!  One of my goals is to make my blog more of a “Stephanie CMS”.  The first action step is posting more often.  Here goes…