Here are two sessions I have been asked to draw your attention to as you put your schedule together for Orlando:

 

1) Presidential Session: “The Purpose of Education in the United States and How Systemic Change can Help Achieve that Purpose” 2:15 to 3:15 P.M. on Thursday, November 6, 2008 in Great Hall West.

This year the speaker for our Presidential Session is Dr. G. Thomas Houlihan. Dr. Houlihan is the retired executive director for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The CCSSO is the professional association for state superintendents of school. Dr. Houlihan is highly regarded in the field of education as a transformational leader with a deep and profound interest in systemic change.

 

2) Informal Learning: A Discussion with George Strawn; NSF CIO Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:00-2:00; Cambridge Room

 

This discussion will address the potential impact of the informal learning on the formal learning process and visions for the future directions. The National Science Foundation supports many initiatives that study with informal learning settings. These settings offer fewer constraints for the use of emergent technologies but can be adapted to learning objectives. NSF is averaging around $17 million per year on interactive systems for learning. How do gaming, virtual environments or other interactive environments affect informal learning? Join Keynote speak, George Strawn, to discuss the impact of these new ways of learning.