[IAEP] A survey on educational technology

[Edward Cherlin]

Good idea, Jason, but the questions fail to reach my work in creating
a new design for digital textbooks. Please see

http://wiki.sugarlabs.org/go/Creating_textbooks

for an outline and a list of partner organizations, and then feel free
to ask any questions that that suggests.

On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 8:36 PM, Mel Chua <mel at melchua.com> wrote:
> It's somewhat US-centric, but I thought the folks here might be
> interested in Jason's project - he's been interested in Sugar for quite
> some time and came out to the ILXO office in Chicago this summer where
> we had a wonderful conversation.
>
> I thought IAEP might be a good place for Jason to ask for thoughts on
> Sugar, open source in education, the internet and education, educational
> technology, and other "education + tech" themes. Perhaps there's some
> way that Sugar could be a good fit for what he ends up doing next.
>
> More context in the letters below.
>
> --Mel
>
> Jason Hoekstra wrote:
>> I wrote up a survey for educational technology which I'd like you
>> consider filling out. More details can be found by clicking on the
>> link below. Thanks in advance for your consideration and time.
>>
>>
> https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=cGhNc2w3NUJzdGZHNWJ6MUR3YjVfQ0E6MA..
>>
> <https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=cGhNc2w3NUJzdGZHNWJ6MUR3YjVfQ0E6MA..>
>> (If I forwarded this to you and you aren't an educator, the intent is
>>  for you to forward along to the educator(s) that is (are) close to
>> you. Also, feel free to forward this along to anyone you think that
>> would like to participate. Many thanks!!)
>>
>> Jason
>>
>
>
>
> Here's why I'm doing this. I've been working a good 14+ years as a
> professional in information technology, mostly as a lead software
> developer. Last year, I decided to take a strong turn away from a stable
> career at a pharmaceutical research company to join the Barack Obama
> campaign in Chicago. Never before have I worked with a more dedicated
> group aligned with what, in my opinion, fiercely needs to happen in this
> country. It has been a great ride and I'm continuing on by finding where
> I can best positively impact change in our country.
>
> Obama's understanding of technology as a component to drive change
> (health care, education, small business, green tech) is a top reason of
> why he very early became my candidate of choice. Well, apparently others
> found things they liked in Obama, and with a tremendous effort, we won.
>  From the campaign, I traveled on to the transition team and now working
> for the White House Office. The role I'm in is temporary as many backend
> systems are being developed for a department which will soon get a
> permanent team. I've been thinking very, very deep about what's next and
> I believe my best move is into the sector of educational technology.
> Specifically, I'd like to work in the Department of Education's Office
> of Educational Technology (OET).
>
> Stepping back a bit, here's my story. I grew up on Chicago's South Side
> where educational resources weren't necessarily engaging nor enriching.
> Luckily, I received a garage sale VIC-20 (precursor to the C64) which
> allowed me to heavily explore the world of computers. Over the years,
> this tool (and the others after it) helped me develop skills in logic,
> persistence, exploration, experimentation and confidence. I felt first
> hand how a computer can provide an unlimited lab for self-education and
> exploration which put me on a pretty good track moving forward. For
> these next few years, I'd like to focus my efforts on helping others
> (educators, administrators, etc.) find ways to use technology to expand
> learning and developmental possibilities for our nation's youth.
>
> As a consultant for the past decade, I've found the successful
> application of technology follows a pattern. 1.) Ask the folks in the
> field about the strengthens and weaknesses of the domain. 2.) Cull over
> the gathered responses/data and compare to what is in the marketplace.
> 3.) Propose solutions, modify with the end users until a good fit is
> found. 4.) Deploy the solution. 5.) Measure success of the solution. 6.)
> Modify plans as necessary, repeat strengths were possible.
>
> So I'm at step one and requesting your help. As a person in the field of
> education, I'd like to gather your responses to what and how you see
> technology benefiting education, both as it stands now and in the
> future. Your responses will help guide my research of the problem and
> impact areas in educational technology. This will help lead me to my
> next steps as I begin to work towards a position at the Department of
> Education.
>
> Your honest feedback is greatly appreciated. Please only share what you
> feel comfortable sharing. Your individual responses will not be shared
> with anyone else. Thank you greatly in advance for your time and efforts.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jason Hoekstra
> _______________________________________________
> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> IAEP at lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>



-- 
Silent Thunder (默雷/धर्ममेघशब्दगर्ज/دھرممیگھشبدگر ج) is my name
And Children are my nation.
The Cosmos is my dwelling place, The Truth my destination.
http://earthtreasury.net/ (Edward Mokurai Cherlin)