March 16, 2010 Networking Event: Summary

FRED DUVAL PRESENTS

ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS

3-16-10

            On March 16^th, 2010 GAZeL associates were treated to a presentation by Fred DuVal, Vice President of the Arizona Board of Regents.  Mr. DuVal spoke about the problems of the Universities and Community Colleges in Arizona.  One of the biggest is that about 38% of the incoming students must take remedial courses because they did not achieve acceptable levels in the K-12 system.  Also the various institutions do not communicate with each other.  This must improve.

            There is some digital curriculum being used in some K-12 schools, but sometimes the students must help the teachers understand the importance of the technology that is being used in business and in the general population. Professional training is insufficient to help teachers use a hybrid system effectively.  Of course there is very little funding to provide computers, teacher training and other essential technology.  Many questions were asked and suggestions given by the audience.  Some decisions must be made about the length of the school year, the individual needs of each student and the ability to learn outside of normal school hours.

            The matter of the cost of higher education was brought up.  The Arizona Universities are raising tuition, but tuition is still much lower than other State Universities.   The Board of Regents is working with on line universities as well as state universities and colleges to provide answers to the questions of providing differing levels of diplomas in order to make college degrees more affordable.

            This was an interesting networking event and participation by all attendees was high.     

SUMMARY OF THE FLYPAPER PRESENTION FOR GAZeL 8-20-09

The meeting began a little after noon in the third floor conference room of SkySong.  Alex Devereux, GAZeL president, welcomed the people in attendance both at SkySong and on-line.  He thanked Cox for the use of the audio line, iLinc for the video hosting, SkySong for the use of the facilities and Flypaper for giving the presentation.  He also read a brief statement from Duke Merhavy of ABLE, the company that sponsored the lunch.  

    Pat Stoner, Georgianna Marie were introduced as well as Don Pearson who gave most of the presentation.  Don presented ways in which the Flypaper software saved money and time for the user.  Pat compared Flypaper and Power point and Don showed the rich interactive content that Flypaper affords the user.  He also showed how all people can deliver content using this system because it is simple and fast.

    There was a short break so attendees could get lunch from the buffet supplied from the Wildflower Bread Co. and then the presentation continued.  

    There was  a demonstration of the many choices available in the software from pictures to language and Don pointed out that this could be used in many languages.  

    After the official presentation there was a time for Q&A and then the meeting was officially closed and the attendees could and did network.   
    
This was an interesting meeting and GAZeL thanks all attendees for coming.  The next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at SkySong in the 2nd floor conference room.  The title is “THE CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE” and will be presented by ABLE.  

Summary of the Communiversity Networking Event, December 3, 2009

The last networking event of the 2009 year took place in Surprise, Arizona. The Director of Communiversity, Todd Aakhus, Ph.D spoke about the concept of joining with the community and other Community Colleges, Universities and even local high schools to bring coursework to the local community. This concept has been done in a few other cities, but the difference in Surprise is that the technology is advanced. Classes can be taken on line, with a live teacher at the school, or in a hybrid situation. The building is new and computers, classrooms, open areas are inviting to all age groups. Degrees can be granted at the AA and BA, BS area and soon there will be advanced degrees available. Students can work at their own speed and records can be transferred to other schools over the internet.

* * *

This was a very interesting meeting. A tour of Communiversity after the presentation was taken and the other attendees felt as I did. This school shows the speed at which technology in education has reached a high. It made me feel that GAZeL has played a part in creating the reality of eLearning.

Summary of the Communiversity Networking Event, December 3, 2009

The last networking event of the 2009 year took place in Surprise, Arizona. The Director of Communiversity, Todd Aakhus, Ph.D spoke about the concept of joining with the community and other Community Colleges, Universities and even local high schools to bring coursework to the local community. This concept has been done in a few other cities, but the difference in Surprise is that the technology is advanced. Classes can be taken on line, with a live teacher at the school, or in a hybrid situation. The building is new and computers, classrooms, open areas are inviting to all age groups. Degrees can be granted at the AA and BA, BS area and soon there will be advanced degrees available. Students can work at their own speed and records can be transferred to other schools over the internet.

* * *

This was a very interesting meeting. A tour of Communiversity after the presentation was taken and the other attendees felt as I did. This school shows the speed at which technology in education has reached a high. It made me feel that GAZeL has played a part in creating the reality of eLearning.

Summary of the February 18, 2010 Networking Meeting

The February 18^th, 2010 meeting of GAZeL took place at SkySong.  Announcements were made by Bobbie Kraver in the absence of the President.  This was followed by a short presentation by Ted Kraver concerning the striker being proposed to create a Digital Curriculum Institute in conjunction with Arizona State University.

 Amy Weibel Ph.D gave a presentation on assessments that match the curriculum being taught in K-12.  The information was well researched and developed a sequence that should be followed when assessments and curriculum are being written. 

 This was a very interesting presentation.  Dr. Weibel has had experience in this field at Grand Canyon University, University of Phoenix, Pearson, and many other companies and educational institutions. At this time she is a consultant.