That was fun.
Wiscnet are the people who run the non-commercial side of the Internet in Wisconsin, that is the Un iversities, K-12, libraries. The main focus of the conference was broadband and more broadband. I’m in favor of that myself. We have a double T-1 now and know that that will not be enough in the future. The Northern Tier (Internet in Wis, MN, IA, ND, SD) is near completion (at least the Wisconsin Minnesota part) and that will have a big unseen impact. Extra large fiber from Chicago to Madison, Eau Claire and Twin Cities. Madison is what matters to us, since our feeder lines run from there. This is so fast and secure that something in Chicago will be much like something on our LAN.
Star of the show – Chris Lehman, Principal of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. Dynamic and sensible. Old school (yeh Dewey) and pushing the edge. Loves tech, but no techno-lust. Tech is a means, not an end. Anyone who focuses on first priciples, mission and what works is a neo-traditionalist.
Second star – the Monona Terrace. Beautiful facility. Great view. Love visiting Madcity, just wouldn’t like to work/live there. Excellent food. Nice meeting rooms. Was there previously to hear my bro Tom (www.thomaspmbarnett.com) speak. Much better when you don’t have to perform.
My piece was small. Only public librarian to talk, almost the only one there. Spent an hour nattering about using Google Maps, Flickr and Print on Demand to re-purpose some of our historical content to a respectable crowd of 26. Program available though I will add narration when I have time. Love the sound of my own voice?
For me the best part is POD, which changes a lot of things. Short runs of items are financially possible. In fact, I could publish as few as two copies of a 100 page book, color cover, perfect bound for about $15 total (counting shipping). It takes vanity publishing to a whole new level. It makes it possible to publish something for your family or friends, to get extra copies of your thesis, you name it. Lotsa classroom applications. Let your kids write, take photos, draw and then publish it for under $5.00 per copy? Color costs more of course, but still!
So, happy to have been invited. Now I have a staff development day to work on, a system wide planning session to participate in, a healthly living program (got a free pedometer!!) to walk through and , oh yes, I rolled double nickles this week. Sing it Sammy—I – can’t – be —–55!!!!!!!!
