Micro vs. Macro: NECC vs. CoSN?
21st Century Education, Ed. Leadership, Ed. Policy, Ed. Tech. July 11th, 2008
I think I’m on to something here (of course I do; why else would I be writing this?)…
A. There have been smatterings of dissatisfaction with the recently concluded NECC, particularly among the more experienced and “followed” edubloggers (see e.g. Will and Karl)
B. Great discussions about systemic educational change have been occurring in the edublogosphere, especially over at Chris Lehmann’s blog and Will Richardson’s blog.
I think part of the reason for A is a desire for what’s being discussed in B.
I say that because NECC (the subject of A) is ALL about the micro.; it’s about pedagogy, classroom tools, projects, etc. The subject of B is macro; it’s about changing the “system.”
So, here’s my proposal. Let NECC (and ISTE) be what it is; a place to learn about technology integration; a VERY important place for LOTS of educators. CoSN’s annual conference, on the other hand, is the place where learning and conversations about policy, leadership, change can happen. Apparently, CoSN doesn’t think professors (or higher ed. more generally) are worthy of attending their shindig, but I’m likely to crash their party next year (besides, I’ve been dying to go to Austin, TX anyway!).
Tags: COSN, education, NECC, policy, technology
No need to crash any party…you are more than welcome. You are right that CoSN is the conference to talk about vision, policy and leadership. We focus on that from a school district, state and national perspective. We would love to have pre-service leaders part of this conversation.
Wow, Keith. I guess CoSN is a unique enough tag that you can find these posts fairly easily? We’ve still not formally met, but I did pass you in a hallway at NECC…I know because I was walking with Dale Mann. You and he exchanged quick greetings and he told me that he was shocked to see such an important player by himself. Thought that was funny.
I do hope we get to meet at the CoSN conference next March. I also hope I can convince some of the more experienced and followed edubloggers to join me. I think CoSN has done GREAT work to this point and has some opportunities to do even more great work in the future. I’m second-in-charge in McLeod’s leadership army, and we’re going to bring leadership to the ed. tech. table!!!
I would love your help in reaching key leadership in higher ed that wants to have a strategic conversation and invite them to Austin. Are you game? Just email me at keith@cosn.org
Gosh, I guess I left the body guards are home from NECC . Seriously, I am always interested in figuring out how we create 21st century learning environments. Our core audience are district folks…but, we have to engage the preservice community or this just doesn’t scale.
Not that I’m a major edublogger but I’m looking for something a little different from what I’ve experienced at NECC. I’ve only been twice but I know a few of the people I was with were looking for something a little different.
Jon- I ended up at your blog after seeing a comment you made on Pete Reilly’s site. I’m always happy to meet and talk to VA educators. I met Jeff Nugent from VCU recently (VCU’s a big place, I know, but I figure you might know him). I was, until today, working at the Univ. of Richmond but decided to return to K12 at Henrico County.
I’m actually looking at a few of the doctoral options at VCU so I might hit you up for some inside information if you’re willing.
FYI the RSS feed for your blog through feedburner isn’t working right now.
@Tom - yes, let’s talk. I’m ALWAYS looking to work with doc. students who have an interest in ed. tech. What’ll you be doing for HCPS?