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

So, I got an e-mail from ISTE.  Don Knezek himself.  He asked if I’d call him directly (on his cell phone!) to discuss my concerns about a fee being attached to attendance at the Digital Equity Summit.  So, I did.

He told me that a lot of consideration went into the decision to attach a fee.  Last year, apparently, there was no fee and about 1/3 of the 200 or so registrants failed to show up.  Corporate sponsors who had footed the bill were annoyed/frustrated; at least one backed out entirely this year as a result.  [Incidentally,  Don noted that this problem did not arise in 2006; there was no fee then, but just about everyone who registered attended.]  Don also said that they want the summit to be a first-class event and don’t want to cut back in any way.  Hence, they decided to impose a fee that they thought wasn’t too overwhelming.

My thoughts?  Well, first of all, it was tremendously gracious and classy of Don to reach out to me.  My e-mail did not go to him directly, yet he felt it important enough to contact me personally.  Secondly, it’s possible I have registered for an important, day-long event in the past only to not show up.  But, I can’t remember one.  So, I guess I didn’t imagine this as a possible reason for imposing a fee.  Third, despite all that, I’m still squarely on the side of no fee (and Don told me that I’m not alone in that camp).  If it comes down to me or, more importantly, schools paying $50 or corporate entities being annoyed at empty seats, I’d tell the corporate entities to chill out (I’d be more diplomatic than that).  And, if not paying $50 means I’ll get no coffee and a lesser lunch, that’d be OK by me.  I wouldn’t be going to a digital equity summit to enjoy the experience; I’d be going because there’s really important work to be done.

In the end, I’m really glad I sent the e-mail and I’m grateful that Don Knezek contacted me directly.  Now, though, do I pay the $50 and whatever it’ll cost to change my flight to attend the Summit?  Hmmmm…

Tags: digital equity, NECC

Here’s the e-mail I sent to ISTE today. I haven’t heard back yet (save for the automated out-of-office reply). What do you think?

Greetings XXXXX,
First of all, thanks for all that you do with ISTE and especially the Digital Equity Summit. I have great interest, empirically and personally, in issues of digital equity in education. I’ve written about the issue, including here: http://epaa.asu.edu/epaa/v15n3/

I will be attending NECC this year, for the first time. I only learned of the Digital Equity Summit today as I was searching the program. I’d be quite interested in attending (I’d have to change my return flight, of course, but that’s not your problem). However, I’m wondering why there’s an extra $50 charge for this event. The costs of attending NECC are fairly prohibitive to begin with, and it strikes me as ironic, then, that there would be an extra charge to attend an important event about how we can better serve those in most need (especially, financially). Furthermore, if the corporate sponsors that are profiting from the education enterprise truly wanted to show concern and true sponsorship, they would cover the cost for participants.

I certainly do not want to come off as angry or combative; I’m partly asking for some explanations or clarification on what appears, to me at least, to be an unfortunate and disconcerting situation.

Thanks in advance for any explanations or clarification you can offer. Perhaps I’ll see you at NECC?

Best,
JB

Tags: digital equity, NECC