The Center for Educational Technology and Non-Formal Education and an opportunity

12/20
We had a meeting with the Center for Educational Technology www.ceted.org. We met with people from Non-Formal Education to learn about the use of technology and distance education for the delivery of courses for Non-Formal Education centers.

We talked about distance education and non-formal education. We watched a well done video that described the purpose of non-formal education. It sounded like the community college mission. There are three broad themes for training, life skills, community development, and career development. We talked about what is essential to get adults to take advantage of training. I discussed the need for respect for the students, excellent teachers who listen and meet the students immediate needs, and content that is practical and useful.

The non-formal education centers are attempting to meet adults IT training needs, but the curriculum is not comprehensive or organized. I will be meeting with people at the Center for Educational Technology to share our Information Technology Support Specialist curriculum. The meeting will be December 29th. to see the ITS curriculum visit www.uaf.tvc.edu/its/ . I am looking forward to sharing our degree and course competencies and method of course organization and delivery. There is a real opportunity to share some of the material we have created for the ITS program at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, College of Rural and Community Development.

The meeting was in a formal conference room with food, audio broadcast capability, speakers, and food and drinks. In Thailand, during meetings, even in offices, people bring water, coffee, and usually a snack. There are people whose job is to serve the workers, at least in government offices. People in Thailand are very comfortable with having their pictures taken at meetings. In most meetings there are photographs to document the people present. I do not know what happens to all the photographs, but people pass around digital cameras and take pictures of each other.

After the meeting we went to Pantip Plaza and I had fun wandering around and looking at computers, software, and digital cameras. I got a mouse for Nick and Nuck's computer. The repair that we got at Pantip Plaza seems to be successful.

In the evening Jit had a whole group of the older kid's in the community and some young adults to talk about education. I was working on Photoshop so did not take part, I just listened and picked up what I could from the conversation.

Late in the evening there were fireworks, I assume it was because of winter solstice, but I do not know and nobody said anything.

Tomorrow I will read, get caught up, and not go anywhere. We will go to STOU on Thursday.

As we travel around I am losing my sense of wonder, I take things for granted that used to be fantastic.