I am honored to chair this years Symposium on Teaching and Learning with Technology. I am especially excited and inspired by our theme “Unlocking our Potential and the Culture of Teaching and Learning”. This past year has been exhausting for everyone as we have been reminded over and over again all the ways that we (as an institution) have failed. While these shortcomings are real, (and not to mention make salacious news) little has been said about the amazing things happening all across this University. Each year’s Symposium is an opportunity to shine a light on the innovative ideas and projects that our faculty and staff have been hard at work on all year. I think this event will be also be an opportunity to inspire each other and rekindle the spark of the human spirit.
At the start of the year, formal acceptance letters will go out to the selected session presenters and I am so excited at the variety of topics that will be covered. I guarantee there will be something for everyone. As we get closer to the event, we will be asking each presenter to record a quick blurb about their session so that attendees can put a face with a name and some additional context behind session choices.
Right now all of our committees are in the crux of planning madness and the energy is palpable. Its during this time that I get to see the incredible talent that make up each of the planning teams. So much “behind the scenes” detail goes into putting on this kind of event and its wonderful watching everyone work together.
As we head into 2013 and the buzz around the event grows stronger, please keep tuned into this news feed for the latest from each of the planning committees. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone in just 2 1/2 months!
