San Antonio

I, Ack spent most of the week in San Antonio at a EDUCAUS Learning Initiative conference. Along with DoIT folks, we gave a presentation on how the UW games and simulation program was developed. Instead of giving a talk on the topic, we played a simple card game that Enage program folks developed over the last month or two. The game was a huge success as it demonstrated the process well and was fun and thought provoking.

The conference itself was very interesting and thought provoking. Attended by techies who 'twittered' away on wireless having 'backwater discussions' about topics as they were being presented by the speakers in the room. I'm surprised at the free data analysis tools available (Gap Finder, Eye Mind) and how technologies are being creatively used. Between this conference and my presentation at AMS last week (New Tools, Old Dogs) - it is clear to me that we have to change how we teach our classes to fully integrate these new communication and information technologies into student learning activities. I ponder how well we are educating our AOS majors. Are we training them to 'do well on the test' or to critically think beyond weather and climate? Why do so few AOS students conduct a senior research project? Are we instilling a sense of leadership and curiosity in them? Are they developing a strong work ethic and appreciating the rewards of working hard? Do we engage them "with big questions"?

San Antonio is an interesting place. The riverwalk is clearly designed for tourists. A walk from my hotel to the conference hotel was short and the river walk was lined with bars and restaurants along the way. The walk along the streets above the riverwalk was a bit of a different world. The streets were occupied by working class folks, many often standing waiting for buses.