Computer Pals Across the World: some beginning thoughts from the new President
Larry Hudson
Hon. President, CPAW
In November 1997 I succeeded Dr. Cornell as Honorary International President.
This will, of course be difficult to do because of his extensive involvement
over the last several years. Thanks Richard!
I would like to offer some information about me and my reasons for becoming
involved in CPAW and what changes are underway for the CPAW Web page. First,
I have been involved in distance learning since 1979 when I first used
audio teleconferencing as a delivery system for community college teachers.
Since 1984 I have use audio teleconferencing, freeze-frame video, computer
conferencing, electronic mail, "microwave" & satellite television,
and now the Web to teach courses.
My area of responsibility is vocational teacher education offering courses
to teachers in middle schools, high schools, adult technical centers, community
colleges, corrections institutions, & industry training sites. Since
almost all of my students are adult learners, ages 30-70, and all across
the expansive state of Florida we rely extensively on distance learning
technologies and use the Web as our sole method of delivery for all courses.
That is to describe my interest and uses of technologies.
The second reason is more personal but is also very important. I have
a child in sixth grade and when first considering this involvement I asked
his teachers if they would be interested in being a CPAW site and they
were excited. This personal aspect for that school and me is another link
for all of us as parents and teachers. When does one separate the two worlds
-- or should they be separate? In this case they overlap nicely. In case
you are wondering my child's school is Tuscawilla Middle School in Seminole
County public schools, Florida, USA and as we begin the students are creating
their own Web page and they will be joining us in CPAW.
Lastly, I think we have the resources and support to take CPAW to the
next level in Web visibility and applications. The home page will have
"frames" to the left side, linked to other sites and resources. There will
be "Forums" established for discussion by topic or project, and even synchronous
chat rooms available. (I expect this to be accomplished by the end of January.)
We are very fortunate to have as a volunteer Web Manager a recent graduate
of our Bachelors degree program Patricia McNeese. Patty is an adult with
a full time job, a Navy reservist, daughter in college, and will be starting
graduate work in August. Personally, I expect her to complete a doctorate
someday.
1998 will be a great year for CPAW!
A gift from your
President
Your input and suggestions are invited.
Larry Hudson
Hon. President
Computer Pals Across the World |
