Educating the Dragon

I have had a great day today.

So many highs, it’s unreal. Firstly I actually get chance to spend time in the bloggers cafe with old friends. Then I facilite a discussion on the Did you know? material. with Allanah live blogging it. An us all working together on a google doc. Head researcher Amaanda (sic) putting in the links as we go. If you’re interested our notes on the preceedings appear on slideshare. But be warned, to read it you need to download it. With promises of added information etc being made. I spent much of yesterday asking myself, “whose Nicki Gemmel, I know that name.” In fact it was not until I got to the session did she say Nix. and the penny finally dropped. A big thank you to all those present and contributing to the discussion. And those of you who joined in the live chat. I walked out smiling. If you want liking to the google doc just comment and fix you up.

Secondly, I managed to make it to Rachel’s presentation on social bookmarking- She had 41 on her list but I recken it was closer to 50. She worked so hard!

Then the conference dinner. I was able to chat with some old friends AND made some new ones. That is always good.

I even got to the dance floor and ‘got on down’ until I caught myself dancing like my old man and promptly jigged my way off the dance floor.

It’s now 1am and I’m feeling tired but happy. Got Breakfast with Jocelyn, Allanah and Greg tomorrow…. Anyone remember where the Embassy is? Under the thingys and turn right? Turn right and go under the thingys? Best ring in the morning!

Isn’t it amazing what happens when you move out of your comfort zone. It appears I am not alone in the NZblogosphere to leave the classroom, permanently or otherwise.

I am now beginning a whole new adventure as an Educational Technology Advisor. It is what I have hoped to become and there appears to be some flexibility that I require right now and to be perfectly honest with you I want to see this venture grow, probably as much as the boss does! I love its vision and ethos. The whole team wants to affect change for the better in the classrooms of New Zealand, for the better, and for a bright shining future.

As you can gather, I’m rather excited about 2008… bring it on!

I don’t remember where the story comes from but a grandson asks his grandfather.“Were you hero in the war?” And the Grandfather answers “No, I just fought beside some.” 

It came to mind today as I sat and listened to the Minister of Education.

I’m sat beside Chrissy and AllanahK and Jane, on skype chat with Rachel Boyd and Durff.

 If anyone should ask I felt like saying “No, I sat with some.”