Two deadlines loom - AECT proposal deadline and election deadline

At 11:59 pm (Eastern) March 2nd we are scheduled to pull the plug on our AECT proposal system. Do you think we'll do it, or will we give in and extend the deadline?  As Clint Eastwood says in his classic movie Dirty Harry, "You've gotta ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?"  If you're not a gambler, there's still time to submit at http://aectorg.yourwebhosting.com/events/call/

Also, on March 8th, AECT elections will close. I hope you will take some time select those who will lead this organization at the divisional, board, and executive levels. - http://aectorg.yourwebhosting.com/election/

The Story of Muhammad Ali’s Stolen Bicycle

(reblogged and adapted from AECT Newsletter, February 2012)

Our submission system for the 2012 AECT International Convention is humming right along. The submission deadline is March 2, 2012. Once submissions are closed, our convention planners will hit the ground running, compiling reviews and scheduling sessions. YOU can help us by volunteering to review proposals for your divisions/affiliates. Planners are already collecting reviewer names. If you don’t hear from a division/affiliate representative, please send your planner an email (or you can contact me at mchildre@emporia.edu and I will forward your contact information to the appropriate individual). The success of our convention is dependent upon quality presentations.  I hope you will step forward and review proposals.

At this point, many of you are probably wondering why I chose the title for this column. As you may remember from my last column, Louisville is the home of the Muhammad Ali Center; an international education center inspired by the accomplishments of Muhammad Ali. The center houses scores of immersive and interactive exhibits, each highlighting Ali’s six core values of respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality. While touring the center late last year, our planning team came upon a bicycle. While viewing the bicycle, the center’s director relayed a short version of the following story –

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. was named after his father (who was himself named for the Kentucky abolitionist, Cassius M. Clay). At age 12, he had his bicycle stolen and he reported the fact to a local policeman (and boxing trainer), Sergeant Joe Martin. Cassius wanted to “whup” the thief, but Martin suggested that Clay learn to fight first. Under his guidance, Clay rapidly advanced through the youth ranks. Clay won six Kentucky Golden Gloves while in high school and was allowed to graduate, despite his poor grades (later it would be determined that Clay was dyslexic, though at the time, he was simply thought to be a low achiever). Clay later joked about his lackluster academic record saying, "I said I was the Greatest, not the smartest."  (Ali and Me http://www.alicenter.org/edresources/Documents/AliandMe.pdf)

Ali’s bicycle is on exhibit to remind visitors how seemingly insignificant events and encounters with individuals can significantly impact the paths that we choose. The bicycle story also reminded me of the importance of our annual convention. Each year, AECT members meet at our chosen convention venue to share our research and ideas. Just as importantly, we reunite with old friends and meet new friends and colleagues. During these exchanges we also impact and influence each other’s academic and professional agendas. Although they might not seem significant at the time, our convention encounters mold who we are and plot a path for what we do…. the same way that Ali’s stolen bicycle experience helped to determine his monumental path. I encourage you to visit the Muhammad Ali Center during 2012 AECT convention stay in Louisville. I am sure that you will not be disappointed.

More convention updates will follow in upcoming newsletters, TechTrends issues, and at my AECT President-elect / convention planning blog - http://marcuschildress.blogspot.com

Young Ali photo source - http://i.imgur.com/E7Nn8.jpg

Bicycle photo source - http://www.dipity.com/cjblouin23/Ali-Timeline/

Valentines' Checklist

Happy Valentines' Day!

Here's a checklist so that you don't forget anything -

Pick up Flowers

Buy Chocolates

Submit Proposal for 2012 AECT Convention (Deadline March 2)

2012 AECT Convention - Securing funding for your students

Each year, I try to bring as many graduate students as possible from our Instructional Design and Technology program with me to our AECT convention. In 2011, approximately 14 of our students attended the Jacksonville convention. Even with double-digit budget cuts at our university, last year I was able to secure partial funding (roughly $500) for students through a university academic enhancement grant.  The grant dollars may be used for conference registration, travel, and hotel accommodations. 

Upon securing the university academic enhancement grant in March, the promotion campaign began via our departmental web site, blog, Facebook page, Ning site, and of course through word of mouth. One successful strategy that I found was to require students to join AECT and register for the convention. Once the student sent confirmation of AECT membership and registration, we secured an award slot for the student. Grants from the department were awarded first-come, first-served, based upon the student's conference registration date. This puts some of the responsibility on the student and demonstrates the student's sincerity about attending the convention. 

Many universities and organizations have funding/grant opportunities such as ours that can be used for student conference attendance.  As the deadline approaches, this week I will once again polish-up my academic enhancement grant proposal for another year. I hope you will soon explore those opportunities at your organization.  If you don't have grant opportunities like this, I hope you will approach your administrator/provost/dean for some help. Oftentimes, our students wish to attend the convention, but just need some financial help. 

Perhaps some of you have your own success stories or strategies that you would like to share with others?  If so, feel free to post comments below or share your thoughts on our AECT Facebook page. 

I hope to see all of you at our 2012 AECT Convention in Louisville, accompanied by many of your students!