What's a Poken?

This year’s convention will feature something new – Pokens.  What’s a Poken, you may ask? A Poken is a small USB device that enables users to digitally exchange contact details with a touch and share digital content (such as papers, presentations, photos, and videos). Poken users can create a digital business card with social network profiles and then swap it with other users by simply touching Pokens.  Best of all, Pokens can ignite conversations, make networking simple and fun, and create an engaging experience for AECT Convention attendees.

Using the Poken is easy:  Just touch it, get it, and share it.

Touch it – Exchange contacts and documents with other users by touching Pokens.  

Get it – Plug the Poken into your computer’s USB port, create your account, and synchronize it on the memberHUB.

Share it – Collect contacts and files on your timeline and share with your social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Welcome to our first GREEN Convention

Although our convention program will still be print-based (in addition to digital), using Pokens will provide us with an opportunity to GREEN our convention. Members will be encouraged to upload documents and files to your memberHUBs for sharing at the convention, saving paper, ink/toner (and added weight/bulk to your luggage). Watch for details in the coming weeks.

Opportunities for Networking and Fun

Perhaps the most exciting feature of using Pokens will be the opportunities for a new way to network, share, and get to know one another.  Divisions and affiliates are encouraged to start thinking about ways to use Pokens for icebreakers, scavenger hunts, and other fun events.  In the weeks leading up to the convention, division/affiliate leaders and members will begin receiving tips and hints on how to incorporate Pokens into their activities.

Still wondering about Pokens?

Here’s a YouTube video that helps explain -

 

I hope you are now as excited as I am about using Pokens. I am convinced that you will find a many more creative and fun uses for our Pokens.  I can’t wait so see what happens!

Things to do in Louisville

Midwest Living just published a nice travel piece about Louisville, KY; what to see and do this fall. (Thanks to AECT President Ana Donaldson for finding it). 

From Midwest Living - Pounding hooves. Baseball bats. Bourbon on the rocks. Louisville oozes mystique, and lucky for visitors, the icons deliver. Even better, flourishing art and food scenes mean that a fall weekend in Kentucky’s biggest city is a safe bet.

Be sure to check-out the entire post -  Fall fun in Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville has a wealth of things to offer, in addition to hosting the world's foremost convention on educational communications and technology.

Opportunities: Joint University Reception and River Cruise

(Reposted from AECT August 2012 Newsletter)

As the time for our AECT 2012 International Convention in Louisville, KY draws closer, I wanted to highlight two opportunities for convention attendees:

Joint University Reception

Emporia State Univ. graduate students enjoying the reception.

We are pleased to invite you and your university to participate in the AECT 2012 International Convention Joint University Reception, Friday, November 2, 2012 at the Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky. With the overwhelming success of last year’s Joint University Reception, AECT will once again schedule the reception in one large room.  With this year's theme of “Learning in the Age of Globalization” this event provides you with the opportunity to showcase your university programs to AECT attendees and to highlight your successes and new directions. And, it also provides you with a great chance to reconnect with alumni and friends. The cost to each university is $900.  AECT will make all final arrangements with the hotel for space, menu selections, cash bars and room setups.  Each university will have one 8’ draped conference table for your university display. To reserve space, complete this form and return it to AECT no later than September 15. Don't miss this opportunity to highlight the achievements of your students and faculty!

  

River Cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson

Picture in your mind a cruise down the Ohio River while being entertained by a jazz combo, enjoying the company of friends.  Imagine no longer! The ECT Foundation has graciously arranged a river cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson in Louisville, KY, as part of our AECT International Convention. Immediately following our Joint University Reception on Friday, November 2nd, passengers will travel just a few steps from the Galt House to begin boarding at 8 p.m.  The Spirit of Jefferson will begin its 3-hour tour at 8:30 p.m. Special entertainment will be provided by The JazzTechs, composed of our very own talented AECT member musicians. I hope you can join us for this special event, while raising funds for ECT Foundation awards and scholarships. Tickets for the cruise are only $35 and may be easily added to your 2012 AECT International Convention registration. Simply log into our AECT.org website (Membership # and Last Name), click on the convention link, and then Add Options Registration (or you can just click on the previous link after logging in). Download a flyer with the cruise details and share with your colleagues.

Be sure to check the AECT web page, the AECT Facebook page , our AECT Twitter feed, or this AECT President-elect/convention planning blog for up-to-date convention information.

It's Time for the Olympics!

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are in full motion and we have a new Olympic-themed 2012 AECT International Convention logo to help you get in the mood.  Get out there and cheer for your country's Olympians! Sessions for our own 2012 AECT Olympic Games (a.k.a. AECT International Convention) are nearly scheduled, so stay tuned to find out when and where your "events" will be held!

Happy Fourth of July!

July 4th
On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

 

Fun Facts - Patriotic-Sounding Place Names

Thirty-one places have “liberty” in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, was Liberty, Mo. (29,149). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty. Thirty-five places have “eagle” in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, Texas, with a population of 26,248. Eleven places have “independence” in their names. The most populous one is Independence, Mo., with a population of 116,830. Nine places have “freedom” in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, Pa., with a population of 4,464. One place has “patriot” in its name. Patriot, Ind., has a population of 209. Five places have “America” in their names. The most populous is American Fork, Utah, with a population of 26,263. Source: American FactFinder <http://www.census.gov>

Many more fun facts about Independence Day can be found at the US Census Bureau Fourth of July web site. 

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to everyone!
Have you ever wondered about the origin of Father's Day?  Look no further!

On July 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the nation’s first “Father’s Day.” However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day became a nationwide holiday in the United States.
- From - http://www.history.com/topics/fathers-day (Read more at the History.com site) 

Bonus Content!  A brief history of the necktie.

Venus transit photo

Every now and then, I like to share something fun and/or creative. Today, I shot a great photo of the Venus transit.  Note the bright orange of the sun against the deep navy blue of deep space! :)    .......and while I have your attention, our 2012 AECT International Convention planners are working through the summer, making sure that we have a phenomenal convention in Louisville.  

Our convention occurs much more often than the Venus transit, but it is no less spectacular!