The 2013 international SITE Conference will be a truly “glocal” experience. In other words, SITE will demonstrate a presence in both local and global communities.
Despite a continued troubling economy for many, the 2013 conference features healthy attendance from across the world—over 1300 attendees, from about 65 countries. We truly are a friendly society!
Over the next several days, you will hear more about some of SITE’s international initiatives. For the moment, let’s celebrate some of its local strengths.
In recent years, SITE has attempted to work with local educational technology leaders, representing the P-12 community, from the city and state where it is hosted. These efforts have met mixed results. This year, however, I am happy to report that we have engaged in a highly visible and productive relationship with the Governor’s Office and the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators (LACUE). The 2013 SITE conference commences with a video welcome from the First Lady of Louisiana, Supriya Jindal. The work we do at SITE resonates with Mrs. Jindal, in part, because the Foundation she has established seeks “to harness the power of technology in Louisiana classrooms.”
Perhaps the most productive relationship that SITE has established to sustain the work it represents even after it departs from the Pelican State is with the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators. SITE and LACUE leaders have had a number of productive discussions that led to a high-caliber daylong pre-conference workshop on Monday, March 25. Not only did educational leaders from Louisiana attend this workshop, but also they were complemented by SITE’s broad international membership. The end result? A combination of Louisiana state leaders and SITE members hosting an international audience as they explore the topics of mobile learning assessment, and global education.
Talk about going “glocal”!
Mike Searson
