Saturday, May 06, 2006
New England journey
Thursday morning dawned beautifully fine, and finding Mesquamicut Beach was not too difficult. Just inside the boundary of Rhode Island state (which apparently is really called 'Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations', but that doesn't normally fit anywhere), the part where Diane Goldsmith lives was very reminiscent of a small NZ holiday beach - the old sort. However, not far around the coast Diane showed me the enormous mansions being built or refurbished by the wealthy from as far away as New York City.
Had a great talk with Diane. She is obviously not a Republican, and I felt was less than impressed with much of the current US foreign affairs decisions. Her lovely Irish setter Finnegan also made me very welcome. Diane has been one of the drivers behind the development of a comprehensive and still evolving eportfolio tool that is funded by the Connecticut state, for the use of a consortium of Community Colleges. The portfolio has been built with students in mind - in particular, the ability for student advisors to review and assist the work being done. All content belongs to the student, who also controls all access to that content.
After a congenial and wide-ranging discussion of pedagogy, technology, and all that I'm supposed to be here for, it was time for the main event - lunch - in the little nearby coastal town of Watch Hill. Diane shouted (as have most of the people I've visited), and of course, being in New England, I had to have lobster salad - divine.
Thursday morning dawned beautifully fine, and finding Mesquamicut Beach was not too difficult. Just inside the boundary of Rhode Island state (which apparently is really called 'Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations', but that doesn't normally fit anywhere), the part where Diane Goldsmith lives was very reminiscent of a small NZ holiday beach - the old sort. However, not far around the coast Diane showed me the enormous mansions being built or refurbished by the wealthy from as far away as New York City.
Had a great talk with Diane. She is obviously not a Republican, and I felt was less than impressed with much of the current US foreign affairs decisions. Her lovely Irish setter Finnegan also made me very welcome. Diane has been one of the drivers behind the development of a comprehensive and still evolving eportfolio tool that is funded by the Connecticut state, for the use of a consortium of Community Colleges. The portfolio has been built with students in mind - in particular, the ability for student advisors to review and assist the work being done. All content belongs to the student, who also controls all access to that content.
After a congenial and wide-ranging discussion of pedagogy, technology, and all that I'm supposed to be here for, it was time for the main event - lunch - in the little nearby coastal town of Watch Hill. Diane shouted (as have most of the people I've visited), and of course, being in New England, I had to have lobster salad - divine.
// posted by Mark Northover @ 4:52 PM 
