HICKTech was the place to be
Who wouldn't thoroughly enjoy a whole day of intense learning if it was presented as Emma Jane Hogbin did at this year's HICKTech, ( How Internet Connects Knowledge through Technology)?
Billed as a rural and modern technology forum the hour-long sessions, keynote speakers and panel discussions were geared to those who thirst for knowledge. Emma also catered to those who thirst for good wholesome food and local beer.
Yesterday convinced me that lifelong learning can be fun and works well when speakers are lined up with solid backgrounds and know how to deliver a presentation. Information gleaned sent so many ideas bubbling up in my head, I shall need the CD made of each presentation to refresh my notes.
At the end of the day I watched as many animated conversations continued well past the scheduled go-home time. And Bobby Dean Blackburn provided his unique rhythm and blues entertainment in the background. As we trundled out lugging goodie bags with useful stuff many of us had gained more than fodder for production, we had made several friends.
Must get back to my follow-up notes now and reconnect with Jane Zhang, program coordinator for Partnership Platform, who is going to help me with improving our church web site. That's as well as Anne Finlay Stewart, who had already made a suggestion that she is willing to work on with me.
Then there's Linda Wright who is working on e-channel delivery of a wide range of learning through Sioux Hudson Literary Council. When we discussed IODE's involvement, shipping needed materials to northern Ontario schools, we knew we had something in common.
Not to mention a local artisan who, needing some help with her web site content, hired me on the spot.
How cool is that?