Thursday, January 15, 2004
Maine is providing laptops to every one of the state's 34,000 seventh- and eighth-graders. In my book that's a very smart investment in economic development infrastructure. (Think of it as making the last connection in your information infrastructure.)
The $37 million laptop program is the brainchild of former Governor Angus King.
Now comes a story from Portland that Maine schools are forming " iTeams ," groups of students who have the technological ability to help other students and teachers quickly resolve problems with their iBooks. "The state considers iTeams such a successful idea that it is hosting a statewide conference today for students and educators who are on iTeams or want to learn about creating such teams in their schools," reports the Portland Press Herald.
"The First Annual Maine Learning Technology iTeam Conference is being held at Gorham Middle School. About 240 students and 70 educators from around the state plan to attend."
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Unexpected benefits from Maine's laptop program
