Comments on: Constructivist Celebration

By: Sylvia Martinez

Sylvia Martinez — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:10:51 +0000

Hi MJH,
As I said in the blog post, this is a group of companies who decided to form this organization. We are not sponsored or affliated with ISTE or NECC.

I always think it’s a good idea to investigate the origins and intentions of any group so I would encourage you to continue to ask questions.

By: MJH

MJH — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:35:32 +0000

Trish,
you are right on. This group is very self serving. In fact- they are not allowing any other companies to join. And I can think of quite a few that that fit the constructivist philosophy. I know of one in fact that was told out right that this so called consortium is closed to new members. Is this for the good of education? For the good of the whole? I think not.
Shame on NECC for supporting this without further investigation.
Buyer beware!

By: Norma Jennings

Norma Jennings — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:59:20 +0000

The Sunday Constructivist Celebration was tremendous. I learned very valuable skills and information which I am passing on to the teachers with whom I work. I would like to personally thank the presenters and participants for a very enjoyable day. I hope this type of event will be repeated in the future.

By: Sylvia Martinez

Sylvia Martinez — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:32:39 +0000

Hi Trish,
I’m glad you are thinking about who puts on sessions and events. You should always ask questions and expect full disclosure.

I did mention in my post that this event was put on by six companies (and they are all named in the last paragraph.) The company I work for, Generationi YES, is one of the six founding members.

By the way, we did not pay for any artists or outside people to come to present. The goal was to have the time and materials to find the creative educator in everyone, and I do think people had a good time doing just that. I certainly did!

The goal is transparency and full disclosure, so people can make up their own minds.

By: Trish Day

Trish Day — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:53:00 +0000

Curious? Did you enjoy your day as much as it sounds? And it was sponsored by a vendor? Who would have organized the day, paid for the artists, and so forth if it wasn’t for the Constructivist Consortium – a group of educational technology COMPANIES? Hmm – maybe Miguel did misread your blog a bit, but I think you double talked yourself. Attendee beware -they want you to buy into their software and services for spending the day with them – or probably already do since you were invited.

I appreciate, as a first time NECC attendee, the warning below and I did use that warning when choosing sessions. I enjoy Kathy Shrock and could not get into her session. But since she’s so closely related to Discovery (heavily profiting from their support I’m sure!), should i be wary of her sessions as well? Isn’t she ultimately a vendor?