Wimba's Blog

Daily News: Movement Among Us

In a recent Financial Times interview, US Secretary of Education Margaret Spelling discussed the business community’s recognition that if education is not improved and America is not producing enough skilled workers, then companies may take their operations elsewhere.  But is it really that bad here?  Spelling herself claims that in the K-12 space, “Student achievement is on the rise" and that “No Child Left Behind is working."  And a report issued by Shanghai Jiao Tong University listed US higher education institutions filled the vast majority of the top twenty slots in a ranking of the world’s top universities.  So, big business, don't pack your bags yet - perhaps we're in pretty good shape after all.

Daily News: Speaking of Education

Addressing the U.N. today, President Bush emphasized the United Nations’ underlying mission of “liberating people from the chains of illiteracy and ignorance” and how America is helping to advance that mission worldwide. He stated, “When nations make the investment needed to educate their people, the whole world benefits. Better education unleashes the talent and potential of its citizens and adds to the prosperity of all of us.” It seems Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke couldn’t agree more. On Monday, in a presentation before the workforce summit hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Bernanke said "Education — lifelong education for everyone — from toddlers to workers well advanced in their careers — is indeed an excellent investment for individuals and society as a whole." Something tells me that Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who spoke today at Columbia University, might have a different perspective.

Daily News: NCLB Under Debate

The New York City public school system was the top urban school district honored this year by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation’s annual Broad Prize for Public Education.  The foundation recognized NYC for improvements in student performance and for narrowing the gaps in achievement among poor and minority students.  Many credit Mayor Bloomberg for his diligence and dedication to reforming the system. U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, who was present when the awards were announced, might be more inclined to tribute the No Child Left Behind Act, which is up for renewal soon – and which Spellings is aiming to drum up some support for through a road tour.  But the debate continues, and while some support the bill, others are calling for drastic changes.  Education writer Jonathan Kozol has even gone so far as to embark upon a partial fast to demonstrate his disdain over the act, which he claims to be wrought with racial inequality.

Daily News: You Dirty Rat

When heading off to school, some students may be worried about how well they’ll do on a big test or exam.  Some may be worried about the homework they didn’t get around to finishing the night before.  Some may be more concerned what they’re wearing or whether they’re equipped with the hippest tech gadgets.  Others, it seems, have to worry about their health.  Texas students seem to be taking the heavy lately.  A mysterious outbreak popped up recently at a middle school in Houston leaving teachers, staff and students suffering from scary symptoms including chest pains and breathing problems.  A high school in Plano, Texas, was alarmed by a possible food tampering incident.  And at Texas Southern University, hundreds of dorm residents are contemplating the need for rabies vaccinations after a bat infestation.  And if that sounds bad, consider a school in The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago where teachers went on strike – not over wages, benefits or the like – but to avoid the rats infesting the school property.

Day One from BbWorld 2007

Greetings from Boston (kind of):
While I'm not actually in Boston myself, many a Wimba staffer is spreading the good word about the value of our collaborative software.  Blackboard, Vista, and Campus Edition users from across the world are learning of the Wimba way.  Day One began with a bang as our CEO, Tommaso Trionfi, our Chief Engineer and Co-Founder, Steve Kann, and our Senior Director of Product Marketing, Annie Chechitelli, treated a standing-room only crowd to breakfast and detailed information about the elements of collaboration which comprise a successful online course. 

As the day continued, our booth was graced by Caryn-Amy King of Hebrew College Online, Lisa Frasier of Great Basin College, and Carlos Araya of CSU Chico, all of whom gave 20-minute presentations about the value they derive from our software at their schools.  I truly want to thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty!  Thanks so much!  Annie also talked later in the day about instant messaging via Pronto.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of BbWorld Day Two.

Bye!
Matt

Wimba at BbWorld 2007 in Boston

Hi,
As many in the education community already know, Blackboard holds its annual conference in Boston July 9-12, 2007 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.  I'm pleased to announce that Wimba will have a GIGANTIC presence at the conference.  There will be 15 presentations discussing how Wimba brings valuable elements of collaboration into your Blackboard, Vista, and Campus Edition courses.  Four presentations–including two that come with free breakfast and an iPod drawing–will be given by Wimba, and 11 others will be led by our users. 

Our four highlighted presentations:

* Wimba: Visualize and Vocalize to Learn
Tues July 10 @ 7:15AM
Sheraton Hotel – Room: Conference 3
by Tommaso Trionfi, CEO, Annie Chechitelli, Director of Product Marketing & Steve Kann, Chief Engineer
*includes free breakfast and iPod drawing

* Wimba: Visualize and Vocalize to Learn
Wed July 11 @ 7:15AM
Sheraton Hotel - Fairfax Room
by Tommaso Trionfi, CEO, Annie Chechitelli, Director of Product Marketing & Steve Kann, Chief Engineer
*includes free breakfast and iPod drawing

Tuesday July 10 @ 4:30PM
Pronto Me! IM & Voice Changing Online Course Communication in Blackboard
Hynes Convention Center – Room 102
by Annie Chechitelli, Director of Product Marketing, Wimba & Chris Vento, former EVP R&D & CTO of WebCT and Blackboard and current Executive Vice President of Technology & Product Strategy of Experience

Wednesday July 11 @ 10:30AM
Bringing the Personal Instructional Element to your Online Course with Wimba
Hynes Convention Center – Room 102
by Annie Chechitelli, Director of Product Marketing, Wimba

To prepare in advance, you can learn more about adding collaborative elements to your online courses at: http://www.wimba.com/products/ 

I also hope you stop by booth #115 during the exhibition to learn more and ask us any questions.

See you in Boston!

Matt