Not Everyone Hopes for a White Christmas

Have you seen the classic movie, "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney? I watch this every year, root for snow to come to the Inn in Vermont (or it will fall into bankruptcy) and adore the finale when they all sing "White Christmas."

What does this have to do with the building? The fact we don't yet have snow is a boon for the project! Because the earth is not frozen, the contractors could lay sod and push forward on the landscape plans. Take a look at this photo taken yesterday-no this isn't air-brushed, this is real.

Happy holidays to you, and best wishes for the new year!

Peace-

Zwick

Christopher Columbus got it wrong

The Dean of Continuing Studies, Jeff Russell, joined Dean Douthitt for a behind the scenes tour of the new building. Dean Russell (in the red hardhat) is a faculty member in the College of Engineering, who have been superb hosts while Human Ecology is in relocation.

Joining Deans Douthitt and Russell were members of the technology design team, Pro Audio (white hardhats). The first stop on the tour was the Wisconsin Idea Room, a large video conference room capable of seating up to 20 people. Adjacent to the room is a catering kitchen and a small break-out meeting room.

The group toured Collaborative Learning Hall, located on the second floor of the addition. This space has a flat floor and will support strong connections between students and instructors, as well as student to student, with multiple LCD panels and screens. This room can set up to 144 in groups of 8.

These spaces - and more - are programmed with flexible furniture and robust technology to serve multiple methods of teaching and learning. To think that instructors do not have to be limited to what speaker can be in Madison on a given day gives me chills. Imagine delivering a lecture from Ghana, or bringing in a policy expert in Washington to a morning class in Madison, real time.

The world is flat because technology removed the last barrier.

For more information how to take advantage of these resources for teaching and engagement activities, please contact Associate Dean Clif Barber or Director of Technology Services John Hilgers.