For those of you who are not acquainted with the organization, COABE is the Commission on Adult Basic Education. You can read more about COABE at http://www.coabe.org/about/index.html .
The annual COABE conference is now taking place in St. Louis, Missouri. I would recommend that you consider joining the NIFL professional development list - http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/Professionaldevelopment ASAP because there is currently a great deal of positive conversation going on related to the conference and the general sessions.
After this morning's post, I am going to write to my colleagues on the PD and the technology (NIFL) lists and specifically ask the conference attendees to visit the blog and leave comments - and especially suggestions for how we in Delaware (DAACE membership) might come together as a more collaborative group of teachers and learners online. I will specifically ask them - and anyone who has found their way here to answer these questions:
How will you use technology to expand upon what you learn at the conference?
Will you do any formal or informal “follow-through” activities online related to the sessions you attended?
Can you give me advice on how to encourage and engage my Delaware colleagues into a serious online discussion regarding using the Internet for professional development?
What have been your most positive experiences using online forums for professional development?
What do you believe to be the greatest obstacles toward building a stronger practice of online (adult education) professional development?
Any other comments?
COABE and NIFL both maintain informative websites for adult educators. Browse through their pages frequently, and I expect that you will find something new each time you do.