By Popular Demand -- The GEDI Assignments Overview

GEDI Assignments Matrix
Click image to enlarge or visit Scholar to download.

As we inch ever nearer to the end of the term and deadlines begin to loom on the not too distant horizon, many of you have sent emails seeking confirmation of course requirements and suggesting a comprehensive overview of assignments and deadlines. Definitely a timely and wise request. Although each individual assignment description includes due dates, this requires a somewhat laborious navigational effort -- the digital exploration of the Resources section of Scholar to locate appropriate folders (and often subfolders). And without a doubt, clarifying due dates, submission methods, and assignment expectations is a critical pedagogical endeavor. In fact, this is something Shelli and I have discussed at length -- how to best create a flexible, yet clear and comprehensive course calendar, without becoming opaquely complex. We're exploring different options and incorporating a lot of your recent feedback to develop a better method for next semester. While it might be a bit late in the term (but not really since 2 May 2011 is a big GEDI due date), we now present the 2011 GEDI Assignments Matrix! You can review the matrix by clicking on the image above or download a copy in the new "Assignments" section of the GRAD 5114 Scholar site (see image below for navigational assistance).

Thanks for the constructive and useful feedback. Please keep the suggestions coming!

The GEDI Assignments Matrix can now be found in the
"Assignments" section of Scholar. Click image to enlarge.

Last Class -- Laptops and Tomorrow's Prof

First things first -- laptops. If convenient, please bring your laptop to Wednesday's final GEDI class session. A portion of class will include an internet-based activity during class, so a laptop will come in handy. 

Page 1 of 2
Access the full document here.

Moving right along, here's a recent posting from the Tomorrow's Professor Listserv (a rather appropriate source as we round out GRAD 5114 and send all you new GEDIs into academe prepared to be "faculty of and for the 21st century") that calls into question traditional lecture-based instructional styles. Since Shelli has mentioned Dr. Eric Mazur on a few occasions (namely in reference to peer instruction and his “it’s the pedagogy that matters, not the technology” maxim), this post (a repost from ASEE's PRISM) is both timely and pertinent. Access the full post here or download a copy from Scholar (Resources > Week 15 > Optional Reading Materials). Want to learn more about Mazur's pedagogy and research? Check out his faculty profile, research group, and Wikipedia entry. For more information about Rick Reis and Tomorrow's Professor read this news release from Stanford and peruse the Tomorrow's Prof website to review previous entries and subscribe to the email digest.

As always, please feel free to ask questions, offer comments, or make tangential suggestions.

Another Event - Social Media for Planning Conference

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 15

Register here: www.cpe.vt.edu/socialplan/registration.html

Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Urban Affairs and Planning Program

and Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development

Friday, April 22, 2011

8:00am - 5:00pm

Cost: $90 

5.5 AICP CM credits pending 

Fee includes a mid-morning coffee break, box lunch, and afternoon break.

Location:
Held simultaneously in two locations, Falls Church and Blacksburg, Virginia
Register Online!

About this Conference

Social media tools, communications, databases and other technologies are increasingly being used by planners today in their day-to-day work. How do we choose among these tools? What barriers are there to their effective use? How do we use the information that's provided in the planning process? In what ways do these tools help – or hinder us – in making our communities great places to live, work and play?

Join us for this one-day conversation that will explore these questions and more!

Sessions feature a range of findings, case studies and best practices for how planners today are using technology for data collection, analysis, project management, and presentation in support of the planning process. The day's program concludes with a facilitated discussion that synthesizes key 'lessons learned' across all sessions and that will be shared with attendees following the conference. View the detailed program schedule.

For more information, please visit: www.cpe.vt.edu/socialplan/index.html

Continuing and Professional Education - 702 University City Blvd. - Blacksburg, VA 24060

This Week (and Next Week) Only!

Here's a quick look at some (with so many interesting speakers, amazing festivals, and engaging discussions going on during the next few days this certainly is far from an exhaustive list) of the great events happening in and around Blacksburg during the next 10 days. Given the diversity, there should be something for everyone. Please share with your students, colleagues, and advisors. Don't forget to take a study break yourself and check out some (probably not all - attending all possible events may indicate a serious case of springtime induced procrastination, please see your GEDI staff with questions) of the week's offerings.

Arab Fest
Monday, 11 April 11:00am - 5:00pm
Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
The second-annual Arab Fest is a celebration of Arab cultures. It is a free event open to the public offering a variety of cultural and educational activities: contemporary and traditional music, dance, food, henna drawing, calligraphy and more.

We will have the Hill and Veil belly dance troupe, Anne Elise Thomas will perform music on traditional instruments and at 4:00PM singer GoRemy will perform.

Sponsored by the Reema Samaha Arabic Language and Cultural Initiative which honors the life and memory of Reema J. Samaha who died in the shootings on April 16, 2007. With support from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

For more information, please read this recent article from the Collegiate Times.

originally published 02.02.2011
visit www.phdcomics.com for more comics
about "Life (or the lack thereof) in Academia"

The Power of Procrastination

Wednesday 13 April @ 7:30pm

GLC Auditorium

The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) invites you to "The Power of Procrastination," presented by Jorge Cham, creator of the popular comic strip "Piled Higher and Deeper" ("PhD Comics"). Refreshments and book signing will immediately follow the lecture. This event is FREE and open to the public - please invite your friends and colleagues! More information about Jorge and PhD Comics can be found at www.phdcomics.com. Please direct any questions to Amanda Rumore, GSA V.P of Programs (arumore@vt.edu).

Earth Week 2011

18 - 22 April

All Over Campus and Throughout Town

Earth Week Website: ew2011.com

Want more information about Earth Week 2011? Contact: rialto13@vt.edu

Find us on Facebook Virginia Tech Earth Week

Environmental Coalition Website: www.theecvt.wordpress.com

Here's a quick rundown of some of the things on the Earth Week agenda:

Sustainable Food Monday - 18 April

On Campus Farmer’s Market

11:00am - 3:00pm 

Sponsored by CSECP and Office of Energy and Sustainability

Stop by the GLC Plaza (fountain outside Squires) for an on campus showcase of baked goods, produce, crafts and more provided by a selection of your very own Blacksburg Farmers Market Vendors!

Lunch with Mark Winne

1:30pm - Farms & Fields in Owens Dining Hall

Join author Mark Winne for delicious food and informal conversation.

An Evening with Mark Winne

7:30 pm

Squires Colonial

Distinguished author of Closing the Food Gap and Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners and Smart Cookin’ Mamas will speak at Tech about Food Politics, Community Involvement and his own experiences working towards a healthier food system.

Transportation Tuesday - 19 April

Cognitive Climate Change: The Psychology of  Sustainability

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Planetary disruption and destruction are identified and analyzed as problems of technology, industry, or culture. At the root of the problem, however, are patterns of disruption in the human mind and body. An emerging body of evidence points to the fact that connection to nature is an essential form of nutrition. In the same way that we rely upon good quality food to be healthy, humans must connect to our “second mother”- Nature – if we wish to heal both self and world. 

Michael Blackwell is a teacher, musician, mentor, farmer, writer, culture designer, animal tracker, bon vivant, racoonteur. and mid-level academeaucrat. Using information, story, song, reasoned dialogue, and blatant emotional appeal, he will present the case and a method by which we may come to know the world, and be known by it, in a way that can significantly contribute to its healing. Contact him at 540-922-2175 or natlearn@gmail.com if you are interested in arranging a talk for your campus or class.

Mike McCoy from Appalachian Voices

5:00pm

Squires 300

Do you want to effect change in Southwestern Virginia? Mike McCoy from Appalachian Voices will speak about how everyone can create change in this area. We will discuss the dangers of mountain top removal and how, through lobbying, we can bring cleaner energy sources into our homes.

Education & Awareness Wednesday - 20 April

“Sustainable Solutions” w/Rob Jacks of Shaklee

3:30pm – 4:30pm

Squires 300

From chocolate to cleaning products, discover ways to live more sustainably while using everyday products like chocolate and cleaners. A chocolate taste testing will follow the presentation.

The Electricity Fairy

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Squires Brush Mountain A

The Electricity Fairy is a documentary that examines America’s national addiction to fossil fuels through the lens of electricity. Filmmaker Tom Hansell follows the story of a proposed coal-fired power plant in southwest Virginia, connecting the local controversy to the national debate over energy policy. Wise County activist Kathy Selvage, featured prominently in the film, will be on-hand to discuss the film and answer questions after the screening.

Think Global - Act Local Thursday - 21 April

New Forest Earth Presentation  

12:00pm – 1:15pm

Brush Mountain A

Interested in sustainable forestry, starting up a non-profit, or working with indigenous cultures? Hear all about New Forest Earth and what they do to help motivate sustainable communities and empower them to preserve and restore their forests. For more information, check out www.newforestearth.org 

Tree Planting

1:30pm – 3:30pm

Between Slusher and D2  

Make the campus beautiful and help plant 25 native hardwood trees and begin the reforestation near the Slusher Wing area. Stop by anytime and lend a hand! Fill out the Tree Planting Volunteer Sign Up to help out.

Earth Day Meal sponsored by Dining Services

6:00pm

D2  

Celebrate Earth Week at D2 with a special locally sourced meal. “Vote with our fork” this Earth Week and show Dining Services that you support their efforts to incorporate more local, sustainable, and organic foods into our Dining Halls.

Earth Day Friday - 22 April

Earth Day Festival

10:00am - 5:00pm

College Avenue and the Squires Plaza area

Celebrate the planet with the Environmental Coalition and the Town of Blacksburg’s Earth Day Festival. Enjoy our organization and merchant fair, silent auction, local food venders, and entertainment!

Interested in showcasing your business, organization, research project, etc.? Sign up to have a booth at the festival by completing this survey by April 14.