Hi all!

I hope the New Year finds you well and off to a good start. Certainly, there’s a tremendous amount of enthusiasm on Capitol Hill with the swearing in of the 111th Congress earlier this morning. To be sure the challenges facing the country are sobering, but there is a “can do” spirit in the air that is invigorating.

From the perspective of my fellowship position it is doubly exciting given the election of Senator Rockefeller to the position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation by his Senate colleagues. Science and technology are sure to play important roles in meeting the Nation’s challenges and I have come to know that the Senator has a keen appreciation of the value of the STEM research and education enterprise in that work.

As I wrote in my last post I hope to share some of my experiences “on the Hill,” as well as musings about science, science education, NSDL, educational technologies, etc. These days of course every other word uttered is “stimulus” and for good reason (IMHO)! But it is “stimulus” framed within the context of key policy issues involving energy, health care, the environment, and economic competitiveness - all of which are interconnected. Will science and science education play a role? You bet! And that’s where I hope in particular to be able to contribute! Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Lee
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As always, these views are my own and do not represent NSF policy.

Hello NSDLers and other friends!

Yikes! It’s been a little over a year since my initial post… A lot goes by in a year, and even more in terms of a year of web developments. (For an interesting example, check out this piece on “10 Semantic Apps to Watch – One Year Later“.) Anyway, not a great track record for me, but I’m going to give this blog another chance.

The main item for this post is an update on my search for a legislative assignment, as part of my participation in the Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship program (www.comsci.gov) that I talked about at the recent NSDL Annual Meeting. I’m very pleased to report that just last Friday I confirmed a position with the staff in Senator Jay Rockefeller’s (D-WV) office. Senator Rockefeller recently won re-election to a fifth term, so he’s poised to build on a strong track record of providing leadership on a number of important fronts including science and science education.

As you might imagine it has turned out to be quite a time to be “on the Hill.” There’s a sense of hope and optimism in the air, even in the face of what are major challenges. I know I am really jazzed about this opportunity to contribute on the policy-making scene; and I look forward to sharing some of these experiences, as well as musings about science, science education, NSDL, educational technologies, and the like. Progress in these areas clearly undergirds any progress we hope to make as a Nation in addressing the issues surrounding energy, health care, the environment, and economic competitiveness.

Cheers!

Lee
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As always, these views are my own and do not represent NSF policy.

Hi all!

I guess closing haiku have become a “tradition.” I’m happy to continue it, with your indulgence. Enjoy.

Cheers!

Lee

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Haiku: I’m thinking.

Juices beginning to flow;

Now what do I write?!

Thank you presenters!

From many, pick one … or float!

Next year: Self-cloning?

Partnerships thrive, when

Value walks a two-way street;

And links common cause.

Learn a new language.

From partners a network grows.

Square the nodes: find strength.

Some ask the question:

“Can for free live with for fee?”

It does already.

To link or embed?

If clearing rights, it matters.

Take care when choosing.

Learn what learners need.

Then meet that need in their way.

Start at the finish.

Engage the learner.

Gain control by ceding it.

Usage adds value.

Web three-point-zero:

Context gives content meaning.

High tech needs High Touch.

Views are author’s own.

Not official policy

Of the NSF.

Hello NSDLers and other friends! I’m taking the big leap and starting a blog. Over time I’ve heard from many folks that “It would be nice to hear perspectives from NSF.” I’ve been wanting to do this, but hoping that in so doing it would offer a way to engage in a dialogue as opposed to simply having a one-way broadcast. Now there is a way to do so and I’m excited.

But first two caveats: 1) I hope to post regularly and to respond to comments. But life at NSF can become hectic, so I’m nervous about meeting this goal. Please bear with me! (Interestingly enough, even as I’m writing I’m beginning to feel more comfortable!) 2) I’ll try to remember to end any post with a standard disclaimer that all views are my own and should not be considered a statement of NSF policy. But in case I don’t remember to do this, think of this second caveat as a blanket disclaimer!