Final day of work

Well, it's the final day. We meet the Inspector at 9:00 AM to discuss our findings and what we can do to help. During the meeting, we detail our findings and (what I believe they already know) that there is a change in attitude that needs to take place. I explain that it is my belief that education is the issue and that if the teachers could experience distance education technologies themselves, that there would be less resistance to the topic.

We also talked about a possible solution to their computer problems (the classrooms are woefully lacking in computer technology.) I mentioned that as the college system is struggling with computer disposal, it might be possible to re-route these to-be-disposed computers to Romanian schools. I also said that most of the disposed computers should be capable of running Windows XP, and most likely could be upgraded to Windows Vista. I think this idea is met with acceptance. Gerald seems to think that we need to get ADECA involved in the transfer.

The Gates Foundation is working in the area to connect the local libraries to the Internet, so it is possible that the schools will be included. If not, there is a plan to connect the Delta area schools by next year.

We also discussed the possibility of getting access to Dr. Connell's classes for the Romanians, so that they can experience the technology first-hand. I am to work on this as we get back to work Monday (actually, Gerald suggested that I do this before the evening. I tried to make time, but didn't have time to fulfill the request. It will have to wait until Monday.)

Gerald will create a memorandum of understanding between the us and Romania so that we can be sure that there is no misunderstanding. We just want to supply computers as we dispose of old ones, and make sure that they understand that, for us, that is the end of any support. They will have to support and maintain the computers on their end. Also, they will have to supply any software (operating systems included) for the computers.

We ate lunch, toured the town a bit more and retired to the hotel in time to get ready for the TAG's reception.

After the reception, a few of us went back to Argentina's parent's restaurant. We had a nice evening, and got back in time to pack for our return in the morning.

Upon returning to my hotel room, I get a revised schedule for the morning, pack, call home, and go to sleep. It's going to be a long day of travel in the morning!