Wisconsin, America's Dairyland

Arrived at our hotel in Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon, called The Abbey Resort www.theabbeyresort.com. This was a beautiful tourist spot right on Lake Geneva - I can just imagine droves of families from Chicago spending a few weeks here in the summer. Mike and I kept thinking we might even catch Patrick Swayze and 'Baby' dance their way into the lobby.

This area is geared for the tourist but Wisconsin is also famous for its dairy industry, Harley Davidsons and Millers beer (among many other things).

My contact in Wisconsin, Dan Gross, picked me up at the Hotel at 8am on Monday. Dan is the Executive Director of SWING (Southeastern Wisconsin Instructional Network Group) www.swing.k12.wi.us Dan coordinates communication technologies in many k-12 schools and other institutions in this area. He also works with the Museums to bring schools and museums together.

We drove through different areas: tourist, farming, industrial with Dan acting as a wonderful guide. We also discussed all manner of things American including education, technology, politics, religion, culture, food and Boy Scouts! I gained a marvellous insight into one perspective of life and times in Wisconsin thanks to Dan's depth of knowledge, educated opinions and sense of humour.

Our first stop was Carthage College www.carthage.edu where Dan introduced me to Prisca`Moore, Associate Professor of the Teacher Education program. Prisca focuses on a variety of techonlogies in the program including videoconference training. These students then, on completion, can be leaders in the fields of instructional technologies.The student teachers combine with school children in videoconferencing sessions which include programs from NASA and museums. These sessions then act as models for the student teachers. Prisca is bringing a student teacher group on exchange to an area in Victoria in June of this year for 3 weeks. I look forward to keeping in touch with you Prisca - thank you for your time.

We also visited the Gateway Technical College in Burlington. Here Dan introduced me to Kathy and Gerry who are instructors in the Adult Learning Centre. Kathy and Gerry deliver ESL and the GED (which is very similar to CGVE). Thank you both for showing me around and the handouts. Good luck with the excursion to Washington DC.

Dan took me to a wonderful place for lunch called 'Fred's' in Burlington. What a fantastic experience. He introduced me to the delights of fried cheese balls and excellent potato chips. (Not sure how long a girl would last in Wisconsin without a gallbladder!!) Last night my family and I even tried the fried icecream and caramel sauce - thanks for the tip Dan- it was delicious.

Thank you to Dan for the effort and energy that you put into my visit. It was a fantastic day and such an excellent opportunity to learn about the how, what and why of education.
Your innovative and enthusiastic approach to education can only enhance communication technology within the system.

written by

Sally Delaney on April 23, 2007 from Burlington, United States

from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007

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Do you know haow to cook the fried ice-cream now Madge? It might be an Armidale special.

written by Emma on April 24, 2007

Hi Sally , with all those fried cheese balls and icecrean i would watch your waist line lol , have lots of fun where following your journey very well... From Kimi & Denis 26.4.07

written by Kimi & Denise on April 25, 2007

I was telling Cate about the fried cheese balls and fried ice cream,you can imagine her reply!!! Anne

written by Anne Ward on April 25, 2007

Sally
I've been enjoying your reports and have encouraged other staff here to take a look. Sounds like you are having a rich experience.
Cheers
Sue Ellyard

written by Sue Ellyard on April 25, 2007

Last night I learned the meaning of "crapulous" and it means - sick from excessive indulgence in eating - and that is what I think you may be suffering from. Even I am feeling crapulous when I read about the fried cheese balls and icecream. Sounds like you are having a very interesting time though. Love to D and M Cinda

written by Lucinda on April 25, 2007

Hey Sal

I am loving your blog, it is a great way to keep us all in the loop on your fantastic adventure. I will be sure to update my Delaney clan of the great time you are all having.
Take care, travel safely!
Kia xx

written by Nakia Delaney on April 25, 2007

Hi Sally we are having a great time following your jurney love the recipies. Have a great time.
Cheers Narelle,Henry

written by Sally Delaney on April 26, 2007

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