COLLEGES AND TECHNOLOGY INCUBATORS - The Northern Virginia Technology
Council recently hosted a conference for representatives from several area colleges to discuss
their goals as technology incubators, in an effort to "positively impact economic development
across the state, region and nation." The discussants included top research universities in the
Washington, DC area that are promoting technology transfer between themselves and private
technology companies. According to those attending, many technology projects are the result
of the entrepreneurial spirit of the student and faculty. Some of the ventures noted were
NeuralStem, Digene and Martek Biosciences. (Washington Post, 21 Sept 01)

NEW ROLES FOR THE CLASSROOM - According to Elliott Masie, the classroom is not
dead! Rather the classroom is a different type of experience and can be a great approach to
learning delivery when:

- The learning activity involves discussion or live role modeling.
- The learning target is a motor skill that requires the use of equipment.
- The audience is small and it is easier and cheaper to put a subject matter expert with a
learner, than to produce a digital learning module that will be used by just a few people.
- The content requires intense concentration for an extended period of time, which may not
be available at the workplace.
- The event is a ritual or landmark event that will signal a major benchmark or promotion
in one's work history.
- The learning activity is linked to a social objective to meet and work with colleagues or
executives.
- The bulk of the content is gained from a Socratic dialogue with fellow learners.
- The subject matter is not appropriate to an online experience.
- As a strong learner/manager preference or a change of pace.

While there is a significant increase in the use of eLearning and Blended Learning, there has
not been the death or demise of the classroom. There are changes in the classroom world:

- Shorter duration classes.
- Use of pre-class and post-class learning via technology.
- Developing Communities of Learning or Practice surrounding the class.
- Targeting of classroom learning via Learning Management Systems.
- Use of simulation and other eLearning resources in class. (TechLearn TRENDS, #215
4 Sept 01. Visit the Masie Web site at: http://www.masie.com)