My first Trip to China!

"For this course, we are going to make a trip to China!" said my professor with a loud enthusiastic voice back in November 2010....and that's how it all began.

It's February of 2011, three days left to our flight, and I'm asking myself "am I really going to Beijing in a few days?" I have to admit I can't avoid the butterflies in my gut!
The main destination is the Flat Classroom Conference in Beijing. There are going to be eight of us UNI students along with two faculties. The course we're in is called Applied Instructional Design, and as part of the class, we are going to present in this International conference. If you think you are nervous presenting in front of your peers and classmates, try presenting in front of hundreds of educators from all over the world; smart, experienced, know-their-stuff teachers watching us teaching them a concept! as we represent the University of Northern Iowa. Yes, we have to be darn prepared and know what we're talking about.

This is not for grade anymore; this is for dignity!!!

By the way, any of the Ed. Tech & Design students at UNI are welcome to follow the conference Live at this link with provided streamed video, and could even choose to be a virtual participant. It's on February 25-27.

You may say where did the term "Flat" come from and what is the idea behind it.
The Flat Classroom Conference, is inspired by the writer of The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman. It's a simple but brilliant notion with great impact on future generations. Friedman explains how the flattening of the world happened at the dawn of the twenty-first century; what it means to countries, companies, communities, and individuals; and how governments and societies can, and must, adapt!

Image Source: flickr.com by matt512