06.30.09
Meeting with the University People
As you will note with three postings in a row, I just made it down to the internet cafe to post. Hopefully, you are now caught up on the autism conference.
Meeting with University Teachers
After the conference today, Olga, Galina and I met with faculty from the various colleges and universities in the region. It was a good turn out — I believe we had 14 folks in attendance. There were people from psychology, education, and physical therapy (although they have a different term) there. After enjoying chi, strawberries, crepes, and introductions, there was a lively discussion about needs around preparing students to work with children with autism. There were many ideas around continuing education, accessing new materials, finding places for students to do field experiences, cooperation, conferences, and distance education. I was even reminded that I need to learn to do Skype (probably misspelled — but then I still have a VCR!). One of the professors and I are going to try to do a joint class lecture in the fall using distance technology to see how it works. We are also going to explore possible grant funding — that is the issue with including Ukrainian students in our online courses — the tuition is out of reach. It is interesting how things work — earlier I received an email from an OT student in Australia who was looking for a contact in Ukraine for some field experiences. I gave that email to the Dean of the physical therapy department who will follow up (unfortunately there is no occupational therapy in Rivne). It was a good meeting. I’m off now to go to a concert. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Dianne PS Did I mention we are staying in a fabulous hotel!
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Tammy Colwell said,
June 30, 2009 at 9:25 pm
What a blessing!! Thanks for keeping us in the news. Praise God that you arrived safely, that all is going well and that a networking system of people (with various ideas, talents, skills, and techniques) is in place to work together but also to correspond throughout the year via Skype, emails, etc.. Yes, Diane, I encourage you to Skype!
What a blessing for God to place new colleagues in your path as you all work together to serve Him and the people of Ukraine. 27 more days until we arrive! We are getting all the more anxious as we read your submissions and as we continue to plan and prepare our travel packs. Praying that all continues to go smoothly. Love to all my US and Ukrainian friends there! Tammy
Amy Jones said,
June 30, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Hey Diane,
It has been so exciting to read the postings from you and Kelly about the conference! It is so amazing to see what God is doing in Ukraine through you all! You are in my prayers
Nice to read too that the hotel is wonderful – haha! Reading the posts has made me so excited about USNOF’s 2nd trip in July….my team will be exploring unknown territory too, working in new camps with kids whose lives we’ve never touched. very exciting!
love ya,
Amy