MacWorld - Something in the Air

Today was an exciting day at MacWorld. I enjoyed a breakfast meeting with other Educational Administrators at the Westin Hotel where we watched Steve Jobs deliver his keynote via a simulcast. The line-up of new products and offerings was exciting - especially the amazingly thin and lightweight MacBook Air. Although it has no optical drive, one may purchase a USB accessory drive for $99. Another option is to utilize Remote Disc Setup Software that allows you to access the hard drive of a nearby Mac or PC - pretty neat feature! With the ability to access other hard drives wirelessly, Jobs feels that optical drives are not necessary. I was especially pleased to see that the MacBook Air included a touch pad that incorporated many of the "gesture" features from the ipod touch allowing one to pinch, rotate, swipe, and zoom.

In the afternoon I was invited to participate in a stimulating roundtable discussion regarding School Design for the 21st Century. Other guests included representatives of Intel, WASC, Howard University, Apple Inc., and George Lucas Foundation. Marco Torres was also present, and he asked when he could back to visit us at Punahou!

Tonight I went to a special event at the John Lennon Tour Bus. Richard Dreyfuss, a strong supporter of both Apple Inc. and the Tour Bus, worked with six high school students to create a short video which premiered at the special gathering. The students and Dreyfus completed the entire project within a 24-hour time period. He also spoke to the gathering about the need to engage America's students through the use of technology that fosters creativity and innovation.

Following the event, I joined four Apple Distinguished Educators friends (Lucy Gray, Kris Hill, Dianna Williamson, and Lori Roe for dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. Tomorrow is the first day of the Educator's Academy. I will keep you posted.