Mo Hax

Posted the following non-confidential stuff to our IBM internal mentors blog:

Patty has need to appoint a new Co-chair and suggestions are welcome.

Why did I leave?

Well I didn’t go anywhere really. Still doing the same stuff, just in a different place, like many of the original 6000 IBM VUC members. The great thing about being a volunteer is you are free to move to the places you see your contribution making the biggest difference. For me that has changed. I see the most need and good coming from my volunteer time every Sunday from 7-9 PDT (SL Time) on ISTE Island doing what I’ve always done, workshops, helping out, and goofing off. I would love to see you there anytime.

But IBM still needs the help?

Yes, desperately. But corporate interest and application is being dramatically eclipsed by the need and interest in the educational community–especially higher education. U of Texas, for example, recently announced 50+ new sims coming online, one for each campus. The state of NC now requires nine days of Second Life skills instructions as part of High School Computer Applications II course curriculum.

Ironically it remains difficult to convince seasoned technology professionals at IBM and elsewhere of the importance of this technology. And many that do embrace it devalue the importance of a greater external connection outside the firewall of the company. In short, there is more ROI helping educators, such as those gathering at ISTE, than IBM and we indirectly help IBM in the process.

Thanks to all that helped me help.

Wanted to give my personal thanks to all in the community who have contributed so much for so little appreciation over the years. I understand your frustration and appreciate your constant influence and contribution through all the org changes, restructuring, and refocusing. You have always been there even though many could not even name you. And thanks to Patty and all the mentors here who continue to help IBMers get started right. Make sure they know there is more than just IBM out there.

This change allows me to  focus more on ISTE and iNACOL. We had a half-dozen at our building workshop last night on ISTE and over 20 in the sim from 7-9 PM. Please come by and join/help us–especially if you are interested in educational usage of Second Life, OpenSim or any EDTECH.