FUSION 2007, "Realize the Potential," the fourth annual Desire2Learn conference, held in Duluth, Minnesota was the largest Desire2Learn users conference to date, with more than 500 participants. Representatives from the Desire2Learn user community across North America and Europe assembled in Duluth for an educational and fun-filled conference experience.
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Conference-goers were able to mingle while exploring the marine life at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Over the course of the event, participants had the opportunity to attend nearly 80 sessions and many other networking events. After touring locomotives at the historic Railroad Museum, attendees were all aboard for a train ride along the shores of Lake Superior. Throughout the conference users shared best practices, successes and tips with each other and listened to thought-provoking and highly acclaimed keynote speakers, Dr. Ruth Clarke, Will Richardson and Nancy White.
The 2007 Desire2EXCEL award winners were also announced at FUSION. The Desire2EXCEL Award program encourages development and sharing of best practices using the Desire2Learn solution. The awards recognize Desire2Learn users who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the education community. The 2007 Desire2EXCEL nominees were outstanding and four awards were presented in the following categories:
- Teaching and Learning - Judith Campf, Baltimore County Public Schools
- Program - tie was awarded to two exceptional finalists:
- Jacques Cool, New Brunswick Department of Education, Canada
- Stephanie Dunbar, Georgia Virtual School
- Community Service - Barry Dahl, Lake Superior College
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Congratulations to the Desire2EXCEL winners!
Thanks to the hard work and diligence of the FUSION planning committee, and host institutions: Lake Superior College and The University of Wisconsin-Superior, FUSION 2007 has set the standard for which future FUSION conferences will be compared. The ideas and suggestions that were shared will make significant strides towards continuing the advancement of learner achievement, improving effectiveness for all stakeholders, and enhancing products dedicated to the pursuit of boundless learning.
Desire2Learn is eager to continue building this foundation of teaching and learning knowledge at FUSION 2008 in Memphis, Tennessee. Mark your calendar for FUSION 2008, July 20-23, with post-conference workshops scheduled for July 23 and 24. Proposal submissions open December 1, 2007. Be sure to book extra time to experience the numerous sights and sounds of Memphis. See you in Memphis!
