He writes:

I’ve written quite a bit about using technology to help young people with ASD’s discover career opportunities and Google’s Sketch-Up should be added to the list. A few years ago we were lucky when one of our faculty (an architect) discovered that one of our College students (with high functioning Autism) had amazing three dimensional modeling skills. This lead to a series of opportunities and that student is now gainfully employed with a local firm doing Computer Assisted Design.

Does anyone have any other experience with tools that make a difference in these situations? Any stories to share?

Mission: The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching will provide resources and experience to support deeper learning, effective teaching, and community and professional engagement at Keene State College.

“We want to support a community of learners, where faculty, staff, and students can share ideas, transform curriculum, and deliver education through action” - Melinda Treadwell Interim Director

Goals for Spring 2008

• Working with the established Steering Committee and by engaging the campus in dialogue, finalize a mission, conceptual framework, and identify programs to be offered by the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

• Working with collaborative Centers (i.e.: The Center for Writing and the Math Center), academic affairs and student affairs offices, academic departments, faculty, staff and student groups; begin to identify resource needs and synergies between the new center and these existing centers/offices to support excellence in teaching and learning at Keene State College

• In coordination with the ISP, identify and coordinate faculty, staff, and student development opportunities associated with the current Davis Foundation Grant—planning summer 08 and fall 09 institutes to support teaching/learning (specific goals: to seek input from faculty teaching ISP courses to identify needs for instructional development over the Summer 2008, for the 08/09 academic year, and to co-coordinate the planned May 2008 institutes)

• Develop an effective and well-conceived strategic planning initiative to secure funds to support the construction of the Center

• Working with the Office of Sponsored Projects and the Office of Advancement, seek funding to secure additional resources to support excellence in teaching, learning, and service (goal to submit 2-3 new proposals before June, 2008)