Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

MARCH 8, 2008

Micronesia left quite an impression on me. Apparently, typhoons are a big deal in Micronesia. Micronesia is hard to sum up in a few words. It's great to go to completely different places, spending time learning about history, politics, issues and culture from new perspectives. Waste disposal is hard on these tiny islands.

Micronesia 100

Micronesia Reflection Guam Marshall Islands 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

FEBRUARY 10, 2008

Although the mission of the trip is to understand the situation of visually impaired students in Micronesia, I absolutely get the benefits of visiting these islands and enjoying the scenery. Our first destination on this trip was Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Getting to these islands is not simple.

Micronesia 100

Micronesia Guam Honolulu Hawaii 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

MARCH 5, 2008

The final stop for my Micronesia trip was Guam, a U.S. It's actually hard to get local cuisine in the restaurants, far easier to get Japanese food. But, Mike Terlaje invited Donna McNear and me over for a potluck party for one of his nephews and we had the chance to sample terrific local dishes made by his family for each other.

Guam 100

Guam Micronesia South Korea Marshall Islands 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

FEBRUARY 20, 2008

The main goal of visiting Micronesia is for me to gain a real-world perspective on schools and books for students with disabilities. Students on Pohnpei learn in the vernacular (Pohnpeian) until they are in third grade, when they start learning English. The books in the local languages were not in as great a shape.

Micronesia 100

Micronesia Classroom Student Language 100