I cannot believe it is almost over. I have met so many great people that I will remember forever. I cannot wait until the General Session tonight to see everyone. I will be looking forward to next year because it so much fun and I get to meet many fantastic people. Now I am fan of you. See you tonight!!!!!!!!!!
He's back, and he's presenting again...and I've heard great things about his two classes. Scott Little from MSBO (Michigan School Business Officials) is here for his 5th SDU and is in his element as one of our fantastic presenters.
I caught up with Scott in the hall this afternoon, and he was commenting on what a great event this is for educational professionals to come to for professional development and networking. He noted how important it is for everyone to share and learn best practices, because they discover they're not alone. And while he was here, Scott had an interesting networking experience of his own...he connected with some of the team from CoSN on the topic of increasing computer use and rising energy costs.
In our conversation, Scott noted that attendees will come away with new techniques and ideas they can implement, which is a big thing. And he also extended a major compliment to our SDU attendees when he said that many of those who are here have already adopted one best practice, and that is using SchoolDude!
Funny thing about Dude U. Gathered here is a huge sea of like-minded professionals. Yet it is also a small world in many ways. I've met several new connections here at Dude U, and rekindled others I never dreamed of.
For instance, I met a couple of ladies from Franklin-Mckinley schools in San Jose -- my old stomping grounds! These two were so grateful to be here and to be given the opportunity to learn more about using SchoolDude products and share with other users.
I also made a connection with a couple of users from Hopewell Public Schools in Virginia! These two are new to SchoolDude and were enjoying the experience of this SchoolDude "water" we're all drinkin' here!
Other connections I made here were in a series of Focus Groups I was priviledged to conduct. Great poeple, wonderful insight, hugely helpful to my job. Thanks to all who participated!
One unexpected connection I made here was seeing an old colleague of mine from seven years ago. We worked together in a completely different industry in California. Now here we are, both championing the cause of education in our own ways, both affiliated with SchoolDude -- me as an employee, he as CASBO Executive Director.
Connections ... this is definitely the place to forge them, to revitalize them, and to create them. Here's to Dude U and all the great connections we've made this year!
-- barbara bogue
This is an awesome event. Being a newbie, I really didn't know what to expect and really didn't know if the event would live up to its billing. It has truly backed up its reputation. What has really impressed me was seeing the entire Schooldude organization work together as one. Seeing the clients and there reactions toward Schooldude makes it seem like this is one big, 1000 person family reunion.
It's Monday and the day is slowly coming to an end. But today was a great day to be at Schooldude University. Classes were being taught and to see the clients come to the lab to apply what they have learned was great to see. The Welcome Reception was great!! I believe everyone that was there had a great time!! Tonight I anticipate more fun and fellowship with the clients. I can truly say that we have the BEST CLIENTS! and it's a great honor to help them and provide that Legendary Service to them.
I have really enjoyed meeting all the clients this year. I am in the perfect spot to see everyone coming and going to their classes all day. Everyone is so sweet and excited to be here. Please stop by take some suvoniers home to your co-workers and family!
Anna
What an experience! This is my first Dude U and it is an event to remember. Ton's of dedicated folks looking to do their jobs better; hoping to find new tools and techniques that ultimateky save their district money!
Eduational professionals are an interesting lot. They don't get paid much. They usually receive very little recognition. But they are dedicated to their cause. To us, they are Rock Stars! Without their efforts America's schools would be even worse off than they are now. We're trying to improve that reality. These professionals are in the trenches, trying, striving, working, every day!
So, back to Dude U. Here we are, all gathered in one place. There are more than 800 of us plus employees, amounting to nearly 1000 -- like a swarm of ants in the sugar!
And the educational value of the classes, professional development and networking that are made possible here is sugar to these folks.
So, from the newbie in the crowd -- well done, Dudes and Dudettes! I am proud to be a part of this incredible event, with the opportunity to share with these remarkable people.
-- Barbara Bogue
SchoolDude Marketing "newbie"
The anticipation of SchoolDude University really starts to take effect with the dawn of a new year and 2008 was no different. As January, February, and March came and went, we all were ready to see our close friends and clients, meet the new faces and put them with the voices we've become so accustom to.
With over 45 different states and 1000 total attendees for the 2008 University, I, like everyone else, was fortunate enough to have a great showing of states which ranged as far as Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
I can't begin to explain how great of a feeling it is to have such a great representation of eclectic directors and administrators here in Myrtle Beach, how everyone is here to share their stories, learn more about best practices, and their success stories. It really proves that this company has been on the right track since the beginning and is staying on that path each and every year.
Myrtle Beach and SchoolDude University is the best place to be and I'm so gratefully to everyone who showed up and the people who helped make this happen!!
So this is my second day at my first SchoolDude University ever! It's still early but I've had a lot of fun so far. I'm working at the back table in the lab so come see me if you need some online training scheduled! The lab is filling up and it looks like everyone is enjoying chatting and working with our support team. Great start to the day and I'll update again later! :)
As one of four (I think) Schooldude employees that can call them self a South Carolinian- I wanted to say welcome to the Palmetto State! I grew up about an hour from here and I almost feel like the Schooldude ambassador to South Carolina. Our state slogan is "smiling faces and beautiful places" and this is very true in Myrtle Beach. Certainly you can see the ocean, dine out, play golf and go shopping here, but I thought I would let you in on some little known facts about North Myrtle Beach, SC:
-Television "Wheel of Fortune" hostess Vanna White is from North Myrtle Beach. She returns twice a year for vacation. If you want some good local ice cream, Vanna is known to enjoy "Painter's Ice Cream" on Hwy 17 just north of here.
-The "Shag" is the state dance of South Carolina and many historians believe that it got started here in North Myrtle Beach. Wikipedia says "The shag is a form of swing dancing that evolved from the jitterbug and jump blues of the big band jazz era."
-Beach Music goes hand in hand with Shag dancing and, like the shag, it all got started in North Myrtle Beach. In the 1950s and 1960s many teenagers would vacation in North Myrtle Beach to find a district of dance clubs called Ocean Drive. This is where beach music was born. Groups like The Embers, The Coastline Band, The Chairman of The Board and The Band of Oz find their roots here. The Ocean Drive district is still in operation and you can visit places like "Fat Herold's" and "Ducks" during your stay in North Myrtle.
Guys, that's really all I can think of right now. If you have any questions about the area or you just want a great restaurant recommendation, please stop me and ask.
