Thursday, April 28, 2011

HU Among Finalists for National Grant to Design Alternate Reality Game

Harrisburg University submitted the proposal, "Alternate Reality Game (ARG) for Achieving Mastery of Common Core Standards in 7th Grade Mathematics,"

Harrisburg, PA, April 26, 2011 -- A proposal to use an alternate reality game for learning submitted by faculty members at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is one of only 40 nationwide to move forward for consideration to receive a competitive funding grant.

Harrisburg University submitted the proposal, "Alternate Reality Game (ARG) for Achieving Mastery of Common Core Standards in 7th Grade Mathematics," to receive a $250,000 grant from the Next Generation Learning Challenge.

The proposal calls for Harrisburg University to design an alternate reality game (ARG) based on existing technologies designed by faculty from HU’s MS in Learning Technologies and its Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies. The ARG will offer engagement with targeted common core standards for mathematical practice and 7th grade-level competencies in mathematics. It will be designed so that the game can be cost effectively expanded to other students/players, grade levels, and standards. This modification of the existing Internet platform will be done in partnership with K-12 educators and curriculum specialists from the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15.

HU's proposal was selected from a field of 230 other submissions and is now one of 40 to be asked to submit a full proposal in this round of grant funding. The co-investigators for the project are Andy Petroski, Director of Learning Technologies, and Charles Palmer, executive director of the Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies.

The Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) is a unique collaboration between philanthropic foundations, educators, innovators, and technologists focused on addressing the barriers to educational innovation by tapping the potential of technology to improve college readiness and completion, particularly for low-income young adults. In addition to grants, NGLC seeks to spark dialogue and community building through a social network and community engagement designed to catalyze new ideas, foster solutions, and form unique collaborations that span institutions and disciplines.

The NGLC received more than 230 proposals proposal outlining the ways that schools, teachers, colleges of education, community colleges, and other organizations are leveraging today’s tools to make learning more flexible, interactive, and effective. NGLC is led by EDUCAUSE in partnership with the League for Innovation in the Community College, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Funding is being provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

A decision is expected from the NGLC in mid-June.

ARGs are not computer or video games, though electronic devices including computers, cell phones, and GPS-enabled handhelds are used to access clues. Clues can be anywhere--websites, stores, signs, recorded telephone messages or printed materials. ARGs are not role-playing games. Players normally function as themselves in a real-world environment

Harrisburg University's expertise and exploration of games, simulations and virtual worlds for effective learning and education goes well beyond the current proposal. The University, through the Center for Advanced Entertainment & Learning Technologies (CAEL&T) and the Learning Technologies Master of Science (LTMS) program conducts a yearly event that brings serious game designers from around the country to Harrisburg, PA. The Learning and Entertainment Evolution Forum (LEEF) showcases immersive learning case studies, design and development sessions and a high tech demo area where attendees can explore new technologies that may impact game and simulation design in the future. In addition to the LTMS program, the University offers individual courses on the use of games and virtual worlds as part of the summer Educators Technology Clinic series of courses.

Andy Petroski coordinates the Learning Technologies Master of Science (LTMS) program and learning technologies at Harrisburg University as Director of Learning Technologies. In 2010, he received the "Technology Educator of the Year" honors from TECHQuest PA. The honor recognizes Andy as an "outstanding example of Information Age Educator" using current technologies to educate, motivate and inspire students to develop careers in technology fields and become lifelong learners." The award-winning instructional technologist has more than 14 years of eLearning design and development experience in multimedia production firms, independent consulting, corporate learning and education.

A leader in the fields of multimedia and information technology, Charles Palmer serves as director of the CAELT. Charles leads the Center as well as spearheads new developments in digital storytelling and forms of entertainment technology. He is a creative educator, administrator, and producer. He previously served as a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) since 2004.

Harrisburg University is home to a Learning Technologies Master of Science (LTMS) program and the Center for Advanced Entertainment & Learning Technologies (CAELT). The CAELT works with regional organizations on advanced technology projects in entertainment and learning and coordinates the annual Learning and Entertainment Evolution Forum (LEEF) with the LTMS program. LEEF brings leading serious game and simulation designers from around the world together to showcase their work in games and simulations for learning. The CAELT and the LTMS program have also worked with the Innovation Transfer Network (ITN) to create the Serious Games and Simulations Xchange, a group of universities and businesses that will work together to increase the serious game and simulation activity in central PA. The LTMS program provides opportunities for students to explore games and simulations for learning through the LTMS 603: Engaging with Activities, Games and Simulations course as part of the Educators' Technology Clinic format and offers a concentration in game and simulation design as part of the LTMS degree.

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

Contact:
Steven Infanti
AVP Communications
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.901.5146

Luxury Travel Announces a Luxury Holiday "Discover your sixth sense in Vietnam"

Six Senses Con Dao Puts Con Dao Island In the radar of luxury travelers.

Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi, April 27, 2011 - Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is an award winning luxury tour operator in Vietnam and has unveilled a new upscale travel experience for the most discerning travelers.

In colonial times, the islands of Con Dao (also known as Poulo Condore) were much feared, as a notorious French prison was located on Con Son, the largest island of this remote southern archipelago.

Many of Vietnam's most famous freedom fighters served time on this lonely, windswept island, which lies 185 km south east of the port city of Vung Tau.

Today, the archipelago's residents survive by fishing, diving for pearls, collecting swallows' nests, and farming. Visitors will find starkly beautiful cliffs, long, untouched beaches, and patches of thick, old-growth forest. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the islands' remote beaches, while dolphins live offshore.

Just 60 minutes flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao offers the perfect escape from modern life. Clients also can visit Con Dao Island by ship from Vung Tau beach or by charter helicopter.

Six Senses (sixsenses.com) recently announced a new property in Con Dao, Vietnam is taking bookings NOW.

Only a 60-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Six Senses Con Dao opened in December 2010.

This secluded island hideaway in the East Sea is a hedonist's dream of 40 luxury villas on a truly idyllic stretch of white sand beach, each with its own private infinity pool, open-air bathroom and living area, and unobstructed views of the sea.

Like its fellow Six Senses properties it's more than just a luxury beach holiday, Con Dao offers an outstanding range of spa journeys and wellness activities. Here you can enjoy a moonlit dinner for two at the water's edge, take a private cookery class in your own villa, hike in search of the local wildlife, stay up late to watch turtles nesting on the beach...or simply lie back, relax and draw breath amidst the natural beauty of this Vietnamese paradise.

Unlike some other concept hotels, Con Dao truly embraces its surroundings - each villa is built with materials from sustainable sources (mirroring the ethos of the brand), while providing the most breath-taking view of the island. From catamaran sailing to cookery, from diving to dining, Con Dao is cool hideaway for all ages, tastes and sensibilities.

Luxury Travel Unveils four day luxury vacation packages from Saigon To Con Dao, inclusive of three nights in Six Senses Con Dao with daily breakfast, all transfer and pick up and drop off services, taxes, return air tickets for only 1075 USD per person. This offer is only valid before 30 Oct 2010.

When to go:
The best time to travel to the south-eastern coast of Vietnam is December through to April during dry season. Summer time from May to September is a good time to rest and relax but expect some tropical rain.

For more information:
For more information about this or other luxury Vietnam holidays, contact our team on 84439274120 who will be happy to plan your ultimate escape, or email condao@luxurytravelvietnam.com for more information.

Contact:
Mr.Pham Ha
Chief Executive Officer
Luxury Travel Company
05 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 71000
Vietnam
+84.4.3927 4120

Spring has Sprung at MAX Agency Toronto Our Talent are Blooming Everywhere!

Max Agency, the highly established Principal Television/ Film and Modeling agency in heart of Toronto, announces their enthusiasm and dedicated success moving forward into Spring 2011.

Toronto, ON, April 18, 2011 - Spring has sprung at MAX Agency Toronto our and Talent are blooming everyhwere. Max Agency, the highly established Principal Television/ Film and Modeling agency in heart of Toronto, announces their enthusiasm and dedicated success moving forward into Spring 2011.

Maintains a highly talented roster, as well an enthusiastic and industry knowledgeable team, to eagerly support them. Having experience in the industry for a decade, has given MAX Agency the credit of working with only the best.

Moving forward, MAX Agency is on the search for for their Spring/ Summer 11 roster. Unlike many other agencies, Max Agency requires no registration fees. Furthering their dedication, they offer free classes to those in the MAX Model and MAX Talent roster, contributing to greater success.

Today, MAX Agency is one of the most successful model and talent management companies in Canada representing women, men and children throughout Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Scouting and developing new talent, servicing a diverse clientele and successful marketing of the company keeps MAX Agency on top of an ever-changing industry.

The ability to recognize and nurture new talent is just one of the reasons MAX Agency continues to be a leader in the entertainment business. MAX Agency places its talent with an extremely wide spectrum of companies such as Nike, CBC, GM, Coca Cola, Sony, McDonald’s , Hugo Boss, TD CanadaTrust, L'Oreal and Motorola, just to name a few.

If you would like to book any of the talent at MAX Agency Toronto, please visit www.maxagency.com

See our talent on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/maxagency1

Call MAX Agency Toronto directly at (416)482-5392

Contact:
Natalya O
MAX Agency
2063 Yonge St. Suite 202
Toronto, ON M4S-2A2
416-482-5392

Blue Asset Management Going Green

Charles Blumenkehl of Blue Asset Management LLC says his company has a responsibility to be eco-friendly and do their part to contribute to a safer environment.

Wayne, NJ, April 27, 2011 - As owners and operators of rental properties throughout northern New Jersey, Charles Blumenkehl of Blue Asset Management LLC feels his company has a responsibility to be eco-friendly and do their part to contribute to a safer environment.

Blumenkehl has identified a number of ways to "go green" in his buildings. Said Blumenkehl, "With more attention focused on protecting our environment and saving our natural resources, we have found numerous ways to assist in this effort by making our buildings more eco-friendly, These initiatives range from simple things like increasing our periodic inspections and encouraging our tenants to report water leaks, however small that may seem, running toilets, unplugging electric devices that aren’t in use, and switching to green energy sources where practicable. We have also been using water-saving devices and adding features to existing systems to help cut down on the amount of water and energy our buildings will need to use without cutting back on amenities, installing window treatments where possible to cut back on the need for air conditioning in the summers and using roof coatings that help save on heat and electric use. We are using chemical-free paints, adhesives and other maintenance-related products that are no more expensive than their competitors. As property managers desiring to 'green' our space, we have identified plenty of low-cost ways for our buildings to be friendlier to our environment."

Blumenkehl added that by encouraging his tenants to save on resources as well, they will also cut on their own electric and heating bills benefiting themselves as well as the eco-environment. "Our tenants can go green by unplugging appliances and using chemical-free products. They can help us to identify leaky faucets quicker, and install their own window treatments to conserve heat in the winter and to keep their units cool in the summer without cranking up their air conditioning," said Blumenkehl. "We also encourage our tenants to recycle, and are installing recycling containers in buildings where it makes sense.

"There’s a myth that there isn’t a lot that renters can do, and that the onus of eco-friendly initiatives fall solely on the landlord," concluded Blumenkehl. "But, our individual behavior as well as those efforts made by property owners like ourselves will have a huge impact on sustaining our environment. Our residents have a lot of opportunity to make a big difference themselves, and will also benefit by having lower utility bills to pay."

Charles Blumenkehl has owned and operating rental real estate in New Jersey since 1977. He founded Blue Asset Management LLC to leverage opportunities arising from the mortgage and real estate meltdown of the past few years. For more information about Charles Blumenkehl or Blue Asset Management or to present real estate investment opportunities to the group, log onto the company website at www.blueassetmanagementllc.com or call the company directly at 973 835-1400.

Contact;
Charles Blumenkehl
Managing Partner
Blue Asset Management LLC
2282 Hamburg Tpke
Wayne, NJ 07470
Tel:(973) 835-1400 ext. 103
Fax (973) 835-08105