It has been a busy and fun week here in DC. So busy I forgot to post!
Last Thursday I was so excited to sit in on a few different virtual meetings. I attended Building Computational Literacy and learned about research and work toward helping learners understand how to use technology in thoughtful and safe ways. The best example was about a bus driver who takes continuing education classes online, does practice skills using computers, volunteers to participate in AI assisted training and eventually becomes a mentor and helps others learn using the AI programs. The bus driver understands how to take technology and apply it to their work, and then gain more understanding and expands their job skills even further.
I met with my mentor Lauren and Maura who will step in while Lauren has a baby soon. We discussed my goals and what I can do to help the Congresswoman whose office is hosting me.I am going to visit New Mexico in October and will be meeting with educators and organizations across the area. I am SOOOO excited.
Then that afternoon I sat in on a conversation with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland as she talked about telling the American story on our public lands. It was a beautiful conversation of what we are doing and what we still need to do in order to save the language and customs of Indigenous people.
Saturday I made my way along the Metro to attend an exhibit opening called Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond. We learned about Asian culture, food, and customs through panel discussions, martial arts exhibitions, maker projects, and more. I was excited to learn along with fellow Fellows Selene and Judy.
Sunday I went to a concert at the Hill Center, riht down the street from my house. My cousin Dixie met me there with her friend and Dara, another Fellow in the neighborhood came too. We heard a great Zydeco musician and then watch football at a place on Battery Row.
Monday we had training at the Department of Energy with the Einstein team. We learned all the steps needed for travel stuff, we shared about our first few weeks, and worked on how to tell people about what we do. They had a really cool 3D printed car in the lobby! And of course the best part was hanging out together afterwards with a few of the Fellows and continuing to get to know each other. Monday night I joined NatGeo Classroom to learn about their programs and WOW teachers you should really check it out.
Tuesday was my first day on the Hill where EVERYONE was in the office and votes were happening. It is a constant state of go, go, go, with literal bells and whistles. There were so many votes happening and meeting new people. Several fellows met up in the Capitol meeting rooms to hear a panel of experts discuss AI and Education. We heard about the benefits, challenges, and how we haven't even scratched the surface. My favorite quote was from Dr Punya Misha from Arizona State. He said "ChatGPT is a smart, drunk, somewhat biased intern." What you get could be good, or bad, or really bad.
Wednesday was more hearings and votes and bells. I attended a webinar from the Congressional Research Service to know how to look up information and what to look for when searching. It is a lot...like a lot. But luckily much of it is similar to the work I did while searching in my Grad programs. I got to meet my Congresswoman, Rep Melanie Stansbury. She was a STEM teacher, so we shared our passions for building students voice and helping them discover passions. I was nervous to meet her, but she was very nice and we had a great conversation. I met with a few Fellows Wednesday night at my favorite local food hall to discuss conference presentations, how to write the proposal, how to prepare, and how to present. I am hoping to help them, as well as other teachers and admin, to start and continue sharing their work with the world. Because everyone has something to share. If you are an educator who wants to present, write for ed blogs, and work on grant writing I want to help! I (and some Fellows) will be sharing ideas in a Zoom webinar soon. Watch this blog and @penchevable on Threads, Instagram, and Nancy Stone Penchev on Facebook for announcements.
I have been continuing my goal of understanding the legislative process through attending trainings, researching bills, utilizing the Library of Congress, and watching the process in person makes it real, real. I have shared the sidewalks, halls, and tunnels with people who are always in the News, people who lead decision making, and regular folks who are in town to ask for help for their communities. It is surreal and I appreciate every single moment! Last year Konstantin and I toured the Capitol Building on a visit to DC and this year I work here. Mind blown.
Last Thursday I was so excited to sit in on a few different virtual meetings. I attended Building Computational Literacy and learned about research and work toward helping learners understand how to use technology in thoughtful and safe ways. The best example was about a bus driver who takes continuing education classes online, does practice skills using computers, volunteers to participate in AI assisted training and eventually becomes a mentor and helps others learn using the AI programs. The bus driver understands how to take technology and apply it to their work, and then gain more understanding and expands their job skills even further.
I met with my mentor Lauren and Maura who will step in while Lauren has a baby soon. We discussed my goals and what I can do to help the Congresswoman whose office is hosting me.I am going to visit New Mexico in October and will be meeting with educators and organizations across the area. I am SOOOO excited.
Then that afternoon I sat in on a conversation with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland as she talked about telling the American story on our public lands. It was a beautiful conversation of what we are doing and what we still need to do in order to save the language and customs of Indigenous people.
Saturday I made my way along the Metro to attend an exhibit opening called Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond. We learned about Asian culture, food, and customs through panel discussions, martial arts exhibitions, maker projects, and more. I was excited to learn along with fellow Fellows Selene and Judy.
Sunday I went to a concert at the Hill Center, riht down the street from my house. My cousin Dixie met me there with her friend and Dara, another Fellow in the neighborhood came too. We heard a great Zydeco musician and then watch football at a place on Battery Row.
Monday we had training at the Department of Energy with the Einstein team. We learned all the steps needed for travel stuff, we shared about our first few weeks, and worked on how to tell people about what we do. They had a really cool 3D printed car in the lobby! And of course the best part was hanging out together afterwards with a few of the Fellows and continuing to get to know each other. Monday night I joined NatGeo Classroom to learn about their programs and WOW teachers you should really check it out.
Tuesday was my first day on the Hill where EVERYONE was in the office and votes were happening. It is a constant state of go, go, go, with literal bells and whistles. There were so many votes happening and meeting new people. Several fellows met up in the Capitol meeting rooms to hear a panel of experts discuss AI and Education. We heard about the benefits, challenges, and how we haven't even scratched the surface. My favorite quote was from Dr Punya Misha from Arizona State. He said "ChatGPT is a smart, drunk, somewhat biased intern." What you get could be good, or bad, or really bad.
Wednesday was more hearings and votes and bells. I attended a webinar from the Congressional Research Service to know how to look up information and what to look for when searching. It is a lot...like a lot. But luckily much of it is similar to the work I did while searching in my Grad programs. I got to meet my Congresswoman, Rep Melanie Stansbury. She was a STEM teacher, so we shared our passions for building students voice and helping them discover passions. I was nervous to meet her, but she was very nice and we had a great conversation. I met with a few Fellows Wednesday night at my favorite local food hall to discuss conference presentations, how to write the proposal, how to prepare, and how to present. I am hoping to help them, as well as other teachers and admin, to start and continue sharing their work with the world. Because everyone has something to share. If you are an educator who wants to present, write for ed blogs, and work on grant writing I want to help! I (and some Fellows) will be sharing ideas in a Zoom webinar soon. Watch this blog and @penchevable on Threads, Instagram, and Nancy Stone Penchev on Facebook for announcements.
I have been continuing my goal of understanding the legislative process through attending trainings, researching bills, utilizing the Library of Congress, and watching the process in person makes it real, real. I have shared the sidewalks, halls, and tunnels with people who are always in the News, people who lead decision making, and regular folks who are in town to ask for help for their communities. It is surreal and I appreciate every single moment! Last year Konstantin and I toured the Capitol Building on a visit to DC and this year I work here. Mind blown.
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