Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

MARCH 8, 2008

Micronesia left quite an impression on me. Plus, the people I visit give me the benefit of the doubt that I'm not an ugly American. I try hard to return the favor by being respectful: it's not hard given my high degree of interest and curiosity, and the dedication of the people I met. Micronesia is hard to sum up in a few words.

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. The native people of Guam are called Chamorros, and the language is resurgent. Not quite ready for students, yet! By the end of the meeting, all nine entities had signed up for Bookshare.org and we're looking forward to getting their students the books they need!

Guam 100

Guam Micronesia South Korea Marshall Islands 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

FEBRUARY 18, 2008

The Federated States of Micronesia has its capital on Pohnpei (it's one of four states in the FSM), so we met with both leaders from the federal FSM government as well as from Pohnpei State. Pohnpei State includes the island of Pingelap, which has 10% of their students with a hereditary condition called achromatopsia.

Micronesia 100

Micronesia Library Student Education 100