edu BOF

["James Kempf" <kempf@docomolabs-usa.com>]

Charlie did a good job summarizing it. Just a few additional comments.

There were only about 30 people at the BOF, but nevertheless I felt there
was much good discussion and many useful suggestions for improving
education. The chair concluded the BOF by proposing something between a WG
and directorate that was empowered to work on education along a variety of
axes that Charlie described in his note, and the AD seemed to agree that
this might be a useful organization, though details needed to be worked out.

One note of caution came up at the end. April Marine, former User Services
AD, pointed out that sustaining the energy and commitment for education by
volunteers may become a problem over time. The alternative, to use paid
staff, was not discussed at the BOF, but it might be useful to keep in mind
should the attempt to use volunteers run into difficulty and the need for
education continue. Financing that would naturally be an issue that would
need to be faced. If all goes well, the energy exhibited at the BOF will
continue and consideration of alternatives won't be necessary.

            jak