Brief Update

The following is an update from John...

Well, it’s gettin’ close…So, a few update things:

1) We have a Blackboard shell and we should get the syllabus and basic readings up by Tues. of next week so you’ll have a few days to read ahead. Along that line, we’d appreciate it greatly if you could have the readings assigned for Monday read before you arrive in class so we can build on them.

2) I know OIE emailed you all about picking up your travel ID and Insurance cards. If you’re going to be on campus, go ahead and pick them up, but it won’t be necessary to make a special trip; I’ll pick up any that remain and have them available for you in class day one. (Dawn, I have yours.)

3) The class meets from one to five (1-5) Monday to Friday, December 18-22. Remember, please that there is no option to miss class short of severed limbs or life-threatening illness.

4) We spoke with Douglas, the owner/manager of the lodge where we’ll be staying and from which we’ll be working so a few clarifications:

a. They do in fact have wireless internet across the whole campus; we used Skype to call him yesterday and it worked beautifully, so maybe we won’t be as isolated as originally advertised. Still no cell phone coverage though.

b. Sheets, blankets, towels, soap, shampoo, etc. will be provided so no need to bring much of that sort of stuff.

c. They are in need to laptop computers, digital cameras and memory sticks (a.k.a. jump drives, thumb drives, etc.), if any one has something to donate.

d. We’ll probably have one community work day with the community so be sure to bring a pair of leather work gloves (perhaps contrary to my commentary on the original list).

5) We will have a very comprehensive first aid kit and there is a clinic in the community so you won’t need to pack an abundance of those sorts of things—just bring the basics—band aids, Pepto-Bismol, etc.

6) We confirmed that there is in fact malaria in the area and that it is probably chloroquine resistant so the alternate options should be adhered to—I’ve pasted in the original notes from the information sheet we sent out earlier as a reminder of the necessary shots, etc. We’ll follow up a bit more on the malaria issue but I’m pretty sure, these will remain the recommendations.

7) Andy has set up a project blog site and a flickr site that we can make available to anyone interested in following along with our adventures (Thank you, Andy); we’ll do a brief demonstration sometime before we leave.



I think that’s it for the moment, John for Jean and Sharry