Hi! 
 
As I let you know some times ago, I will finish in December a term of 5 years as director of department (dean of faculty) in my university.  Before that I act as scientific advisor for the federal government in a research center at Montreal during three years.
 
Recent developments in information technologies bring to an university as UQAC many questions about how can we use the TI to improve education particularly to give courses to the student far away from the campus.  As you certainly know we faced for the last five years an important decrease in our budget from the government, so this accentuated the orientation  to use the information technology in a more intensive way.  
 
During my mandate as director I was involved in many committee on the subject.  Presently  teachers of some departments are conducting individuals experiences with information technology, also we are addressing formation to the teachers of all levels.
It is in that context that, since I don't have courses for the next winter, I decided to go in USA universities to understand what is going on there.  The object is to make recommendations on what is the better direction for us,  how we can organize and manage development in information technology in education.
 
I have a budget who permit me to travel and visit some universities.  My plans now are to go in Virginia Tech., Georgia Tech., Florida State, Nova Southeastern University and may be some else.  I am going there by car with my wife. 
The way I expected to do that is to discus with peoples involved in development projects make contacts for possible futures collaborations in the Virtual Open University of the next century.
 
I don't really need an invitation letter except if I need one to enter to your campus.  It's ok if I have a place to work.  The peoples you contacted seams to me very interesting to discuss with.  I understand that the period of first week of classes is not the better one, if you prefer I can be there on Jan. 20. 
About giving some talk on campus, thanks for the invitation now, but I promise you that I came back leather on for that, may be next fall,  with a paper on the orientations.  
 
Where can I stay? 
Do you prefer that I make arrangement with other peoples you suggest me or just fixe me an appointment to your office and we organize the appointment there?  Depends of you, do the best way for you less complicated.  After a week in US my English will be better I hope, don't worry I can talk and understand if people don't speak to fast.  
 
Many thanks for now, 
 
 
 
Antonin Tremblay
UQAC  Dim
R:418-690-3390    B:418-545-5011(5280)
Fax:418-545-5012
Mail: attrembl@uqac.uquebec.ca