Michael Furdyk of Taking IT Global, keynotes.
He shows an autobiographical video, showing how he and "coolgirl" Jen formed Taking IT Global, then introduces the theme of the conference "eConsumer or eProducer" reminding us that even early computers such as the Commodore 64 allowed you to produce.
He credits his successes to the early experiences with software and failure. (His early mydesktop.com venture attracts over 1 million visitors by late 90's)
Points out that World of Warcraft and Second Life virtual worlds is where entrepreneurism is flourishing now with real economies: in 2009 expectations of USD1 billion turnover.
His intent when launching takingitglobal was very much like an early Facebook, but with social responsibility and support as focus.
Now with 200 000 members (membership is optional) from over 200 countries, his focus shifts to non-English content, and, using knowledge gained from working with kids, generating a Teacher oriented site.
Toronto school kids can get up to a year's credit for working outside the classroom.
Such action is supported by "guides to youth action" booklets on the TIG site and cityname.tigweb.org where regional/country specific information can be sought and shared.
90% of students who drop out in the US are passing grade students who are bored (Bill & Melinda Gates research).
Hence simulation games on TIGgames such as "the orange revolution", "the cost of life" (in Haiti (sImilar to the Sims) which have proven wildly successful. (what subject are does this fit into ;-)
Some other sites mentioned:
He quotes a recent study of the impact of the TIG movement: