Program

Below is a recap of the day's sessions and events, complete with handouts and other materials submitted by presenters.

7:00am - 8:00am

Registration & Refreshments

8:00am - 9:15am

Welcome and Opening Keynote

Why Does Technology Work in Some Districts and Not Others?

Cheryl Lemke
Given the realities of globalization, knowledge work, and accelerating societal change, it’s obvious that what students learn—as well as how and when they learn—must change. Over the last decade schools across the nation have invested billions in learning technologies—with varying degrees of success. So why are some schools able to get a “learning return” while others are not? Evidence is emerging on the dimensions of technology readiness that ensure effective technology use. Learn firsthand what actions school leaders are taking to realize a return on their technology investments.

Keynote Handout: Why Does Technology Work in Some Schools and Not Others?

9:15am - 9:30am

Refreshment & Networking Break

9:30am - 10:45am

Breakout Sessions

Stay tuned for more about these panel presentations featuring leading experts in the field.

Bridging Opportunities with High-Speed Networking

Todd Finnell, John Fleischman, Joe von Herrmann
The California K-12 High Speed Network (K12HSN) is a program that provides schools with Internet services, teaching and learning application coordination, videoconferencing support, and connectivity to the national Internet2 network. With 74% of the state's K-12 schools and 89% of its districts now connected to this high-speed network, come learn how these new capabilities being used to enhance teaching and learning in California schools.

Virtual Schools, Real Learning

Gwen Solomon (moderator); Steven Glyer, Jhone Ebert, Francisco Hernandez
This panel will focus on the effectiveness and economics of virtual learning programs, using three real-world examples. Our panelists will offer the audience practical advice on setting up and maintaining online schools. What does it take to start such a program? What are the costs and benefits? What are the lessons learned? And what does the future of virtual learning look like?

Making Smart Technology Investments

Amy Poftak (moderator); Gary Carnow, Philip Brody
With today's tight budgets, how are forward-thinking districts stretching their IT dollars and maximizing the value of their investments? Two district technology leaders will share best practices when it comes to cutting costs, investing wisely, and making the most of existing resources.

New Literacies: Enrichment or Essential?

Hall Davidson, David Jakes
What school today can afford the time to have students watching T.V., making videos, e-mailing peers, blogging, or using digital cameras during class? Hall Davidson and David Jakes will make a compelling case — complete with entertaining "show and tell" from both the corporate and education worlds — for why such activities are CRUCIAL to a successful 21st Century education. This engaging session will get you thinking about vital digital-age literacies and the curriculum approaches that foster them.

10:45am - 11:00am

Refreshment & Networking Break

11:00am - 12:00pm

Industry Spotlights

Hear from the companies that are sponsoring this event and shaping the future of educational technology.

12:00pm - 12:30pm

Lunch

12:30pm - 1:00pm

Dessert Reception

1:00pm - 1:50pm

Roundtable Discussions

These discussions, on topics suggested by attendees when you register, provide a great opportunity for you to network with fellow technology leaders.

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Mini-workshops

These workshops allow our attendees to explore key topics in greater depth.

Measure It: Using Data to Get Results

Cheryl Lemke
In this era of accountability, policymakers are requiring evidence of the impact of technology expenditures on student learning, the quality of teaching, and the efficiency of the school system. Join this interactive session to learn how your school(s) might use data for improved results. Topics will include: Using research to drive technology investments; profiling a school’s technology readiness; and evaluating the impact of technology. Learn what actions you can take as a school leader to increase the effective use of technology, and how you can measure your progress along the way.

Cutting-Edge Tools for School Leaders

David Jakes
One consistent characteristic of technology is that it is always changing. With that change comes new capacity, as well as new challenges to our understanding of how to apply technology in productive ways. In 2006, the emergence of new technology tools (blogs, wikis, and RSS) has fundamentally changed how people access, create and interact with information. Come explore the power of these new technologies as tools for your own professional use, and see how they can be leveraged to create 21st century learning experiences for students and dynamic information environments for schools.

Hall Davidson
Copyright law allows incredible lattitude in the service of education but only in a monitored environment. Making informed copyright decisions requires a clear understanding of historical and evolving laws of intellectual property as they apply to schools. Join Hall Davidson for an entertaining look at "why" and "when" the law is on your side. You will leave this workshop with tools and checklists that will help you understand the application of copyright in your schools and districts. Visual support for the content will include movies, morphs, the Internet, and the original lyrics from the actual composer of the American national anthem (not FS Key).

The Grantwriter's Toolkit

Gary Carnow
Sharpen your pencils! This session is aimed at grantwriters of all experience levels and will focus on how to write the "fundable" proposal. Dr. Gary Carnow will lead you through an interactive session to improve your grant writing skills. If you are looking for funding sources, try Google. If you want to explore the art of writing a winning grant, this workshop is for you.