Program: Tech Forum Boston 2011

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Program: Tech Forum Boston 2011

Read Tech & Learning Managing Editor Christine Weiser's report on the conference
8:00 am - 9:30 am

Welcome and Opening Keynote

Sowing the Seeds for a More Creative Society
Mitchel Resnick

In today's rapidly-changing society, people must continually come up with creative solutions to unexpected problems. More than ever before, success is based not on what you know, but on your ability to think and act creatively. In short, we are living in the Creative Society. But there is a problem. Most activities in children's lives, whether it's lessons in the classroom or games in the living room, are not designed to help children develop as creative thinkers. In this presentation, Mitch Resnick will discuss new technologies (especially the Scratch authoring tool) designed specifically to help children learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively, so that they are prepared for life in the Creative Society.


9:45 am - 11:00 am

Morning Breakout Sessions
Geared especially to administrators, IT leaders, mentor teachers and other ed tech visionaries, these concurrent sessions feature widely-acclaimed and respected speakers covering the hottest topics.

The Ultimate Web 2.0 Smackdown
Lisa Thumann, Dan Callahan, Joanne Najarian
Join us to learn about some of our favorite Web 2.0 tools and share your own. Choose an application that you love and do a QUICK (2-3 minute) demo for the group, making sure to share ways that it can be integrated with teaching and learning. This smackdown will be fast, frantic and lots of fun. The goal is to involve as many people as possible and learn about as many new resources as possible so be prepared to share!

The Evolving World of One-to-One
Patrick Larkin, Alice Barr, Andy Zitoli, Shelley Chamberlain and Bob Rainville
From laptops to iPads and smart phones, the options for placing digital technology in students’ hands for 24-hour access have multiplied over the years. Who’s moving towards one-to-one and what implementation and hardware choices are they making as they try to balance the need for 21st century learning environments with network and security constraints and the realities of economic belt tightening?

Venturing into the Cloud with Google Apps
Jerry Crisci and Michael Pincus; Rob Miller and Cathy Swan
Experts from two districts will discuss the steps involved in formally implementing Google Apps district-wide, explore strategies for using such collaborative resources effectively in schools and classrooms, and address the issues to consider when deciding if Google Apps are right for you and your school(s).

R.I.P.: Respect for Intellectual Property
Kathy Schrock
With the advent of tools that allow ripping, burning, mashing, and editing, there is a lot of confusion as to what can be done educationally with content found online. This breakout will take a common-sense look at how educators can both mentor and teach respect for intellectual property.


1:20 pm - 2:00 pm

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


2:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Geared especially to administrators, IT leaders, mentor teachers and other ed tech visionaries, these concurrent sessions feature widely-acclaimed and respected speakers covering the hottest topics.

Transformative Learning with Web 2.0
Valerie Becker and Susan Miller; Cathy Swan and Rob Miller
In West Tisbury, MA, and New Canaan, CT – as in so many districts across the country – students are learning, creating, collaborating and engaging with help from Web 2.0 tools and 21st century teachers. Our presenters will show student work and talk about the ways in which teaching and learning have changed in their schools – from the earliest primary grades through high school – as a result of Web 2.0.

Professional Development in the Age of Social Networking
Dan Callahan and Larry Fliegelman
The value of personal learning networks to connect with others for meaningful professional development cannot be understated. Educators now have the ability to network with like-minded colleagues around the world at zero cost. Presenters will share favorite networking tools and success stories, introduce formats for “unconference” sessions, and lead a group discussion on successful professional development strategies.

Virtual Learning: Three Approaches
Kim Carter(moderator); Scott Prescott; Liz Pape; Susan Hollins and Tracy Crowe
Representatives of three New England-based virtual schools will talk about online learning successes and challenges and offer advice for schools interested in getting more involved in virtual learning. Come learn what’s unique and innovative about each program and the lessons they’ve learned as they blaze new trails.

Cyberbullying: What’s a School To Do?
Samantha Morra and Kathleen Buckley
From the district level to the classroom, cyberbullying is a serious issue that all schools must address. The workshop leaders will talk about how to create, maintain and enforce policies and the law as well as encourage ethical and safe online behavior. They will share resources and engage in a conversation about digital citizenship, empathy, and responsibility as ways to address and combat destructive uses of technology.

Tech & Learning