Program: Tech Forum Texas 2010

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Program: Tech Forum Texas 2010

7:00 am - 8:15 am

Registration and Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Welcome and Opening Keynote

Building School 2.0: Creating the Schools We Need
Chris Lehmann
What is School 2.0? What are the pedagogical ideas that form it? Examine ideas of constructivist pedagogy and the use of 21st Century tools to create schools that are engaging, caring, and relevant places of learning for everyone involved. The history of the formation of Philadelphia’s Science Leadership Academy will form the backdrop for this conversation.

9:30 am - 9:45 am

Refreshment and Networking Break

9:45 am - 11:00 am

Morning Breakout Sessions

Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Jennifer Saccoccio, Claudia Bedoya, Pam Cranford, Justin Martindale and Humberto Perez
Here’s your chance to hear from some great teachers who are “walking the walk” when it comes to technology integration. You’ll learn about real classrooms in which digital technology plays a seamless and integral role in the way students learn. Come explore what’s possible when innovative teachers, creative students, a supportive school culture, and 21st century tools come together in one learning space.

21st Century Technology for School Leaders
Scott Floyd; Jennifer Fano and Debbie Iosso
The presenters will share ways in which cutting-edge technologies – including webcams, mobile devices, videoconferencing tools, and Web 2.0 applications – are helping them streamline administrative tasks, conduct virtual meetings, and build collaborative relationships with the greater community.

Green Computing
Alice Owen and Steve Young
Computers and other technologies traditionally use lots of electricity, produce heat that necessitates air conditioning, and often contain hazardous substances. From advice on day-to-day changes that will reduce your carbon footprint to a look at a brand new school based on a Net Zero concept, the presenters will share ideas about how to save electricity and money while providing staff and students with progressive and vital technology resources.

Mobile Devices for Learning
Scott Meech, Anna Adam and Helen Mowers
Cell phones, iPods and other mobile devices offer an affordable way of providing 1:1 computing power for the classroom. From mobile, game-based learning to collaborative projects and communication, you’ll learn about ways of harnessing the educational power of the devices your students already use and love.

11:00 am - 11:15 am

Refreshment and Networking Break

11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Industry Spotlights
Hear from the companies that are sponsoring this event and shaping the future of educational technology.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

Lunch and Dessert Reception

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.

Tentative topics include:

  • Share your favorite mobile apps
  • Launching and sustaining 1:1
  • ePortfolios
  • Wild about wikis
  • Empowering ESL students
  • STEM and computational thinking
  • The pros and cons of social networking in school

Plus ones you select when you register!
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

AUPs and Filtering: What Should we be Doing?
Michael Gras, Paul Wood, Karen Fuller and Candace Threadgill
Should districts block sites that teens are using outside of school? Do we need to rewrite our AUPs in order to keep pace with web 2.0 and social networking technologies? District and school leaders will talk about their safety and security policies, the pros and cons of filtering, and how to teach students the responsible, ethical and safe use of the Internet.

  • Download Karen Fuller and Candace Threadgill's presentation (PPT)
  • Read about CIPA (PDF)

Building Systems And Structures Around What we Believe
Chris Lehmann with Superintendents Bret Champion and Andrew Kim
The solo teacher, bucking the odds, may make for a great Hollywood movie, but it rarely leads to lasting, effective change. We must examine the manner in which our schools and classrooms are set up so that the greatest number of students, teachers and school leaders can thrive, learn and feel valued. In this workshop attendees will explore what they value and examine the institutional systems that must change to reflect those values.

Venturing into the Cloud with Google Apps
Scott Floyd and Ronnie Gonzalez
Experts from two districts will discuss the steps involved in formally implementing Google Apps districtwide, 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).

Professional Learning With Today’s Tools
Scott Meech, Arturo Guajardo and Juan Orozco
How can cloud computing, social networks, and other Web 2.0 tools help support professional learning, eliminate teacher isolation, and encourage collaboration? Using video vignettes, tools from TEA’s Project Share and a five-step process for building a “Life-Long-Learning Toolbelt” the presenters will share success stories and lessons learned on the road to creating powerful new professional learning environments.

3:40 pm - 4:30 pm

PLENARY SESSION: A Conversation with Visionary Superintendents

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Sponsor-Hosted Reception
Join the party! Unwind and network with colleagues and industry partners.

Tech & Learning