Tech Forum - Strategies, Solutions and Innovations for Technology Leaders

Program: Tech Forum Texas 2012

7:00 am - 8:15 am

Registration and Breakfast

8:15 am - 9:30 am

Welcome and Opening Keynote

Realizing the Potential of the Classroom: Teaching and Learning with Modern Tools

Diana Laufenberg

In the age of information surplus, our schools hold immense potential for authentic and experience-based learning. Technology offers the means by which to elevate the quality, relevance and creativity of student work. Never have educators and administrators had such opportunities to think creatively about their practice and play such an integral role in visioning that new approach. In order to demystify some of that process, practical classroom examples of activities and assessments will be highlighted and the systems and structures that support that type of learning environment will be shared.

Diana Laufenberg's presentation

9:30 am - 9:45 am

Refreshment and Networking Break

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.

Educating Digital Citizens

Raymond Rose, Elaine Plybon and Greg Garner

We live in a digital world – one with exciting potential as well as worrisome challenges. This session will look at approaches to teaching students and parents about safe and ethical uses of social media and other online tools.

Elaine Plybon's presentation

A Day in the Life of a Digital Educator

Gail Lovely, Anna Adam and Helen Mowers

You already work from sun up to sun down – how about putting technology to work for you? Our panelists will share their favorite productivity apps and Web 2.0 tools to help teachers and administrators with planning efforts and professional growth. While there isn't an app for putting more hours in the day, they'll recommend tools to maximize the time you have and then invite you to do the same!

Presentation for this session

Policies and Procedures for 1:1 and BYO

Christine Weiser (moderator); Karen Fuller, Kyle Berger, and Carl Hooker

We’ve invited three districts to talk about their mobile technology programs, explaining how and why they’ve chosen the course they’ve chosen and responding to a series of questions concerning equity, policy-setting and technical challenges.

App-tivities in the Classroom

Lisa Johnson, Yolanda Barker and Jon Samuelson

Join us as we discuss how iPads are managed in the classroom, which apps are proving most educational, and how teachers are developing iLessons that engage students and inspire them to succeed.

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 - 2:10 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.

Topics Include:

Moving Towards Digital Content
Face-Off: Android vs. iOS devices
Starting a Game Design Program
The 21st Century Library
Developing a Mobile App for Your District
Young Learners and Technology
Project Share Update
State-level Assessments: Your Chance to Weigh in
Starting Your Own Mini-Conference

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.

Participatory Media in the Classroom

Diana Laufenberg and Laura Minnigerode

Wikis, blogs, Twitter and other social media tools can be powerful building blocks for an “architecture of participation.” Our presenters will share tips on creating participatory learning environments in which students take part in important conversations and build networks of understanding.

Presentation for this session

Great Tools for Kids and Schools

Gail Lovely

Gail Lovely will lead a fast-paced smackdown of Web 2.0 tools and mobile apps that "rock the classroom." You’ll leave this session with oodles of great options for classroom use in your own school or district.

Nurturing Innovation and Change

Carolyn Foote (moderator); Ann McMullan, Karen Fuller, Mike Gras, Mitzi Neely, and Scott Floyd

Administrators from two forward-thinking districts will offer advice on rethinking schooling from the ground up, with support from technology, and engage you in dialog about supporting “culture shift” in your own districts.

Presentation for this session

Professional Development Revisited

Stephanie Sandifer, Elaine Plybon and Carl Hooker

Effective and ongoing professional development is crucial to the success of any educational endeavor but how do you keep it exciting and fresh? We’ll look at ways of ensuring that your PD efforts are meaningful, with plenty of options for do-it-yourself professional learning and homegrown networking.

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Sponsor-Hosted Reception
Join the party! Unwind and network with colleagues and industry partners.