In the last decade we've seen technology influence education more than ever. Computers, tablets and cell phones have turned many of our students into 'screenagers’. Because of this, the role of the teacher has evolved and become more crucial than ever before. In this keynote we will discuss what we can expect from our 21st century learners and educators. A students technological environment affects the work they can do in the classroom. As technology improves our delivery, we can focus on creating a thoughtful educational culture. As educators we can capitalize on their natural curiosity and use technology to help us manage the workflow and become the medium for learning.
Morning Breakouts
Step by Step Implementation of Digital Portfolios
by Kern Kelly
One of the overarching goals of education is to prepare students for a successful future. Today, personal branding and a positive personal Internet “presence” are often important to future success. Think of your digital portfolio as your 21st century business card. In this session we cover examples and best practices in setting up, developing and managing digital student portfolios. Today students can use many free tools to create personal and professional showcase of them as life-long learners.
Digital Opportunity Resources for Low-Income Students and Families
by Robert McLaughlin
Inequitable home access for low-income students to essential learning technology resources – high speed Internet, computer, educational software and content – is a challenge facing most educators, making it difficult or impossible to equip all students with the skills needed for educational and economic opportunity in the digital age. The nonprofit Digital Opportunity Consortium has undertaken an unprecedented national initiative, first conceived in NH, to provide students and families that qualify for free/reduced lunch with free and deeply discounted resources. The Consortium include such partners GovConnection, Comcast, Verizon Foundation, the American Association of School Librarians, State Education Technology Directors Association, and the Software and Information Industry Association. Come learn about resources that may benefit you, your students and their families.
Using the Cloud to Be More Productive
by Bill Carozza
Teachers’ and administrators' school lives are becoming busier than ever. There are some basic principles of productivity and digital techniques utilizing the Cloud that can help educators become much more productive. In this workshop we'll examine the basics of productivity tips, software and online applications such as Evernote that can help lower your stress and simply get more done. By the end of the workshop, you'll be on your way to developing a new "work flow" and give you more time to teach and lead.
Using Cloud Based Tools on your Mobile Device
by Amy Gillam
This session will focus on ways to use cloud-based tools on mobile devices in the classroom. There will be a brief overview of some cloud-based tools such as Pinterest, Evernote, Dropbox, Google Apps, Diigo, Symbaloo, etc. Ideas for using these tools in the classroom will be shared. There will be a focus on using these tools to increase teacher productivity, to share resources with students, and to collaborate with others.
Special Double Session (morning breakout carries over through afternoon)
Chromebooks in the Classroom
with Stephen Gagnon
Participants for this session have the option to purchase a Samsung Chromebook. The goals of the workshop will focus on three areas. The first will be setting up your new Chromebook for professional/personal use. The second will be on the basics of using your Chromebook, including settings and accessing the built-in apps. The third will be an overview of uses in the classroom. This workshop is particularly targeted to teachers in schools and districts that are using or are about to use Google Apps for Education (GAFE). The registration cost if participating in this breakout will be a total of $375 ($250 for Chromebook, $125 for the conference).
Afternoon Breakouts
Making the Most of iTunes U in Your Classroom by Matt Brooks
You probably know Apple's iTunes U as a wonderfully rich collection of teaching & learning resources. All sorts of learning objects can be found there from Library of Congress text, image and video content to materials posted by the Maine Department of Education in support of the MLTI, and so much more. But things have changed. The new iTunes U app for iOS allows access to iTunes U courses that can contain all types of content along with assignments and commentary. Curate great content into a course. In addition, through iTunes U Course Manager, K-12 faculty can now create these courses independently. Come see iTunes U & iTunes U Course Manager in action to learn how to utilize these tools for your classroom.
Introduction to Google+ Hangouts by Allison Mollica
Google+ Hangouts is a simple effective platform for teaching and communicating in real time with others. If you're someone who creates instructional content online, is interested in breaking down the classroom walls to globalizing learning, or simply wants to provide staff with an inexpensive, easy way attend a meeting without having to travel, this is for you. You can present from your laptop, record your hangout or have an interactive conversation online. Join us for this introduction to how Google+ Hangouts can used to enhance and engage your students and staff!
The Power of Blogging for Educators by Bill Carozza
Blogging is one of the most powerful learning opportunities for educators. It requires reflection and greater understanding, it allows educators to collaborate and share ideas freely, and affords your students the same opportunity. Come and experience how easy it is to get started with blogging and how this tool in conjunction with other social media will help make you a connected educator.
Closing Keynote
Trends in Learning: The Evolution of the Digital Learning Environment
by Matt Brooks
How we learn is changing. What we learn is changing. When we learn is changing. Who we learn from is changing. Technology has opened up amazing and new learning opportunities, but what happens when the cloud and mobile devices enter the equation? In order to understand the transformation of our educational system, school leaders, teachers and parents must renew their vision of how technology is leveraged within the classroom. Our current and future economy depends on how schools will respond to these dramatic paradigm shifts. This session will explore leadership in this transformational context, envision the transition to a digital learning environment, find how challenge-based learning has been a catalyst for change, and help you make informed decisions for how these rapidly evolving tools can assist your institution for learning.
Presenter Bios
Matt Brooks is a Development Executive with Apple Inc. In his role, he assists K-12 schools with Apple technology solutions to best fit the teaching and learning initiatives schools are pursuing. Prior to joining Apple, Matt was a Coordinator of Instructional Technology, a part-time college professor, along with being a teacher of American history.
Bill Carozza was a classroom teacher in elementary and secondary schools for 13 years before becoming an elementary school Principal 16 years ago. He has served as Adjunct Professor at the University of New Hampshire and New England College in areas of curriculum and instruction and social studies education. Bill holds two graduate degrees in education from the University of New Hampshire. Bill is President of NHASCD, was appointed by Governor Lynch to the New Hampshire Special Education Advisory Board. Bill blogs at Principal Reflections (http://billcarozza.com) and also at Connected Principals (http://connectedprincipals.com). He also produces a monthly podcast at Harold Martin School
where he is Principal. You can find him on Twitter @wcarozza.
Stephen Gagnon has been working at Stratham Memorial School since 1993 teaching grades 3-5. He spent two years as the assistant principal and is currently on an in-house sabbatical working as a tech mentor in his school. Steve is an enthusiastic teacher who has his students use technology to create meaningful learning experiences. His school began to use Google Apps for Education (GAFE) with students this year and also introduced Chromebooks as a new student device. Using Chromebooks, Steve’s students access all the Web 2.0 tools and resources they use on a daily basis, including GAFE. Steve is the NHSTE 2012 Pat Keyes Technology-using Educator Award Winner.
Amy Gillam has been an educator in the state of New Hampshire for fourteen years. She is currently a Computer Technology Educator where she teaches computer classes to first through fourth grade students and helps teachers integrate technology into the classroom. She has also taught second grade, middle school Spanish, and middle school computer classes. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at New Hampshire Technical Institute where she teaches pre-service teachers how to integrate technology into the classroom.
Kern Kelly started his career as an elementary teacher at the Parawai School in New Zealand. He is presently an Educational Technologist in central Maine at Regional School Unit #19. He has been providing technology support for educators for over ten years and has conducted professional development at state, national and international level. He is the Associate Director of the Maine Virtual Learning Consortium and board member of the Baxter Academy STEM Charter School. He has always loved working with students with a special focus on having them teach others.
Dr. Robert McLaughlin is the administrator of educator preparation program approval for the NHDOE. He chairs the Association of Teacher Educators’ national commission on technology and the future of teacher education, was founding chair of two special interest groups on digital equity and innovative learning technologies for the International Society for Technology in Education, and conceived and co-chairs the Digital Opportunity Consortium. He conceived and chairs the planning committee for a semi-annual series, the New Hampshire Education Technology Symposia, for the state’s preparation programs and their school partners, offering free day-long faculty development every 6 months familiarizing them with established and emerging technologies relevant to their priorities for improving students’ learning opportunities, engagement and results. He adjunct teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in assistive technology, grant proposal writing, and technology integration.
Allison Mollica has a background in both business and education ~ Currently, a Google Apps for Education Certified Trainer and Virtual Instructor for NH's Virtual Learning Academy, with M.Ed [Technology in Education] from Lesley University, Allison supports school districts by developing customized approached to deploying and leveraging Google Apps for Education in 'their environment.' For over a decade she has specialized in technology in education and her professional skills focus on creating rich and engaging [student centered] 21st Century Learning Environments that integrate innovative teaching strategies designed for today's digital learners.
