Reminder – Mobile Learning And The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference

Back in late January I also posted Mobile Learning And The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference and promised a reminder closer to the event itself. So here goes…

Like I said in the K-12 online learning sessions reminder I posted earlier today, The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference starts tomorrow and a while back I scanned the program and see what mobile learning sessions I was able to find.

Tuesday | March 6, 2012

9:45 am – 10:15 am

• iPad Implementation in the K-12 Classroom
The presenters will share how the NFDL district came to the decision to purchase iPads, budget and management of the device, staff development, effective classroom strategies and the impact the iPads have on education. This session will focus on how educators and administrators can begin to explore implementing iPads in the K-12 classroom as well as effective staff development strategies. The presenters will share the struggles, strategies to overcome them and the successes experienced since the beginning of the district-wide initiative.

Jenna Anne Linskens, Assistant Professor
Marian University
Aaron Sadoff, Superintendent
North Fond du Lac School District

10:30 am – 11:00 am

• iPads, Project Based Learning and Net Zero Energy
Hear about the instructional and facility vision for the first net zero middle school in the USA. This campus is envisioned as a neighborhood middle school organized with innovative 21st century ideals. The teaching and learning is unique in keeping with the net-zero design. JMS teachers use a hybrid project based learning model to teach the district scope and sequence and state standards. Students are put in real life scenarios and are challenged to reach out and impact their community. Students from across the city, as well as within the Lady Bird Johnson MS attendance zone, will learn through practical, hands-on experiences about environmental stewardship, energy conservation and such topics as geothermal science, rainwater collection, solar panel usage, and wind turbine efficiency.

Angie Gaylord, Principal, Lady Bird Johnson Middle School
Irving ISD
Melody Paschall, Associate Superintendent for Academic Services
Irving ISD

• Operation Sleep Easy – Mobile Device Management
Mobile device management is like herding cats – difficult yes, impossible no. This session will highlight how our district created a comprehensive plan for mobile device management that was crafted not just by IT but all departments.

Leonard Niebo, Director of Information and Instructional Technology
Brick Township Public Schools

11:00 am- 12:00 pm

• iPad Applications and Uses: An In-depth Look
Incorporate the iPad in your educational setting through the use of free and low-cost applications, iTunes U, Audio / E-books and more in this “Make & Take” presentation. This session will focus on how educators and administrators can begin to explore implementing iPads in the K-12 classroom through the use of applications available for the iPad and / or the iPod Touch. Attendees are encouraged to bring their mobile devices with them!

Jenna Anne Linskens, Assistant Professor
Marian University
Aaron Sadoff, Superintendent
North Fond du Lac School District

3:40 pm – 4:30 pm

• Writing and Mobile: Can Mobile Form Factors and Content Creation
Can mobile devices truly be effective devices for teaching and learning when critical digital skills such as content creation are so input-intensive? This discussion will talk about the maturity of tools and the impact of form factors on using different devices to teach writing. The focus will be on the immediate term – what are the pragmatic trade-offs for administrators making purchase decisions within the next year?

Marie Bjerede, Founder
e-Mergents, LLC
Jane Mattisson, Senior Lecturer
Kristianstad University
Teri Schamp-Bjerede, English Adjunct
Kristianstad University

Wednesday | March 7, 2012

8:45 am – 9:35 am

•Shared Vision – Two Cases Studies Using BYOT and Mobile Devices to Transform Learning
This session will present two case studies of schools using innovative models of technology as leverage to create a shared culture of learning and leadership across multiple campuses. Forsyth County Schools (GA) is working with schools and teachers to implement the practice of allowing students to bring their own technology (BYOT) to use in the classroom. College YES (a federal i3 grant) is creating a culture of high quality tech-infused STEM education, career and college readiness, and student leadership in 20 Los Angeles area middle and high schools. The ultimate goal of both initiatives is to accelerate student learning and increase rigor, high order thinking and inquiry through the use of student-owned technology. This session will explore the use of technology tools, leadership experiences at all levels, and Professional Learning Communities to make the vision a reality.

Jill Hobson, Director of Instructional Technology
Forsyth County Schools
Sylvia Martinez, President
GenerationYES

•Best Practices in Mobile Teaching and Learn
Given the proliferation of mobile devices in our society, how can we best leverage these technologies in our schools in order to improve student outcomes? During this panel discussion, educational experts and Leadership for Mobile Learning advisory panel members will address the impact and implications of mobile devices on teaching and learning in K12 and higher education environments. Session attendees will learn about established mobile learning initiatives that incorporate a variety of program designs, devices, and professional development models. Come contemplate how best practices might apply to your own school district! Ask us your burning questions!

Jason Branch, Principal
South Forsyth High School
Lucy Gray, Project Director, Leadership for Mobile Learning
Consortium for School Networking
Shawn Gross, Managing Director
Digital Millennial Consulting LLC
George Saltsman, Executive Director, Adams Center for Teaching and Learning
Abilene Christian University

10:30 am – 11:30 am

• Increase Communication With A Mobile App
After building a custom mobile app for our high school we found that students and parents were better able to get connected with what is happening at the school. It also provides a way to build a connection to the school that was lacking. Our custom mobile app has helped utilize a technology for communication our students are already familiar with, smart phones. By bringing information such as calendars, homework reminders, and notifications “to the hip” we have changed the way we are connecting with our students, parents, and alumni.

Joseph Spano, Technology integration specialist
North Shore Technical High School

• Reimagining Pre-K with The iTouch: Does It work?
How can a school district use handheld technologies to meet the language and academic needs of English Language Learners? Participants will develop CoSN Essential Skills such as Understanding the Educational Environment by building an understanding of the Pre-K setting and how the iPod Touch can contribute to student achievement. Best practices developed through the initial implementation that relate to maintaining an instructional focus and providing high quality staff development will be shared. Participants will also learn about quantitative research methods that can be used to answer the key question, “Does it really work?”

Doug Brubaker, Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Information Services, Academic Technology & Networks
Mansfield ISD
Yvonne Davault, ELL Director, Curriculum & Instruction
Mansfield ISD
Janice North, Director of Instructional Technology
Mansfield ISD

• Wi-Fi – The Westlake Initiative for Innovation
Westlake High School in Eanes ISD has embarked on a 1:1 initiative to enhance student learning. The session will provide details on the strategies, successes, and lessons learned one year into the implementation and deployment of 1,500 iPads.

Linda Rawlings, Principal
Eanes ISD
Kevin Schwartz, Director of Information Services
Eanes ISD

2:00 pm -2:50 pm

•Preparing to Go Mobile: Considerations for School Leadership
According to the 2011 Horizon Report K12 edition, schools should be adopting mobile technologies within the next two years. School leaders are grappling with related implications as we enter this brave new world of mobile devices in educational settings. This panel discussion will attempt to address important issues related to planning, infrastructure, security, policies, and professional development. Learn from the experiences of others who have embraced mobile learning within their school districts.

Marie Bjerede, Founder
e-Mergents, LLC
Amy Perry-DelCorvo, CEO/Executive Director
NYSCATE
Lucy Gray, Project Director, Leadership for Mobile Learning
Consortium for School Networking
Kathy Hurley, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
Pearson Education & Pearson Foundation
Rich Kaestner, TCO/VOI and Green Computing Project Director
Consortium for School Networking
Lenny Schad, Chief Information Officer
Katy Independent School District

•Tech Cadre’s lead to iPod / iPad Implementation
Participants will learn how teachers with an interest of integrating technology into curriculum from over a dozen school districts in Northeast Oregon unite together in a tech cadre to network and share implementation successes. One recent technology threading across the region is iTechnology, as several districts have successfully applied for grant funding to integrate iPads and iPod Touches into the classroom. Students from classrooms will virtually share their favorite app or iTechnology integration strategy, as all links are available in an online shared document. From digital storytelling to other online communication tools, see how leaders from rural school districts use technology to collaborate and communicate keeping up with innovative learning in a time of constant change.

Joe Buglione, Instructional Technology Specialist
Intermountain Education Service District
Cheri Rhinehart, Financial Specialist
Intermountain Education Service District

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

• Lessons from Scaling UP Mobile Learning
As we rush – and as we are rushed – headlong into the Age of Mobilism, mobile learning is moving past the pilot stage to the scale-up stage. While early adopters can carry a pilot, the real challenge is engaging everyone as they adopt and adapt an innovation such as mobile learning. The bumps are many and the rewards may well remain elusive. In our session we will describe the strategies being employed to address scale-up and the lessons we are learning in using those strategies from districts all around the world.

Elliot Soloway, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, Intergalactic Mobile Learning Center (iMLC)
University of Michigan
Cathie Norris, Regents Professor
University of North Texas

Reminder – K-12 Online Learning And The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference

Back in late January I posted K-12 Online Learning And The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference and in it I promised a reminder closer to the event itself.  So here goes…

The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference begins tomorrow and runs from 5-7 March 2012 in Washington, DC. Some time ago, I scanned the program and see what K-12 online learning sessions I was able to find.

Tuesday | March 6, 2012

9:45 am – 10:15 am

• Building Strong Leaders with Digital Learning
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has embarked on an ambitious path to provide their highly effective training for leaders in an online format, working in partnership with Education Development Center’s EdTech Leaders Online who helped them develop capacity to design and deliver online professional development (OPD) specifically for school leaders. The training prepares school leaders to guide comprehensive school reform, and build collaborative leadership and learning communities. Providing OPD for leaders enables anytime, anywhere learning while introducing them to the tools and techniques of digital learning and the change from print to digital. This addresses the 10 Essential Skills including Leadership & Vision, Instructional Focus & PD, and others.

Bob Farrace, Senior Director, Communications and Development
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Barbara Treacy, Director, EdTech Leaders Online
Education Development Center

11:00 am- 12:00 pm

• Intercultural Literacy through Videoconferencing
Tallwood High School is using innovative, interactive videoconferencing (IVC) technology through a partnership with Global Nomads Group (GNG) to enhance student learning. IVC’s provide a deeper connection to pressing global issues through virtual, student exchanges called “Exchange 2.0.” Students learn to think on their feet, become confident public speakers, and come to see themselves as global citizens. Conference participants will learn how to effectively integrate IVC technology into existing curricula; view videoconferences that highlight student interaction and intercultural collaboration; and learn about GNG, Tallwood’s partner in providing cross-cultural videoconferencing programs.

Gayle Hartigan, Computer Resource Specialist, VBCPS
Tallwood High School
Tonya Muro Phillips, Director of Programs
Global Nomads Group

• Evaluating Vermont’s Ed-Tech Program: Challenges and Strategies
Virtual High School Global Consortium (VHS), in partnership with AIR, is enhancing its Teacher Information System through which it characterizes, tracks, and evaluates teachers and their performance. The presentation will provide an overview of the data components that comprise VHS’s teacher information system; examine VHS’s teacher evaluation process; and highlight recent efforts to expand this system. The latter include strategies such as analyzing course records and deriving useful information about teaching practices, revising survey items to improve their alignment to standards of quality online teaching, and developing a tool to organize information and make it readily accessible. Results of this project can serve as a guide for directors and evaluators of online learning programs.

Peter Drescher, State Educational Technology Director
Vermont Department of Education
Briana Kleidon, Research Associate
American Institutes for Research
Jonathan Margolin, Senior Researcher
American Institutes for Research

• Creating a Model Global School
Oxford Community Schools in Oakland County, Michigan, is providing leadership and vision to deliver “… world-class education today to shape tomorrow’s selfless, global leaders” (source: district’s vision statement). The strategy is “to provide a world-class education that challenges all students to achieve their maximum potential and prepares them to succeed in a global society” (source: district’s mission statement). Over the last several years, the district has created a model global school where we prepare our students to compete in a global society. Rather than striving to compete with students in our state or country, we want our students to compete worldwide. The district added a Fifth Core™ subject area and requires an instructional focus on languages. Classes in either Spanish or Chinese are required every day, just like any other core subject, in grades K-10. All schools are becoming International Baccalaureate (IB) certified. All elementary schools will follow the IB Primary Years Programme, the middle school will follow the IB Middle Years Programme, and the high schools will follow the IB Diploma Programme. An International Residence Academy opened in August 20. Every class will be taught in a hybrid-type fashion and will include both face-to-face and online instructional components. This blended approach to education requires a strong commitment to information technology management to support the infrastructure and communication systems needed. The district is committed to professional development in the support of all of the initiatives, including IB training, Model Schools, and an online school of professional learning.

Timothy Throne, Executive Director Of Strategic Initiatives & Technology
Oxford Community Schools

• Virtual Summer School: Prevent Summer Loss
Summer loss has plagued education for decades. How can we utilize software to provide summer enrichment activities for students to prevent this loss? How can we encourage parents to become a learning coach for their child throughout the summer?

Cory Tressler, Director of Virtual Learning
Beaufort County School District

• Infuse Your Students with 21^st Century Skills With Virtual Learning Labs
Do your classrooms still model those of the 1920s? Twenty-five desks, all in neat rows, teacher at the helm trying to engage each and every student? Throughout Florida, school districts and individual schools are bringing virtual education to students through the concept of a Florida Virtual School virtual learning lab. Join us, and enter the world of the VLL, a model concept for the 21^st century student. Virtual Learning Labs are the result of leadership and vision focused on reimagining learning.

Barbara Cavanaugh, District Relations Manager
Florida Virtual School
Polly Hadleman, Senior Manager
Florida Virtual School
Karen Ross, Communication Specialist
Florida Virtual School

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

• Online Project Based Learning for At-Risk Youth
The W-A-Y Program is a personalized learning experience for students who struggle with traditional high school. The program offers an alternative approach to education; one that encourages self-esteem, independence, and the development of 21st century skills that will facilitate a college education and subsequent career paths. Each student is equipped with an iMac workstation and Internet connectivity within his or her home. We combine personalized, project-based, online learning experiences with face-to-face interaction. Our staff is invested in the success of each student, providing support 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, all year round. We constantly work towards realizing the potential in every individual. Session presenters will describe the implementation of this program at both the local district level and the intermediate school district level.

Bethany Rayl, Regional Executive
Way Program
Rich Klemm, Director of Non-Traditional Education
Niles Community Schools
Monique Uzelac, W-A-Y Washtenaw Program Director
Washtenaw Intermediate School District

3:40 pm – 4:30 pm

• Closing the Gap: Turning SIS/LMS Data into Action
In the current era of maximizing accountability, school leaders are increasingly being asked to make classroom-level student data available in forms that are usable in improving instructional practices. These demands require that schools and districts purchase and become proficient in using increasingly sophisticated software systems. Two of these tools—student information systems (SIS) and learning management systems (LMS)—have the capacity to store and analyze large amounts of student data, but educators seeking to buy and install these systems are confronted with a bewildering array of products, features and technical specifications. AASA, CoSN and Gartner, Inc., are in collaboration in a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant titled Closing the Gap: Turning SIS/LMS Data into Action in support of leveraging student data to strengthen classroom instruction. The session provides a summary of the resources to be provided to the K-12 educational community.

Ann Ware, Closing the Gap Project Manager
Consortium for School Networking

Wednesday | March 7, 2012

10:30 am – 11:30 am

• Bridging Distance Education with Video Solutions
This session with demonstrate synchronous and asynchronous video solutions used by school districts across the state in the Nebraska Distance Education Network.

Gordon Roethemeyer, Director
Nebraska Distance Education Council
Mary Schlegelmilch, eLearning Supervisor, Curriculum & Learning
Omaha Public School

• Data about Online Teachers: What to Get and How to Get It
In step with the 2012 CoSN Conference theme of “Reimagine Learning” Virtual High School Global Consortium, in partnership with American Institutes for Research, is leveraging digital tools to build a teacher evaluation system (TIS) for its online learning program. VHS is using this TIS to characterize, track, and evaluate teachers and their performance. The National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (iNACOL, 2008) serve as the framework for this effort. This presentation will address the challenges and opportunities of monitoring and evaluating teachers in the online environment, and provide concrete information management strategies.

Larry Friedman, Program Director, Policy
Learning Point
Jonathan Margolin, Senior Researcher
American Institutes for Research
Elizabeth Pape, President & CEO
Virtual High School Global Consortium

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

•Ensuring Continuity of Learning Through Online & Blended Learning
Recent events such as the H1N1 virus and Hurricane Katrina have district and state IT directors questioning their preparedness for ensuring continuity of learning. Online and blended learning are solutions for ensuring that learning continues during a school closure. Online learning and continuity of learning is more than just providing curriculum in an online format. It involves the planning, training, and management of delivery of instruction over a new technologically enabled delivery model. This involves three key areas: curriculum materials, people, and technology. The panelists will share resources and examples on how to help districts prepare for continuity of learning in the case of a school closure through cost-effective online and blended learning opportunities.

Allison Powell, Vice President
iNACOL
Bruce Friend, Director, SAS Curriculum Pathways
SAS

• An Overview of Technologies for Blended Learning
“Blended learning” is rapidly becoming a touchstone of those at the forefront of rethinking education. EdSurge, which covers emerging edtech innovations in a weekly newsletter, undertook a project for the Gates Foundation to survey and describe leading blended learning programs for grades K-8 as well as the tools that they are using to teach math and literacy. This talk will be an overview of the results of that study, a discussion of the most relevant tools and insights on how to learn more about this fast-changing element of education.

Elizabeth Corcoran, CEO
EdSurge

• Framework Essentials for a Hybrid DL School
A case study of Rio Rancho Cyber Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting 6-12th grade Hybrid Distance Learning (DL) School, will be presented to include teaching and learning foundations in an online school, processes and best practices, the role of governance and a model for effective governance. All aspects of selecting vendors, managing resources, professional development, establishing short and long term goals and planning will be highlighted. Processes for district implementation in order to sustain programs will also be defined. In addition, attendees will gain knowledge about managing challenges, program implementation, management and sustainability, instructional design systems, teacher roles and leadership essentials will be presented. Information will be given to meet formal accreditation standards in an online environment.

All aspects of creating, managing and implementing a Hybrid DL environment relate directly to CoSN’s Framework: Leadership and vision essentials, strategic planning, educational foundations, and successful goal setting. Essential conditions managing technology and utilizing resources.

Elaine Manicke, Principal
Rio Rancho Cyber Academy
Heidi Parnell, Program Manager, Web Coordinator and Education Technology Specialist
Rio Rancho Cyber Academy

For those attending, I’d be happy to post any notes that you have from any of these sessions.

Mobile Learning And The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference

Earlier today I posted the K-12 online learning sessions for The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference from 5-7 March 2012 in Washington, DC. I also scanned the program and see what mobile learning sessions I was able to find.

Tuesday | March 6, 2012

9:45 am – 10:15 am

• iPad Implementation in the K-12 Classroom
The presenters will share how the NFDL district came to the decision to purchase iPads, budget and management of the device, staff development, effective classroom strategies and the impact the iPads have on education. This session will focus on how educators and administrators can begin to explore implementing iPads in the K-12 classroom as well as effective staff development strategies. The presenters will share the struggles, strategies to overcome them and the successes experienced since the beginning of the district-wide initiative.

Jenna Anne Linskens, Assistant Professor
Marian University
Aaron Sadoff, Superintendent
North Fond du Lac School District

10:30 am – 11:00 am

• iPads, Project Based Learning and Net Zero Energy
Hear about the instructional and facility vision for the first net zero middle school in the USA.  This campus is envisioned as a neighborhood middle school organized with innovative 21st century ideals.  The teaching and learning is unique in keeping with the net-zero design.  JMS teachers use a hybrid project based learning model to teach the district scope and sequence and state standards.  Students are put in real life scenarios and are challenged to reach out and impact their community.  Students from across the city, as well as within the Lady Bird Johnson MS attendance zone, will learn through practical, hands-on experiences about environmental stewardship, energy conservation and such topics as geothermal science, rainwater collection, solar panel usage, and wind turbine efficiency.

Angie Gaylord, Principal, Lady Bird Johnson Middle School
Irving ISD
Melody Paschall, Associate Superintendent for Academic Services
Irving ISD

• Operation Sleep Easy – Mobile Device Management
Mobile device management is like herding cats – difficult yes, impossible no.  This session will highlight how our district created a comprehensive plan for mobile device management that was crafted not just by IT but all departments.

Leonard Niebo, Director of Information and Instructional Technology
Brick Township Public Schools

11:00 am- 12:00 pm

• iPad Applications and Uses: An In-depth Look
Incorporate the iPad in your educational setting through the use of free and low-cost applications, iTunes U, Audio / E-books and more in this “Make & Take” presentation. This session will focus on how educators and administrators can begin to explore implementing iPads in the K-12 classroom through the use of applications available for the iPad and / or the iPod Touch. Attendees are encouraged to bring their mobile devices with them!

Jenna Anne Linskens, Assistant Professor
Marian University
Aaron Sadoff, Superintendent
North Fond du Lac School District

3:40 pm – 4:30 pm

• Writing and Mobile:  Can Mobile Form Factors and Content Creation
Can mobile devices truly be effective devices for teaching and learning when critical digital skills such as content creation are so input-intensive?  This discussion will talk about the maturity of tools and the impact of form factors on using different devices to teach writing.  The focus will be on the immediate term – what are the pragmatic trade-offs for administrators making purchase decisions within the next year?

Marie Bjerede,  Founder
e-Mergents, LLC
Jane Mattisson, Senior Lecturer
Kristianstad University
Teri Schamp-Bjerede, English Adjunct
Kristianstad University

Wednesday | March 7, 2012

8:45 am – 9:35 am

•Shared Vision – Two Cases Studies Using BYOT and Mobile Devices to Transform Learning
This session will present two case studies of schools using innovative models of technology as leverage to create a shared culture of learning and leadership across multiple campuses. Forsyth County Schools (GA) is working with schools and teachers to implement the practice of allowing students to bring their own technology (BYOT) to use in the classroom. College YES (a federal i3 grant) is creating a culture of high quality tech-infused STEM education, career and college readiness, and student leadership in 20 Los Angeles area middle and high schools. The ultimate goal of both initiatives is to accelerate student learning and increase rigor, high order thinking and inquiry through the use of student-owned technology. This session will explore the use of technology tools, leadership experiences at all levels, and Professional Learning Communities to make the vision a reality.

Jill Hobson, Director of Instructional Technology
Forsyth County Schools
Sylvia Martinez, President
GenerationYES

•Best Practices in Mobile Teaching and Learn
Given the proliferation of mobile devices in our society, how can we best leverage these technologies in our schools in order to improve student outcomes? During this panel discussion, educational experts and Leadership for Mobile Learning advisory panel members will address the impact and implications of mobile devices on teaching and learning in K12 and higher education environments. Session attendees will learn about established mobile learning initiatives that incorporate a variety of program designs, devices, and professional development models. Come contemplate how best practices might apply to your own school district! Ask us your burning questions!

Jason Branch, Principal
South Forsyth High School
Lucy Gray, Project Director, Leadership for Mobile Learning
Consortium for School Networking
Shawn Gross, Managing Director
Digital Millennial Consulting LLC
George Saltsman, Executive Director, Adams Center for Teaching and Learning
Abilene Christian University

10:30 am – 11:30 am

•  Increase Communication With A Mobile App
After building a custom mobile app for our high school we found that students and parents were better able to get connected with what is happening at the school. It also provides a way to build a connection to the school that was lacking.  Our custom mobile app has helped utilize a technology for communication our students are already familiar with, smart phones.  By bringing information such as calendars, homework reminders, and notifications “to the hip” we have changed the way we are connecting with our students, parents, and alumni.

Joseph Spano, Technology integration specialist
North Shore Technical High School

• Reimagining Pre-K with The iTouch: Does It work?
How can a school district use handheld technologies to meet the language and academic needs of English Language Learners? Participants will develop CoSN Essential Skills such as Understanding the Educational Environment by building an understanding of the Pre-K setting and how the iPod Touch can contribute to student achievement. Best practices developed through the initial implementation that relate to maintaining an instructional focus and providing high quality staff development will be shared. Participants will also learn about quantitative research methods that can be used to answer the key question, “Does it really work?”

Doug Brubaker, Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Information Services, Academic Technology & Networks
Mansfield ISD
Yvonne Davault, ELL Director, Curriculum & Instruction
Mansfield ISD
Janice North, Director of Instructional Technology
Mansfield ISD

•  Wi-Fi – The Westlake Initiative for Innovation
Westlake High School in Eanes ISD has embarked on a 1:1 initiative to enhance student learning.  The session will provide details on the strategies, successes, and lessons learned one year into the implementation and deployment of 1,500 iPads.

Linda Rawlings, Principal
Eanes ISD
Kevin Schwartz, Director of Information Services
Eanes ISD

2:00 pm -2:50 pm

•  Preparing to Go Mobile: Considerations for School Leadership
According to the 2011 Horizon Report K12 edition, schools should be adopting mobile technologies within the next two years. School leaders are grappling with related implications as we enter this brave new world of mobile devices in educational settings. This panel discussion will attempt to address important issues related to planning, infrastructure, security, policies, and professional development. Learn from the experiences of others who have embraced mobile learning within their school districts.

Marie Bjerede,  Founder
e-Mergents, LLC
Amy Perry-DelCorvo, CEO/Executive Director
NYSCATE
Lucy Gray, Project Director, Leadership for Mobile Learning
Consortium for School Networking
Kathy Hurley, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
Pearson Education & Pearson Foundation
Rich Kaestner, TCO/VOI and Green Computing Project Director
Consortium for School Networking
Lenny Schad, Chief Information Officer
Katy Independent School District

 •  Tech Cadre’s lead to iPod / iPad Implementation
Participants will learn how teachers with an interest of integrating technology into curriculum from over a dozen school districts in Northeast Oregon unite together in a tech cadre to network and share implementation successes.  One recent technology threading across the region is iTechnology, as several districts have successfully applied for grant funding to integrate iPads and iPod Touches into the classroom.  Students from classrooms will virtually share their favorite app or iTechnology integration strategy, as all links are available in an online shared document.  From digital storytelling to other online communication tools, see how leaders from rural school districts use technology to collaborate and communicate keeping up with innovative learning in a time of constant change.

 Joe Buglione, Instructional Technology Specialist
Intermountain Education Service District
Cheri Rhinehart, Financial Specialist
Intermountain Education Service District

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

•  Lessons from Scaling UP Mobile Learning
As we rush – and as we are rushed - headlong into the Age of Mobilism, mobile learning is moving past the pilot stage to the scale-up stage. While early adopters can carry a pilot, the real challenge is engaging everyone as they adopt and adapt an innovation such as mobile learning.  The bumps are many and the rewards may well remain elusive.  In our session we will describe the strategies being employed to address scale-up and the lessons we are learning in using those strategies from districts all around the world.

Elliot Soloway, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, Intergalactic Mobile Learning Center (iMLC)
University of Michigan
Cathie Norris, Regents Professor
University of North Texas

Note that like the previous entry, I’ll try to re-post this closer to the conference as well.

K-12 Online Learning And The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference

I’m not quite sure how I became aware of this conference, but The Consortium For School Networking 2012 K-12 Technology Leadership Conference is happening 5-7 March 2012 in Washington, DC.  I took some time late last week to scan the program and see what K-12 online learning sessions I was able to find.

Tuesday | March 6, 2012

9:45 am – 10:15 am

• Building Strong Leaders with Digital Learning
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has embarked on an ambitious path to provide their highly effective training for leaders in an online format, working in partnership with Education Development Center’s EdTech Leaders Online who helped them develop capacity to design and deliver online professional development (OPD) specifically for school leaders. The training prepares school leaders to guide comprehensive school reform, and build collaborative leadership and learning communities. Providing OPD for leaders enables anytime, anywhere learning while introducing them to the tools and techniques of digital learning and the change from print to digital. This addresses the 10 Essential Skills including Leadership & Vision, Instructional Focus & PD, and others.

Bob Farrace, Senior Director, Communications and Development
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Barbara Treacy, Director, EdTech Leaders Online
Education Development Center

11:00 am- 12:00 pm

• Intercultural Literacy through Videoconferencing
Tallwood High School is using innovative, interactive videoconferencing (IVC) technology through a partnership with Global Nomads Group (GNG) to enhance student learning. IVC’s provide a deeper connection to pressing global issues through virtual, student exchanges called “Exchange 2.0.” Students learn to think on their feet, become confident public speakers, and come to see themselves as global citizens. Conference participants will learn how to effectively integrate IVC technology into existing curricula; view videoconferences that highlight student interaction and intercultural collaboration; and learn about GNG, Tallwood’s partner in providing cross-cultural videoconferencing programs.

Gayle Hartigan, Computer Resource Specialist, VBCPS
Tallwood High School
Tonya Muro Phillips, Director of Programs
Global Nomads Group

• Evaluating Vermont’s Ed-Tech Program: Challenges and Strategies
Virtual High School Global Consortium (VHS), in partnership with AIR, is enhancing its Teacher Information System through which it characterizes, tracks, and evaluates teachers and their performance. The presentation will provide an overview of the data components that comprise VHS’s teacher information system; examine VHS’s teacher evaluation process; and highlight recent efforts to expand this system. The latter include strategies such as analyzing course records and deriving useful information about teaching practices, revising survey items to improve their alignment to standards of quality online teaching, and developing a tool to organize information and make it readily accessible. Results of this project can serve as a guide for directors and evaluators of online learning programs.

Peter Drescher, State Educational Technology Director
Vermont Department of Education
Briana Kleidon, Research Associate
American Institutes for Research
Jonathan Margolin, Senior Researcher
American Institutes for Research

• Creating a Model Global School
Oxford Community Schools in Oakland County, Michigan, is providing leadership and vision to deliver “… world-class education today to shape tomorrow’s selfless, global leaders” (source: district’s vision statement).  The strategy is “to provide a world-class education that challenges all students to achieve their maximum potential and prepares them to succeed in a global society” (source: district’s mission statement).  Over the last several years, the district has created a model global school where we prepare our students to compete in a global society.   Rather than striving to compete with students in our state or country, we want our students to compete worldwide. The district added a Fifth Core™ subject area and requires an instructional focus on languages. Classes in either Spanish or Chinese are required every day, just like any other core subject, in grades K-10. All schools are becoming International Baccalaureate (IB) certified.  All elementary schools will follow the IB Primary Years Programme, the middle school will follow the IB Middle Years Programme, and the high schools will follow the IB Diploma Programme.  An International Residence Academy opened in August 20. Every class will be taught in a hybrid-type fashion and will include both face-to-face and online instructional components. This blended approach to education requires a strong commitment to information technology management to support the infrastructure and communication systems needed. The district is committed to professional development in the support of all of the initiatives, including IB training, Model Schools, and an online school of professional learning.

Timothy Throne, Executive Director Of Strategic Initiatives & Technology
Oxford Community Schools

•  Virtual Summer School: Prevent Summer Loss
Summer loss has plagued education for decades. How can we utilize software to provide summer enrichment activities for students to prevent this loss? How can we encourage parents to become a learning coach for their child throughout the summer?

Cory Tressler, Director of Virtual Learning
Beaufort County School District

• Infuse Your Students with 21^st Century Skills With Virtual Learning Labs
Do your classrooms still model those of the 1920s?  Twenty-five desks, all in neat rows, teacher at the helm trying to engage each and every student?  Throughout Florida, school districts and individual schools are bringing virtual education to students through the concept of a Florida Virtual School virtual learning lab. Join us, and enter the world of the VLL, a model concept for the 21^st century student.  Virtual Learning Labs are the result of leadership and vision focused on reimagining learning.

Barbara Cavanaugh, District Relations Manager
Florida Virtual School
Polly  Hadleman, Senior Manager
Florida Virtual School
Karen Ross, Communication Specialist
Florida Virtual School

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

• Online Project Based Learning for At-Risk Youth
The W-A-Y Program is a personalized learning experience for students who struggle with traditional high school. The program offers an alternative approach to education; one that encourages self-esteem, independence, and the development of 21st century skills that will facilitate a college education and subsequent career paths. Each student is equipped with an iMac workstation and Internet connectivity within his or her home. We combine personalized, project-based, online learning experiences with face-to-face interaction. Our staff is invested in the success of each student, providing support 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, all year round. We constantly work towards realizing the potential in every individual. Session presenters will describe the implementation of this program at both the local district level and the intermediate school district level.

Bethany Rayl, Regional Executive
Way Program
Rich Klemm, Director of Non-Traditional Education
Niles Community Schools
Monique Uzelac, W-A-Y Washtenaw Program Director
Washtenaw Intermediate School District

3:40 pm – 4:30 pm

• Closing the Gap: Turning SIS/LMS Data into Action
In the current era of maximizing accountability, school leaders are increasingly being asked to make classroom-level student data available in forms that are usable in improving instructional practices. These demands require that schools and districts purchase and become proficient in using increasingly sophisticated software systems. Two of these tools—student information systems (SIS) and learning management systems (LMS)—have the capacity to store and analyze large amounts of student data, but educators seeking to buy and install these systems are confronted with a bewildering array of products, features and technical specifications. AASA, CoSN and Gartner, Inc., are in collaboration in a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant titled Closing the Gap: Turning SIS/LMS Data into Action in support of leveraging student data to strengthen classroom instruction. The session provides a summary of the resources to be provided to the K-12 educational community.

Ann Ware,  Closing the Gap Project Manager
Consortium for School Networking

Wednesday | March 7, 2012

10:30 am – 11:30 am

•  Bridging Distance Education with Video Solutions
This session with demonstrate synchronous and asynchronous video solutions used by school districts across the state in the Nebraska Distance Education Network.

Gordon Roethemeyer, Director
Nebraska Distance Education Council
Mary Schlegelmilch, eLearning Supervisor, Curriculum & Learning
Omaha Public School

•  Data about Online Teachers: What to Get and How to Get It
In step with the 2012 CoSN Conference theme of “Reimagine Learning” Virtual High School Global Consortium, in partnership with American Institutes for Research, is leveraging digital tools to build a teacher evaluation system (TIS) for its online learning program. VHS is using this TIS to characterize, track, and evaluate teachers and their performance. The National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (iNACOL, 2008) serve as the framework for this effort. This presentation will address the challenges and opportunities of monitoring and evaluating teachers in the online environment, and provide concrete information management strategies.

Larry Friedman, Program Director, Policy
Learning Point
Jonathan Margolin, Senior Researcher
American Institutes for Research
Elizabeth Pape, President & CEO
Virtual High School Global Consortium

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm 

•  Ensuring Continuity of Learning Through Online & Blended Learning
Recent events such as the H1N1 virus and Hurricane Katrina have district and state IT directors questioning their preparedness for ensuring continuity of learning. Online and blended learning are solutions for ensuring that learning continues during a school closure. Online learning and continuity of learning is more than just providing curriculum in an online format. It involves the planning, training, and management of delivery of instruction over a new technologically enabled delivery model. This involves three key areas: curriculum materials, people, and technology. The panelists will share resources and examples on how to help districts prepare for continuity of learning in the case of a school closure through cost-effective online and blended learning opportunities.

Allison Powell, Vice President
iNACOL
Bruce Friend, Director, SAS Curriculum Pathways
SAS

•  An Overview of Technologies for Blended Learning
“Blended learning” is rapidly becoming a touchstone of those at the forefront of rethinking education. EdSurge, which covers emerging edtech innovations in a weekly newsletter, undertook a project for the Gates Foundation to survey and describe leading blended learning programs for grades K-8 as well as the tools that they are using to teach math and literacy. This talk will be an overview of the results of that study, a discussion of the most relevant tools and insights on how to learn more about this fast-changing element of education.

Elizabeth Corcoran, CEO
EdSurge

•  Framework Essentials for a Hybrid DL School
A case study of Rio Rancho Cyber Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting 6-12th grade Hybrid Distance Learning (DL) School, will be presented to include teaching and learning foundations in an online school, processes and best practices, the role of governance and a model for effective governance.  All aspects of selecting vendors, managing resources, professional development, establishing short and long term goals and planning will be highlighted.  Processes for district implementation in order to sustain programs will also be defined.  In addition, attendees will gain knowledge about managing challenges, program implementation, management and sustainability, instructional design systems, teacher roles and leadership essentials will be presented.  Information will be given to meet formal accreditation standards in an online environment.

All aspects of creating, managing and implementing a Hybrid DL environment relate directly to CoSN’s Framework:  Leadership and vision essentials, strategic planning, educational foundations, and successful goal setting. Essential conditions managing technology and utilizing resources.

Elaine Manicke, Principal
Rio Rancho Cyber Academy
Heidi Parnell, Program Manager, Web Coordinator and Education Technology Specialist
Rio Rancho Cyber Academy

There doesn’t appear to be anything or much in the way of empirical research.  Some evaluation studies, and a lot of look and see what we are doing sessions.  But an interesting variety of sessions.