Friday, February 27, 2009

NCTIES Conference Updates

We hope you are as excited about the NCTIES Conference next week as we are! We look forward to seeing each of you there! Things are shaping up for this to be one of our best conferences to date. We have over 1000 attendees, but if you know individuals wanting to attend, they can still register!!! Below are several pieces of information that you may find helpful prior to your visit to Raleigh.

Online registration closes today, Friday, February 27, 2009 at 5:00 pm. Onsite registration will be available at the registration desk.
The Sheraton still has rooms available. The direct Registration link is: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=0809196315&key=D273
Registration will be on the lower level of the Raleigh Convention Center. If you are attending a pre-conference session, you must check in at the registration desk prior to your session.
The Conference Program is posted: http://www.ncties.org/uploads/NCTIES_Program_2009_PDF_Version.pdf
The Grand Opening and Reception is March 4, 2009 from 6:30pm -9:00pm and is open to the public.
The Conference Wiki is: http://ncties2009conf.pbwiki.com
The Conference Blog is: http://ncties2009conference.blogspot.com/
Parking for the Sheraton is across the street from the hotel. Parking for the Marriott is beneath the hotel. Information about parking and directions for the Convention Center can be found at: http://www.raleighconvention.com/index.php/homepage/parking-directions
Raleigh has a new FREE bus service that circulates downtown know as the R Line. If you do need to park across town or desire to navigate downtown Raleigh, the R Line can take you there: http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/get-around/r-line

Again, we look forward to seeing each of you at NCTIES!

Scott Smith, President NCTIES
Ellen Minter, Vice President and Conference Chair NCTIES

Special Thanks to our Vendor Sponsors!
Apple, Camcor, Inc., Cisco, Clarkpowell, CNIC, ColemanTechnologies Inc., CSI Technology Outfitters, Dell, Educational Resources,Epson, Hart Inc., HP, Promethean, Schoolfusion, Seed Communications, SMART,Smarter Systems

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Party Time in 2 Weeks

Wow! I am getting soooooooo excited about the conference in two weeks. The schedule is set, the food has been selected, banners are in production, bags are in production, program is being finailized AND we are still getting more vendors. I would like to thank all of our vendors, sponsors and attendees who are registered. We have almost 1000 registered. WOW! Check out the Schedule at a Glance posted on our website as well as hotels and convention center layouts. There are parking decks on both sides of the convention center so make sure to bring cash if you are not staying at either of the conference hotels.

We will have food concession stands available in the vendor area for lunch so you will not have to leave the convention center once you arrive each day.

Registration will be on the lower level outside of the vendor area.

Don't forget to check out the new "Construction Zone" area as well for meet and greet sessions as well as some poster sessions.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

"Cool Cat Teacher" Vicki Davis - Bring Stories, Cellphones and Laptops!!

Hello, North Carolina Teachers!

If you've had some technology transform your classroom in the past few years, you're invited to pick up your webcam or video camera and create a brief 1 minute video about your extreme classroom makeover. Share the technology(ies) (show it to us if you can) and the students using the technology. The only requirement is that you must be a teacher in North Carolina and that you upload your video by March 2nd. Just make your video and upload to Teacher Tube (www.teachertube.com) or youtube (www.youtube.com) and tag it NCTIES_2009 and your story may be shared on our big screen as part of the NCTIES: Extreme Makeover Classroom Edition.

It is a great experience to be part of the grassroots movement of teachers around the world to connect and improve our classrooms in such amazing ways. Your teachers in North Carolina already rock and we've already been chatting over twitter and through our blogs about how great NCTIES will be this year.

It seems just like yesterday in November of 2005 when I went to my own state conference and first learned about blogs and wikis and all of these other strange names and then this past December to win awards for best teacher blog and best wiki in education is almost surreal! The thing I'd like to share most is that the teachers need not be scared or nervous but can take small steps in their daily teaching that will make a big difference. It isn't about winning awards but really about being great teachers!

Last week, as several teachers and I watched students from around the world laughing and enjoying the company from one another in the middle of a public market in the Middle East for the first Flat Classroom Conference, it really struck me that we can make connections from our classrooms that can improve our world in positive ways. We can use technology in positive ways can be the legacy that the best teachers of today will leave for the next generation.

Oh, and, by the way -- bring your cell phone and laptops to the Extreme Makeover Classroom Edition Opening Keynote -- you might just need them as we makeover your thoughts of a keynote! See you soon!

Vicki Davis,
Cool Cat Teacher!

FREE Computers for Students

Now that I have your attention!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, there are free computers available for students in North Carolina. Make sure to check out two of our pre-conference sessions offered by The Kramden Institute (http://www.kramden.org). All session attendees will need to have a list of students who need computers in their homes because computers will be ready for pick up at the conference.

Pre-Conference Session # 6 - Morning
"Extreme Makeover Student Version – Basic Computer Users"
Mike Shumuke, Kramden Institute, Half Day Session - Morning, Max: 20

Shu-n Crew: Bringing Class to You! - Educators will learn how to get free computers into the hands of kids and how to optimize computer use in the classroom. Educators will take home 1 free computer system to be given to a child and lots of basic skills to increase the effectiveness of their courses. Learn how to be Kramden Coordinator and give a Kramden Computer to kids.

Pre-Conference Session # 5 - Afternoon
"Extreme Makeover Student Version – Advanced Computer Users"
Mike Shumuke, Kramden Institute, Half Day Session - Afternoon, Max: 20

Shu-n Crew: Bringing Class to You! - Educators will learn how to get free computers into the hands of kids and how to optimize computer use in the classroom. Educators will take home 1 free computer system to be given to a child and lots of advanced skills to increase the effectiveness of their courses. Learn how to be Kramden Coordinator and give a Kramden Computer to kids.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Who is new to the NCTIES Design Team? Dr. Howie DiBlasi

Register now for Dr. DiBlasi's pre-conference on "10 Rules For Revolutionaries In The 21st Century Classroom"

Dr. Howie DiBlasi was recognized as “Vocational Teacher of the Year” for the State of Arizona and nominated as a finalist in the “Top Secondary Leaders in America”. He has been featured in several magazines as “A CIO that really thinks outside the box”.

Dr. DiBlasi has extensive experience in the education field (20 years) business leader (10 years) and as a Technology Director (14 years). He has presented at over 100 various conferences from local to International. Conferences include; NECC, TCEA, TxDLA, NETA, FETC, TIE and November Learning; Building Learning Communities to name a few.

Howie will be a feature presenter at the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) in 2009 and is currently a member of the Alan November consulting Team.

His emphasis is on Digital Technology, multi-media, Interactive Video Conferencing and 21st Century Learning. He is a Master Certified Trainer and has received certification from two National certification organizations. He is a recognized leader in these areas and has extensive hands on experience in training administrators and educators using 21st Century Technology and applications.

An expert in his field, Howie conducts interactive seminars on 21st Century Learning, Visual Literacy, Interactive Video Conferencing, Digital Interactive Learning and Making Show-N-Tell Cool. A recent comment at the Texas Distance Learning Conference was “I have not heard someone think that far out of the box in years.”

Howie’s programs are fun, educational, high energy and full of practical, take-home value. He has presented at over 50 Technology Conferences, is a recognized leader, and his professional focus is 21st Century Learning and Digital Literacy.

He is known as a highly energetic, compassionate and approachable speaker. He is a trainer that blends humor, applicable stories of best practice and high levels of audience involvement. Over the past year, he has presented programs, courses and speeches to thousands of administrators, teachers, technology specialists and professionals around the country.

In a recent article for e-School news by Kathie Ivy, she said. “His TCEA workshop was one of the most dynamic conference presentations I have attended in some 30 years. Howie is charged with energy, willing to share, and open to suggestions.”

http://www.toolsfortheclassroom.com/index.html

http://twitter.com/hdiblasi

Update from David Warlick a.k.a in Second Life as Suriawang Dapto

As we all know, David Warlick is a traveling man. I look forward to seeing his new presentation styles after reading "Presentation Zen" myself. If you have not read it, you should. It will totally change how you present. Check out the arhived Second Life USDLC Teacher Series at http://www.bookosphere.net/presentationzen.

Update from David Warlick:
Ellen,

My travel schedule has picked up again, with a stronger January than usual. The coming year will have my in Canada several times, New Zealand, and Qatar -- plus all over the U.S. Hope that holds.

During the holidays, I spent a good bit of time re-writing some of the code for Class Blogmeister, my classroom blogging tool. I also spent some time reading, specifically "Born Digital" by John Palfry and Urs Gasser, "The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria, and "Presentation Zen" by Barr Reynolds. I am now re-designing all of my presentation slide decks ;-)

Here is a link to a picture that Peggy Sheehy took of me, as Suriawang Dapto, in Second Life, doing a presentation for the AASL, standing in front of my virtual 3D concept map.

http://flickr.com/photos/peggysheehy/3115017692/in/set-72157611346667786/

Looking forward to the conference...

-- dave --

David F. Warlick
The Landmark Project
919-571-3292
For Teachers: http://landmark-project.com/
For Clients & the Curious: http://davidwarlick.com/
Blog • http://2cents.davidwarlick.com/
Podcast • http://connectlearning.davidwarlick.com/

Monday, January 19, 2009

Guest Design Team Member - Kathy Schrock


While traveling in Second Life, I discovered one of newest design team members, Kathy Schrock, who will be joining us at NCTIES.

Kathy continues on her quest to locate the best Web 2.0 sites to support teaching and learning. She shares these findings with the grad class she is teaching as part of the Wilkes University/Discovery program, via her PLN on Twitter, on Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators, via professional development with the teachers in her own district, in her blog, Second Life and Adobe Connect presentations, and her weekly listserv. Recently earning the Google Certified Teacher certification, Kathy also consults with her Adobe Education Leader and DEN STAR Educator colleagues. Kathy will be presenting at FETC in Orlando at the end of January, and will be a Spotlight Presenter at NECC in June, speaking about ways to overcome information overload.

____________________
Kathy Schrock
kathy@kathyschrock.net
http://kathyschrock.net


Administrator for Technology
Nauset Public Schools
78 Eldredge Park Way
Orleans MA 02653
508.255.0016 x216

What is Will Richardson doing these days?

Over the Christmas Holidays, I received the following message from Will Richardson with season greetings and an update.

Greetings!

Thanks so much for your contribution to my learning network over the past few years. There's a link below to a quick little Happy New Year wish that I hope you enjoy.

Also, wanted to let you know that our work at Powerful Learning Practice is expanding in 2009. We're going to be offering a host of new professional development offerings including:

Three separate year-long paths of PLP including
Year 1--"Learning in the 21st Century: Networks and Communities"
Year 2--"Teaching in the 21st Century: Project / Problem Based Learning"
Year 3--"Change in the 21st Century: Expanding the Reach"
Visioning Boot Camps for 21st Century Leaders--Three-day intensive sessions to jump starting the change process.

PLP Virtual Institutes--Customized for individual schools and districts
PLP Virtual Speaker's Bureau--The best in online how to with Web 2.0 tools.

If you would like more information on any of these programs and to sign up for our bimonthly newsletter capturing the latest in powerful professional development, please visit our contact page to receive the formal announcements and details in the next few weeks.

Again, thanks for everything you are doing to bring teaching and learning into the 21st Century, and have a

Happy New Year!

PS: In case you didn't see them, here are links to recent articles in Educational Leadership and Edutopia. Enjoy!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Extended Deadline Dates

In addition to extending the deadlines for Early Registration and Calls for Presentations, NCTIES (formerly NCaect) has extended the deadline for Scholarships, Grants, Awards, and Best Web Site nominations!

Early Registration for the 2009 Conference ends January 23rd, 2009. http://www.ncties.org/Conference_2009.html

NCTIES is proud to offer two $2,000 scholarship opportunities. One will be awarded to a student pursuing a graduate degree/certification in Instructional Technology; the other to a student pursuing a graduate degree/certification in School Library Media. One copy of the application must be postmarked by January 17, 2009. http://www.ncties.org/Scholarships.html

Three (3) $3000 Grants will be awarded for innovative, student-involved projects, which effectively use technology. Each grant recipient will receive a check for $3000 and agree to present at the 2010 NCaect Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center. The winner will receive registration and one or two nightÕs lodging in addition to the check for the school. At that conference each winner will present a session concerning the product/project that was aided by the grant money. Emailed applications must be received by noon January 17th, 2009.
http://www.ncties.org/Grants.html

School Library Media Coordinator of the Year Award and Instructional Technology Educator of the Year Award Nominations are to be emailed to Cathy Evanoff evanoffca@dare.k12.nc.us by January 17, 2009. http://www.ncties.org/Awards.html

NCTIES is proud to offer an award for best teacher-designed web site. The award will be a cash prize of $250 for an innovative, content-rich web site that effectively uses the Internet as an instructional resource. The winner of the award will be announced during the luncheon at the 2009 NCTIES Technology Conference. Nominations are to be emailed to Roxie Millerrmiller@gaston.k12.nc.us by January 17, 2009. http://www.ncties.org/Awards.html

Scott Smith, President, NCTIES ssmith@mgsd.k12.nc.us
Ellen Minter, Vice President and Conference Chair, NCTIES ncties@gmail.com

Friday, January 9, 2009

Conference Update

This is a reminder of the upcoming NCTIES Conference!

March 4, 2009 - Pre Conference
March 5 & 6, 2009 Conference

Call for presentation proposals were to close January 9, 2009, but due to some technical issues with our website, we are keeping submissions open another week until next Friday, January 16, 2009. If you are interested in presenting at the conference, please submit your construction session bids before next Friday!

The Early Registration ($90) deadline has also been extended and now ends January 23, 2009. After that the price goes up to $100.

Grant and Scholarship Applications are due by January 10, 2009.

For the most up to date news, stay tuned to this blog and follow us on twitter at "ncties". This year's conference will be at the brand new Raleigh Convention Center. We look forward to bringing you cool and helpful construction tools from some outstanding nationally renowned speakers as well as some local contractors like yourself.

Start your construction now by joining our NCTIES Second Life General Contractor, EJ Escobar on the ISTE Second Life Island. Don't wait for March to walk, run, fly, drive or teleport to your NCTIES "Instruction 2.0: Engineering Change" experience. Make sure to review all dates and times for new events at this year's conference as our punch list continues to grow. Our newest renovation will be the Vendor Grand Opening on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 6:30 in the evening!"

Please take a minute to visit our site (www.ncties.org), check out the design team slated to transform the conference, contribute to the conference blog, and register for the conference! If you have additional questions, please contact ncties@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you in March!

Scott Smith, President, NCTIES ssmith@mgsd.k12.nc.us
Ellen Minter, Vice President and Conference Chair, NCTIES ncties@gmail.com

Conference Hours
9:00 am - 10:00 pm, March 5th
8:00 am - 2:30 pm, March 6th

Exhibition Hall Hours
Grand Opening and Reception - 6:30 -9:00 March 4, 2009 (Open to Public)
10:00 am - 5:30 pm March 5, 2009
8:00 am - 1:30 pm March 6, 2009