NSBA Technology + Learning '99
Conference Overview
Educational technology professionals from across the country will get hands-on introductions to the latest computer systems, software and equipment at the 13th Annual Technology + Learning Conference, November 10-13 in Dallas, TX. Sponsored by the National School Boards Association's (NSBA) ITTE: Education Programs and co-sponsored by more than 25 national education organizations, the three-day conference brings educators the latest ideas, solutions and innovations from school districts across the country.
More than 150 school workshops and roundtables will provide practical tools and tips for finding educational technology solutions. School district workshops will showcase real-life stories from educators in the field. Topics range from issues in distance learning to urban issues in technology to the role of the school board in technology implementation. Experienced school leaders will lead discussions to help educators assess how well their technology programs function.
More than 300 of the nation's top education technology suppliers will exhibit at the conference. Visitors to the exhibit hall can compare the latest educational technology products, from multimedia instructional tools to distance learning systems to administrative applications. Companies slated to exhibit include Apple Computer, America Online, Compaq, Comp USA, Corel, Dell, IBM, Intel, Lucent and Microsoft. New to the exhibit hall this year is the Technology Incubator, where nine start-up technology firms will be showcased in a special section.
For more information on the conference, visit: www.nsba.org/T+L.
Featured Speakers
Highlighting the conference are general and showcase sessions featuring nationally recognized speakers in educational technology. These speakers include:
Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of America Online, Inc. will share his ideas for integrating technology into schools.
Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to go into space, will talk about her innovative projects including an international science camp to increase science literacy for students.
Daniel Burrus, one of the world's leading technology forecasters will talk about how educators can get all members of their districts involved in creatively utilizing new technology.
Inventive School Districts to Receive Salute at Technology + Learning
Deer Valley Unified School District in Ph'enix, Ariz., Cherry Creek School District in Englewood, Colo., and North Kansas City School District in Kansas City, Mo., are being recognized by NSBA's Technology Leadership Network for their progress this year in improving academic achievement supported by the use of technology. Each district will be showcased in a short video at one of the conference general sessions and is given the opportunity to share their approaches during a special session.
Cherry Creek is being recognized for its "solutions," packages of hardware, software, professional development and model curriculum designed to enhance student achievement. North Kansas City, following a $35 million bond election, established a community technology advisory board to offer advice on system design, hardware purchases, networking and operating standards. Deer Valley Unified has a mission to maximize the resources available to educate students for life-long learning. By the year 2000 the district will give every student access to multimedia computers in both classrooms and labs, each loaded with a suite of productivity software.
This article originally appeared in the 11/01/1999 issue of THE Journal.