NECC 2009 > Program > Lounges And Playgrounds

Program    Lounges & Playgrounds

Special Focus Playgrounds
ITRT Pavilion
Envision IT! Lounges

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Playgrounds

Playgrounds are single or multi-day events that provide educators with opportunities to "play" with interactive technologies for creativity and learning.

Connect with other library media specialists and teachers to learn about the latest technologies to support information literacy development; professional networking options, such as our successful Second Life virtual learning community; recommended Web 2.0 tools to use with students; and electronic resources, including websites, e-books, and audiobooks. Also be sure to visit the 21st Century Media Center Virtual Playground in Second Life. Hosted by ISTE's SIGMS.

Coordinator: Lisa Perez, Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries & Information Services

Jump into an exciting play place of digital media! Create a claymation scene, compose a musical soundtrack, play with digital video, layout a webpage or dive into graphic design. With a variety of activities and resources to choose from, your inner child will be delighted.

Coordinator: Savilla Banister, Bowling Green State University

Explore games and simulations for math, science, social studies, and more as well as tools for creating games and simulations. Hosted by ISTE's SIGGS.

Coordinator: Jeremy Koester, Braver Consulting

Explore stations that feature K12LTSP thin-clients and a wide range of free software including Linux, GIMP, OpenOffice, Mysql, Firefox, Moodle, and more.

Coordinator: Steve Hargadon, CoSN/EdTechLive

Explore stations for creating avatars, navigating in Second Life, using Second Life for professional development, using Second Life with students, and exploring ISTE's Virtual island.

Coordinators: Lisa Linn, Temecula Valley Unified and Scott Merrick, University School of Nashville/Vanderbilt CSO

Do you have students in your class or school who struggle to achieve grade-level standards? Come visit this playground and experience how universal design for learning strategies can foster access, engagement, and success! Playground visitors will receive tools and strategies that have been designed for struggling students but offer benefits to all learners. Hosted by ISTE's SETSIG.

Coordinator: Dave Edyburn, University of Wisconsin

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Virginia's Instructional Technology Resource
Teacher (ITRT) Program and Pavilion

In 2004, the Virginia General Assembly authorized and funded two new education positions: instructional technology resource teachers (ITRT) and technology support staff. This action and the reauthorization of the funding in 2006 represents a continued commitment to integrating technology into K–12 education. As a result, these positions now exist in all 132 Virginia school divisions, and more than $500 million has been spent to support educational technology infrastructure.

All Virginia school divisions are moving toward the requirement of employing one ITRT and one technology support staff member per 1,000 students.

The ITRT Pavilion is the place for anyone involved with technology integration and training to learn about the ITRT program in Virginia. Hear short presentations, participate in impromptu discussions on topics of interest, and interact with other ITRTs. Hosted by VSTE.

Monday–Tuesday, 9 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday, 9 am–1 pm
Near Rooms 201 and 202

ITRT Strand
Also look for the ITRT icon to identify sessions throughout the NECC program that focus on effective integration of technology into the curriculum and Virginia's ITRT program.

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EnvisionIT! Lounges

Go unplugged in these cozy, comfortable gathering zones, for likeminded individuals to connect on a variety of issues and topics. Some lounges will occasionally feature presentations and demonstrations connected to various special ISTE initiatives, but mostly the lounges are available to anyone and everyone. If you have a great tip, resource, or strategy to share, consider signing up for one of our NECC Unplugged (impromptu "show and tell") sessions.

To see what's scheduled or to reserve a timeslot, see the schedule in each lounge or visit the Lounge Scheduler.

• 30th Anniversary Storytelling Lounge
  Featuring events and activities associated with ISTE's 30th Anniversary
  Across from Ballroom A, Level Three
• Advocacy Lounge
  Featuring the Ed Tech Action Network (ETAN)
  Near ISTE Central, West Registration, Street Level
• Bloggers' Café
  Blogging events and NECC Unplugged
  Near Room 151
• NETS Lounge
  Resources to implement the NETS from educators and the Seal of Alignment
  Near ISTE Central, West Registration, Street Level
• Second Life Lounge
  Featuring the Second Life Playground, ongoing presentations, and volunteer guides
  Opposite Rooms 143 and 144