NCCE 2012

Started our day today with Google Apps: The Whole Kit and Caboodle presented by Marc Elliott, Director of Information Services at Bethel Public Schools.  Google apps became the "whole kit and caboodle" for Bethel schools in 2010.  They left their previous communications platforms for Google Apps.  They explained their decision making process and their transition/implementation process.  How they provided support/training.  This included:

• Summer Institutes (June and August)
• Technology leader in building trainings
• Evening Classes
• Staff Meetings

They also implemented the following third party programs all of which were free except Glasscubes.

• Aviary
• Easy Bib
• Glasscubes
• Grockit
• Lucid Charts
• Open Class
• Slide Rocket
• Gooru
• Khan Academy

 

The next session I attended was called Engaging and Supporting Today's Learner's presented by Stephanie Hamilton, IT and Learning Technologies of Apple, Inc.  She about changing techology, changing learner expectations and the changing role of teachers.  After examining all the changes that schools are dealing with she discussed lessons that she (Apple) has learned about how to strive for transformation in learning, using the work of Dr. Ruben Puentedura, a researcher from Main.  She also described the importance of the environments where learning is supported and amplified, using the work of Dr. David Thornburg. Grabbed some lunch at Subway before heading to the next session.

 

It was the Jason (Neiffer) and Mike (Agostinelli) show again this afternoon: 30 in 60:  App Edition - 30 Apps for Tech Savvy Teachers.  They showed off (when the internet worked) 30 engaging, interesting and useful iSO apps in just 60 minutes.  It was a fast-paced session and focused on apps for teachers as well as students that we can start using right away.

Had to have dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.  Maria and I headed there after our last session.  Joe Dockery and three of his co-workers joined just later.  Enjoyed the company and had some good conversations.  Had to have a little dessert while we were there - Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake......

Headed back to the hotel and relaxed for a few minutes and then headed out for about an hour of walking around Seattle and shopping.