May+2008+Meeting

May 2008 Meeting
4:00-5:30 pm / Monday, May 5, 2008 / AIU Central Office - McAuliffe Meeting Room In attendance: Tim Devlin (AIU), Karlton Chapman (Quaker Valley), Rebecca Morris (Deer Lake), Kevin Conner (AIU), Dave Piemme (Winchester Thurston), Toni Sulkowski (Peters Township), Eric Rosendale (Beaver IU), Mike Baker (South Side)

Confirm Keynote Speakers
The committee reviewed the two proposed speakers and agreed to set of deadline for the next two weeks to finalize Tim Magner and Patrick Supanc. The group then discussed alternatives: Kevin asked Eric about the speakers for the Keystones Summit. Eric felt that Steve Stassman (coaching and mentoring) and Vera Blake (differentiated instruction) who will be part of the Keystones Summit would be not be good fits for TRETC. Kevin suggested that Bernajene Porter (digital story-telling) might be another possibility. Since she works through George Lucas Foundation the conference would receive products as part of deal.

Review website
The committee reviewed the current information and possible modifications for the web site. The web site includes the 2008 Presentation form, but does not have the updated information for sponsors/vendors. The Pittsburgh Technology Council will provide an updated look with a new sponsor package. The group identified the following issues:
 * need to add virtual presentation to form
 * alignment of text for co-presenter

The committee also also discussed issues relating to the payment for the conference. The present form does not include the ability to submit a Purchase Order. The committee after discussion agreed that has long as a school district can generate a check, there should be no problem. Tim suggested that an attendee could print out their own invoice by using the online form.

Pre-conference sessions and Conference Presentations
Norton explained that Apple will sponsor Grace Poli, Apple Distinguished Educator from Union City, New Jersey to speak on iPods in Education. Norton suggested that "spotlight" speakers, like Grace, should be included twice so attendees have more opportunities to hear them. Mike proposed a "back channel" for discussion and online conversation similar to what happened at PETE&C this year. Rebecca suggested that we have an online tutorial or guide for "Newbies" if we offer a back channel for Twitter, blogging, and other online activities. Mike felt that this challenge might be something for Keystones to develop.

Marketing
The Pittsburgh Tech Council shared with Kevin and Norton a proposed marketing plan. As part of the plan the Tech Council send a "Hold the Date" email. Kevin highlighted that this year's plan would use digital rather than print strategies. The Tech Council will send out PDF versions of marketing literature rather than postcards or posters.

Vendors
David suggested that vendors would like to have a "fact sheet" to know who attends the conference. In the past two years Justin Driscoll prepared a Powerpoint Presentation with this type of information. Eric offered to contact all Keystones vendors. Toni pointed out that the current web site lacks an application for interested vendors. Norton responded that he's waiting for the information from the Tech Council. Kevin mentioned that he would work with Tim Devlin to try to interest vendors who will participate in the regional wide area network, Allegheny Connect, to partcipate.

Next meeting June 2

Following the formal meeting conversation continued with the following issues:
 * Post-meeting conversation**
 * Document conference with digital images - have computers set up with Flickr link on wiki
 * Ask presenters to share photos for web site
 * Use web site for best representations / select best images / wiki for Back Channel
 * Could TRETC become a full 2 day event?
 * Keystones - participation this year
 * Panel Discussion versus presentation
 * Target - library/media specialists => meeting children in their space
 * TRETC as "learning" conference / One to One Conference as example