Feb+21+2011+Planning+Meeting

Members present: Justin Driscoll, Kevin Conner, Frank Muta, Nikki Navta, Norton Gusky

Key topics: Date for Conference - the group reviewed the November dates and recommended that the pre-conference occur on Wednesday, November 16 and the conference on Thursday, November 17.

Structure for Conference - the group felt that the success for 2010 indicated that there was no need for a change. Justin brought up the idea of a CoSN workshop for technology coordinators. The group will review the opportunity with Sean McDonough and Vince Humes to see how TRETC can work with CoSN/PAECT to provide a half or full day workshop. The committee felt that a half day session on Wednesday would make the most sense.

Vendor Needs - Nikki Navta highlighted the problem with sunlight. Justin plans to try to move the vendor area and have a premium space closer to the entrance.

Speakers - Norton reported that he had contacted Danny Duran from Cisco. Danny expressed an interest in bringing speakers on behalf of Cisco. Norton felt that any of the speakers in the Cisco Education Leaders Forum on March 9 would work.Norton proposed that Cisco provide three speakers virtually that address the themes of Learning, Teaching, and Productivity from the National Educational Technology Plan. Norton also reported that he had been in touch with Stephen Heppel, one of the speakers he heard at BETT. Stephen will be in Australia at the time of TRETC and will run $500 for a presentation. Norton also hoped to have someone from the GLOW project in Scotland to speak. Norton suggested that this would be a great opportunity to add a global element to TRETC.

Other issues - Norton highlighted his desire to increase student participation, especially with the Digital Playground. Nikki suggested that the Freedom Area School District might be a good fit since they have worked with her company, Zulama, on two virtual courses for students. She also suggested Ellis and Propel as other possible schools to participate in TRETC 2011.