April+14,+2014+meeting

People attending: Norton Gusky (recorder), Justin Driscoll, Kris Hupp, Jana Baxter, Jolene Zywica, Kevin Conner, Dominic Salvucci, Zee Poerio, Tim Devlin


 * Develop additional Pre-conference Ideas
 * Jesse Schell - keynote speaker (see Google Doc) - the team agreed that Jesse Schell would be a good candidate. He provides a link to the startup game community and is an internationally recognized figure in game-based learning.


 * Identify Keynote Speakers -
 * Tom Vander Ark - see Google Doc ([])
 * Sylvia Martinez - see Google Doc
 * Other ideas - Justin D. suggested we consider a CEO from the business world who could talk about the needs of the workplace. Justin A brought up the idea of someone from a company, like MAYA Design, to talk about the role of design in learning
 * A possible idea could be Peggy Sheehy. I just saw her at a Playful Learning conference and she was engaging and wacky. @Peggysheehy
 * Also, Drew Davidson is a good keynoter. Still, would like to bring in someone from outside the area!


 * Review and further develop Conference Ideas - Possible topics discussed at March meeting
 * Use interactive model for more sessions - Kevin shared how Jana and he developed a session for last year using activities from the Institute of Play. Norton highlighted the use of interactive stations with students and teachers that Nikki Navta developed for a Game-based Learning session at TRETC 2013.
 * Special activity, e.g. Red Chair - The group discussed the idea of a Maker Space that would provide hands-on opportunities for participants. Zee suggested that we use a larger space, possibly the wall where the Red Chair activities were for TRETC 2013.
 * Other ideas - Norton highlighted the expansion of a Project-based Learning session using multiple districts. Norton also added the idea for a Global learning session. Zee built on the idea and stated that she would work with the CREATE Lab to develop a session around the Gigapan Project. Dom brought the idea of collaborative projects. Amiena gave a great example of where North Allegheny and South Fayette are working together on a water filtration project. Justin A. raised the possibility of a Design-based Learning session based on the work that Propel Braddock Hills is doing with MAYA Design. The group identified a Maker Theme that could include 3D Printing with schools like Fort Cherry and Elizabeth Forward sharing their success stories. Aileen Owens is interested in leading a session with kids and teachers that would focus on K-12 Computational Thinking - Deepening Learning Across All Content Areas.
 * Focus on Research projects (from Jolene Zywica)
 * ETC/ games for learning - Mike Christel and Scotts Steven's team
 * Create Lab - Children's innovation project, Finch, Arts & Bots, Hear Me, Message from Me
 * ​CMU Learn Lab - Michael Bett may have good suggestions​
 * Aaron Kessler - ipads, intelligent tutors, science education
 * METALS students at CMU​ - online community for teacher PD with Bloomboard
 * Learning in museums - Upclose (Kevin Crowley), Children's museum (Lisa Brahms), Natural History Museum (Kaleen Povis), Farming (MaryAnn Steiner), Postnatural history museum? (Lauren Allen)
 * Open Literacy @http://openliteracy.com/ (Sarah Scott)


 * Other ideas
 * edcamp style "Campfires" in one room with four clusters of chairs for conversation
 * Ask people to vote on "hot ideas" as part of registration
 * Ask people to use back-channel to vote on sessions to follow up
 * Hub Innovation setup for vendors in main ballroom - need to check with hotel to find out if high tables are available
 * Create a more interactive environment with the vendors available at all times
 * Vendors feel greater involvement in conference
 * Possible mix of traditional and innovative hub
 * Follow up of "hot sessions" as SWPAECT events and/or TechMeetups.
 * Learning Center opportunities - check with Apple and Google about workshops where people would sign up ahead of time / limit one workshop per day
 * Mini-presentations sponsored by vendors, possibly in separate room


 * Review Marketing Plan


 * **Activity** || **Time-frame** || **Responsibility** ||
 * Develop marketing campaign (theme, logos) || 3/14-5/14 || Tech Council ||
 * Identify keynote speaker(s) || 3/14 – 6/14 || Planning Committee ||
 * Identify presenters || 314-8/14 || Planning Committee ||
 * Send out Hold Date email || 5/14 || Tech Council / AIU ||
 * Identify potential vendors || 3/14– 10/14 || Planning Committee/ Tech Council ||
 * Register presenters/vendors/ participants || 6/14– 11/14 || Tech Council ||
 * Evaluate proposals || 8/14- 9/14 || AIU/ Planning Committee (sub-committee) ||
 * Arrange for equipment needs || 6/14 – 11/14 || Tech Council/AIU/ Sponsors ||
 * Update web site || 4/14 – 10/14 || Tech Council ||
 * Arrange for food || 9/14 – 11/14 || Tech Council ||
 * Provide food / necessary space / tech support || 11/14 || Sheraton Four Points ||
 * Distribute marketing materials || 08/14 - 11/14 || Tech Council/ IUs/ Committee members ||
 * Market to targeted audiences || 07/14 - 10/14 || IUs/ Committee members/ Tech Council ||
 * Evaluate /Act 48 || 11/14 - 12/14 || AIU/ Tech Council ||