CoSN/METAA CTO Clinic

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MASSACHUSETTS CTO CLINIC  

Produced by CoSN and the Massachusetts Educational Technology Administrators Association (METAA)   

 May 16, 2013 The Conference Center at Bentley College 175 Forest Street, LaCava 300 Waltham, MA 02452

Consortium for School Networking | 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 1010, Washington DC 20005 Phone: 202-861-2676 | Fax: 202-393-2011 | [email protected] | www.cosn.org

MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION (METAA)   

METAA is the professional organization for K-12 leaders of educational technology in Massachusetts, and became a CoSN state chapter in 2008.

 Our mission is to unite Massachusetts K-12 educational technology administrators into one professional association for the purpose of advocating for and supporting the vision, policies, practices, and funding for historical, current, and cutting-edge technology within all aspects of teaching, learning, and professional productivity.

 The METAA board meets regularly and serves as both an independent, incorporated non-profit organization and the Massachusetts CoSN chapter. All Technology Coordinators, Technology Directors, Chief Information Officers, Management Information Systems Officers, Assistant Superintendents for Technology, and other leaders of school technology programs are encouraged to join us.

Gail Callahan

President Director of Technology Public Schools of Northborough & Southborough

Vice President Director of Technology, PreK-12 Duxbury Public Schools  

Treasurer Director of Technology Monson Public Schools

Secretary Director of Information Technology Notre Dame Academy

Jean Tower Ted Dubsky Mike Minihane

Theresa Jay 2013 CTO Clinic Co- Chair Director of Technology Thayer Academy

Bill Milot 2013 CTO Clinic Co- Chair Director, Educational Technology Diocese of Fall River, MA

Board Members

Tom Barnes | Eric Bouvier | Loretta Cannistraci

Jason Epstein | Monty Hitschler | Kathy Martin

James Panopoulos | Annamaria Schrimpf | Lynn Wiegel

METAA Board Officers

CONNECT WITH METAA ONLINE                                        

            WWW.TECHDIRECTORS.ORG 

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  http://twitter.com/TechDirectors         http://bit.ly/METAA-FB  http://bit.ly/METAA-LI

Email a board member:

Jean Tower: [email protected]         Loretta Cannistraci: [email protected]  Gail Callahan: [email protected]       Jason Epstein: [email protected]  Ted Dubsky: [email protected]       Monty Hitschler: [email protected]  Mike Minihane: [email protected]       Kathy Martin: [email protected]  Theresa Jay: [email protected]         James Panopoulos: [email protected]  Bill Milot: [email protected]         Annamaria Schrimpf: [email protected]  Tom Barnes: [email protected]       Lynn Wiegel: [email protected]  Eric Bouvier: [email protected]   

ABOUT COSN          

Organization Founded in 1992, the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is the premier professional association for school district technology leaders. CoSN is committed to providing the leadership, community and advocacy tools essential for the success of these leaders. CoSN is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

                  Meet Our CEO

Mission Empowering educational leaders to leverage technology to realize engaging learning environments.

Keith Krueger is CEO of CoSN, a U.S. nonprofit organization that serves as the voice of K-12 technology leaders, especially school

COSN TEAM  

WWW.COSN.ORG

district CTOs, who use technology strategically to improve teaching and learning. In 2008 he was selected by eSchool News as one of ten people who have had a profound impact on educational technology over the past decade.

Ask Dresden! Want to learn more about CoSN membership, or to join CoSN? Look for Dresden Farrand, our Director of Membership & Chapters, at the CTO clinic, or contact her after the event at [email protected].

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Keith Krueger, CEO Irene Spero, Chief Strategy Officer Dresden Farrand, Director of Membership & Chapters Marci Giang, Project Manager Ed Gloninger, Certification Manager Sarah Landers, Membership Coordinator Parvin Zahedivash, Staff Accountant

VISIT US ONLINE!  

  twitter.com/CoSN        linkedin.com/CoSN     flickr.com/photos/cosn      

  facebook.com/mycosn      youtube.com/user/CoSNweb    pinterest.com/mycosn 

UPCOMING COSN EVENTS        

 Contact METAA Board President Jean Tower to learn more about networking opportunities in your state.

 [email protected] 

   Teaming for Transformation II:

ADDITIONAL CTO CLINICS  

June 19-20, 2013 | Texas The Commons Conference Center Austin, TX

WWW.COSN.ORG/EVENTS

Leading Digital Conversion for Student Learning

Your district leadership team is invited to join Teaming for Transformation II, an exclusive network of districts who are working to improve student- centered learning in a digitally rich learning environment. This program is the continuation of last year’s highly successful Teaming for Transformation initiative.

This unique opportunity includes:

• A private space for participating cohorts on Epic-Ed, an online community of practice.

• Networking with other district leadership teams focused on infusing digital resources and tools into the teaching and learning process.

• A two-day site visit to Katy, TX— one of the premier districts leading this effort.

This opportunity is produced in partnership with CoSN, AASA, Katy ISD, Huntsville City School District, Epic-Ed, Empowering the 21st Century Superintendent (a CoSN Initiative), and the Friday Institute. Sponsorship support provided by Pearson, Follett Library Resources, and Presidio. Apply now! Applications will be accepted until May 30, 2013. http://www.cosn.org/CoP/TeamingforTransformationII/tabid/14483/Default.aspx

Produced by CoSN and the Texas K‐12 CTO Council  June 27, 2013 | Florida Leon County Civic Center Tallahassee, FL Produced by CoSN and the CoSN Council of Florida

July 18-19, 2013 | Missouri Graphic Arts Conference Center St. Louis, MO Produced by CoSN and Missouri Educational Technology Leaders (METL)

OTHER EVENTS  

October 1-2, 2012 | Teaming for Transformation Site Visit to Mooresville Graded School District Mooresville, NC

Featuring Chris Dede, Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies, Graduate School of Education Harvard University

 The COSN 2013 Annual Conference March 11-13, 2013 Sheraton San Diego San Diego, CA

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May 21, 2013 | Webinar: Horizon Report K-12 Free for CoSN members! June 20, 2013 | CETL Test Administration Austin, TX June 24, 2013 | CTO Forum At ISTE Annual Conference San Antonio, TX October 7-8, 2013 | Teaming for Transformation II Site Visit Katy ISD Katy, TX March 19-21, 2014 | CoSN Annual Conference 2014 Washington, DC Mark your calendars now!

  Take the CETL Exam!

To take the CETL exam, the candidates must have demonstrated experience in the education technology field and pass a comprehensive two-part examination based on the 10 skill areas in CoSN's Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO. Once the CETL designation is earned, the ed tech professional must complete 60 hours of professional development activities every three years to maintain the designation.

Learn More To learn more about the CETL certification and CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills, visit www.cosn.org/certification.

 WWW.COSN.ORG/CERTIFICATION

 The Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO is comprised of three primary professional categories in the education technology field. Each of these categories includes 10 specific skill areas, outlining the responsibilities and knowledge needed to be a successful educational technology leader.

• Leadership & Vision • Strategic Planning • Ethics & Policies • Instructional Focus &

Professional Development

• Team Building & Staffing • Stakeholder Focus • Information Technology

Management • Communication Systems

Management • Business Management • Data Management

The Core Values & Skills of the Framework extend through all 10 skill areas and are practiced by effective CTOs. They represent the critical personal skills and behaviors necessary for accomplishing all of the other competencies identified in the Framework.

Anytime, Anywhere! Now you can take the CETL exam anytime, anywhere. If our pre-scheduled test locations don’t work for you, just let us know and we’ll help you set up your test. All you need is a proctor!  

Ask Ed! Want to learn more about the CETL Certification? Just ask Ed Gloninger, CoSN’s Certification Manager: [email protected].

Want to learn more about the CETL Certification? Just ask Ed Gloninger, CoSN’s Certification Manager: [email protected].

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HOW IS THE FRAMEWORK INCORPORATED

INTO THE CLINIC?        

The Framework of Essential Skills is fully incorporated into the program content for the Massachusetts Clinic. The skill areas below are accompanied by a program code that will help you find sessions as they relate to the Framework.

 FRAMEWORK PROGRAM GUIDE

Leadership & Vision (LV)

Strategic Planning (SP)

Ethics & Policies (EP)

Instructional Focus & Professional Development (IPD)

Team Building & Staffing (TM)

Stakeholder Focus (SF)

Information Technology Management (IT)

Communication Systems Management (CS)

Business Management (BM)

Data Management (DM)   

CoSN’s Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) Certification Program is based on this framework. All of our professional development activities align to it and are designed to assist you in your own professional advancement and in preparing to sit for the exam.

 Please refer to the key above to help you choose breakout sessions that will be most useful to you.

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AGENDA     

 FRAMEWORK CODE GUIDE FOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS

 Leadership

& Vision

 Strategic Planning

 Ethics & Policies

Instructional Focus &

Professional Development

Team Building & Staffing

Stakeholder Focus

Information Technology

Management

Communication Systems

Management

 Business

Management Data

Management

LV SP EP IPD TM SF IT CS BM DM   

THURSDAY MAY 16, 2013  

7:30 - 8:15 AM Registration Registration & Continental Breakfast Vendor Hall Open: See Table-Top Sponsor Exhibits

  LaCava Builiding

Executive Dining Hall

 8:30 - 8:45 AM Welcome LaCava Building

Executive Dining Hall Jean Tower, President METAA

Director of Technology Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough

Chair, Board of Directors Consortium for School Networking

8:45-9:45 AM Opening Keynote LaCava Building Executive Dining Hall

Bill Rust, Research Director, Gartner Research “What is School…Really?” 

Bill's keynote address, "What is School...Really?" will analyze the impact of educational technology on learning. Technology has disrupted education and challenged the way that schools are organized to deliver instruction, but that disruption provides a critical opportunity for schools to reform themselves. Understanding the implications of the effect of technology on learning in the 21st century is essential if schools-- and education leaders-- are to remain relevant.

10:00-11:30 AM Clinic 1 

LV & IPD Session A: Blended Learning (Facilitated Round Tables) Room 375A

Learn from your colleagues who have already implemented blended learning. Educators need support in bridging the gap from traditional face-to-face teaching to using digital resources to extend teaching and learning beyond the school walls and the school day. As leaders, we need to explore new opportunities for blended learning such as the flipped classroom, online courses, and assessments. The focus is on ideas for blended learning that utilize effective technology + team-based projects to engage and inspire students. Facilitators:

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Eric Braun, Adjunct Faculty, Quincy College & Co-founder, 30Hands Learning Mark Burkholz, Director of Technology, Lawrence Academy Loretta Cannistraci, Director of Technology, Salem Public Schools Elizabeth Lewis, Technology Director, Westport Community Schools

  SP & IT        Session B: The New Face of Security (Facilitated Round Tables) Room 325C

In today’s schools, security is part of the technology ecosystem. As a result, many schools have to make changes to the network infrastructure. What are some options for school security available today? How do you choose systems that are manageable, sustainable, and renewable? Facilitators:

Tom Barnes, District Technology Director, Palmer Public Schools Ted Dubsky, Director of Technology, Monson Public Schools Tanya Finegold, Technology Coordinator, Mount Alvernia High School Monty Hitschler, Director of IS and Technologies, Rockport Town and Schools

SP & BM       Session C: 21st Century Learning Spaces (Facilitated Round Tables) Room 375B

As a leader, how do you craft a vision for designing effective learning spaces? Anyone facing renovation or new construction needs to assess how the space supports learning outcomes. A digitally enhanced pedagogy is the driving factor to transform industrial classrooms into innovative learning spaces. Roundtable facilitators will discuss learning space initiatives they are leading. We’ll provide an opportunity for you to share your ideas & plans for your schools.

Facilitators:

Leo Brehm, Director of IT Services, Newton Public Schools Theresa Jay, Director of Technology, Thayer Academy John Marcus, Director of Technology, Sharon Public Schools

LV & IPD       Session D: The 1:1 Initiative—Technical and Academic Status—Year One Room 325A

                  (Presentation Style Session)

This workshop will skip through our 1:1 iPad Initiative and pause at the “teachers’ instructional needs” step. We had problems to solve and dilemmas to manage, and really needed to hone in on teachers’ instructional needs and qualify our students learning outcomes. Rather than a focus on APPs, we concentrated on teacher collaboration around utilizing these devices to help students make their thinking visible. In this session we will discuss the revised Bloom’s taxonomy with web 2.0 and APPs, digital portfolios, digital footprints, rubric development, and digital resources.

 Presenter:   Jean Marston, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Cardinal Spellman High School 

  IT & IPD        Session E: To the Cloud: the Ongoing Successes and Challenges of a District Room 325B  (Presentation Style Session)

If you’ve transitioned, or are considering transitioning, some of your district’s services to “the cloud,” this

session will share with you with some successes, challenges and “lessons learned” from the perspective

of one small Rhode Island public school district. The Burrillville School Department has been utilizing

Google Apps for Education for communication and collaboration for the past three years. In that time, the

district has developed some best practices, discovered a number of unforeseen benefits, and dealt with

some downsides of depending on a cloud service. Group discussions and activities will allow participants

of this session to ask questions and share their own experiences about moving to the cloud.

Presenter:

Paul Barrette, Director of Technology, Burrillville School Department

IPD & DM        Session F: Data Inspired Education (Presentation Style Session) Room 335

Today, schools have the capacity to utilize data to make more informed decisions about how to educate

each child. Because the Carroll School serves a population of children with language based learning

disabilities, it is crucial that teachers understand what their students most need, how to deliver

interventions, and how to assess the effectiveness of instruction. Technological resources greatly

improve our ability to harness data to inspire effective education.

Presenter:

Steve Wilkins, Head of School, Carroll School

11:35-12:10 PM Table Top Sponsor Exhibits Open LaCava Building Executive Dining Hall 12:15-12:45 PM Lunch LaCava Building Executive Dining Hall 12:45-1:45 PM Lunch Keynotes: TELx: Technology Education Leadership LaCava Building Executive Dining Hall The lunchtime keynote speakers will follow a TEDx-like, fast-paced format that we are calling TELx! Welcome & Introductions Theresa Jay Director of Technology, Thayer Academy METAA & CoSN CTO Clinic 2013 co-chair Speakers: Patrick Larkin Assistant Superintendent, Burlington Public Schools

Patrick is the newly appointed assistant superintendent for learning for Burlington Public Schools. Prior to this, he served 15 years as a building administrator at the high school level first as an assistant principal (during which time he was named Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Massachusetts) and then as principal. He was recently selected as one of three national Digital Principal Award winners by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and featured in an article in T.H.E. Journal titled 7 Habits of Highly Effective Tech-Leading Principals. Larkin’s school has recently made the transition to a one-to-one environment after distributing over 1,000 iPads to staff and students. Larkin is one of the founders of the Connected Principals Blog and #cpchat on Twitter; one of the authors of the Super Book of Web Tools for Educators; an avid blogger; and a proponent of social media to better engage teachers, students, and parents in the education process. Prior to serving as a school administrator, Larkin was a high school English teacher. He also is a former Executive Board member in the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Administrators Association (MSSAA) and recently completed a two-year term as a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Public Secondary Schools (NEASC).

Brian Lukoff Program Director for Learning Catalytics

Peer instruction and other interactive teaching methods have been shown to dramatically improve conceptual understanding. While no technology is necessary to take advantage of these teaching methods, technology can enable the instructor to better understand student understanding, prompt students to engage in deeper thinking, and facilitate more productive student discussions in the classroom. Brian will use Learning Catalytics as an example of a platform for interactive teaching which allows students to use web-enabled devices to engage in risk, authentic learning.

Edwin Guarin Academic Technical Evangelist, Microsoft

Edwin's address, "The Future of Productivity and its Impact on Technology Educators," will ask: In 5-10 years, how will people get things done at work, at home, and on the go? How does technology help them make better use of their time, focus their attention, and strengthen their relationships? One of the best ways to get people thinking about the future is to show them what it could look like. Get a glimpse of the future of productivity, and explore the stories and technology in more detail, at our CTO Clinic.

1:50-2:20 PM Vendor Sessions

Barnes & Noble: NOOK in Education: Discover the Content, Solutions, and Service to

Meet your Education Goals through Technology. Room 375A

The evolving world of education and technology now includes the additional challenge of meeting core

curriculum standards, the challenges of one-to-one computing, bring your own technology, and managing

content across multiple platforms. Educators, Administrators and IT Directors are trying to find balance in

this evolving world where they are expected meet specific educational standards while providing access to

secure mobile technology for their students 24/7. Learn how Barnes & Noble Booksellers, a longtime

partner in public school education, can assist you with meeting your technology and educational goals by

providing the content necessary to meet core curriculum standards, the solutions you need for an

affordable mobile device, and the service necessary for managing this complex world.

Presenters:

Linda Germain , National Business Development Manager, Barnes & Noble Booksellers Tracy Stewart , National Business Development Manager, Barnes & Noble Booksellers Barbara Marshall, District Manager, Barnes & Noble Booksellers

iboss Security: Expanding Mobile Devices in Education: BYOD, Mobile On and Off Premise,

Reporting and Intelligent Bandwidth Management Room 325A

With more and more school districts deploying 1:1 initiatives and BYOD policies, network resources are

being consumed quickly and mission critical services are being affected. Find out how iboss provides

granular, real time reporting to help you respond quickly.

Presenter:

Ross Young, Solutions Ambassador, iboss security

Lightspeed Systems Inc: Mobile Devices, Meet Your New Manager Room 325B

Mobile devices are changing education. So now we're changing the way you manage them. Find out how

you can say goodbye to the frustrations of trying to manage district mobile devices with a solution created

for enterprises. The new Mobile Device Management solution from Lightspeed Systems was made just for

schools, and has a simple, easy-to-use interface, hierarchical policies, centralized management, and

more. Join us to discuss district mobile device deployments; to see the new solution; and to join a lively

Q&A.

Presenter:

Allie Frazier, Lightspeed Systems, Inc.

Microsoft Room 335

Education is more than students sitting in a classroom. The expansion in Internet connectivity and the use

of mobile devices has transformed learning and schools. The right technology is essential to support

today’s challenging learning environment. Microsoft’s teaching and e-learning solutions give students and

staff the tools they need to create high-quality, multimedia content; communicate and work together

virtually anywhere on any device; deliver, access and manage online courses and content; and develop

critical technology and professionals skills. Learn how Microsoft solutions for teaching and e-learning with

products like Windows 8, Office 365, Lync, and SharePoint are fueling innovation and the future of

learning.

2:25-4:00 PM Clinic 2 

IPD & LV        Session A: Nurturing STEM Partnerships (Facilitated Round Tables) Room 375B

As a leader, do you want to improve interest in education with STEM initiatives? These discussions will cover speaking to leadership, cross-curricular partnerships, and how to make expert connections. Facilitators will showcase their STEM projects and answer the question: how do we start nurturing these projects and partnerships? Advice from experts is sometimes conflicting. Facilitators:

Stephanie Cheong, Director of Technology, Plainville Public Schools Jason Epstein, CIO, Worcester Academy Corrine McKamey, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, Rhode Island College

LV & SP       Session B: Leadership for One to One (Facilitated Round Tables) Room 325C

Are you in the game or on the sidelines? Hear from colleagues about the 1 to 1 programs they are leading

in their schools. What are the successes & what keeps them up at night? What are their approaches to

delivery, management & support of devices? Is it BYOD, or school provided devices? Do you go with a

single device vs. multiple device solution? How do you design an effective professional development

program to support 1 to 1 initiatives?

Facilitators:

Cherie Gilmore, Coordinator of Technology, Coyle and Cassidy High School

Linda St. Laurent, Technology Specialist, Bishop Stang High School

Leisha Simon, Director of Technology, Wayland Public Schools

Michael Williams, Director of Technology, Dexter Southfield

IPD & LV  Session C: Blended Learning: What is it and How Do We Support Educators in Room 375A

the Transition to Digital Learning? (Presentation Style Session)

Blended learning has created a huge buzz but do we really know what it is or how to implement it effectively? What are the various components and models, and how do they relate to my school or district goals? How do we help our teachers transition to blended and digital learning? What is the role of professional development and how can online professional development support teachers? How does blended learning relate to Common Core implementation? This interactive session will address these and other questions about blended and online learning as participants share their ideas, questions and plans for the digital learning transition.

Presenter:

Barbara Treacy, Managing Project Director, Education Development Center, Inc.

SP & IPD       Session D: Collaborative Explorations (Presentation Style Session) Room 325B

This session will provide an introduction through a rapid activity to Collaborative Explorations (CEs), which

are an extension of Problem- or Project-Based Learning (PBL) and related approaches to education in

which participants address a scenario or case in which the problems are not well defined, shaping their

own directions of inquiry and developing their skills as investigators and prospective teachers (in the

broadest sense of the word). The basic mode of a CE centers on interactions in small groups, designed to

sustain the face-to-face PBL experience of re-engagement with oneself as an avid learner and inquirer. At

the same time, these groups can be embedded in a connectivist MOOC so that the inquiries can be

informed by a wider community that develops around the specific CE or CEs more generally.

Presenter:

Peter Taylor, Professor, University of Massachusetts at Boston

IPD & TM        Session E: Empowering the Willing: How do we Encourage Innovative Educators

To Innovate? (Presentation Style Session) Room 325A

Educators are learning new ways to find the information and training they need on their own through

EdCamps, Twitter, and MOOCs, but how can administrators, districts and leaders encourage and

empower more teachers to try new things and take risks with students in classrooms? In Rhode Island

the Highlander Institute has started several educator groups with the sole purpose of encouraging

educator innovation, tinkering, and experimentation. Come learn more about the EdUnderground,

EdtechRI Meetups and the Rhode Island Beta District. There are many wild horses testing and trying

new things within edtech, but how can we better shepherd these wild horse into more intentional and

powerful wild herds.

Presenter:

Shawn Rubin, Highlander Institute

IPD        Session F: Best Practices in Professional Development

(Presentation Style Session) Room 335

In this session Tom will share best practices for sustained and effective professional development that engages and supports teachers. Tom challenges us, as leaders, to think beyond the device and address the challenge of redefining learning. He will also walk participants through the EdTechTeacher philosophy of challenge-based professional development.

Presenter: Tom Daccord, EdTechTeacher

4:00-4:45 PM Table Top Sponsor Exhibits LaCava Building Executive Dining Hall

SPONSORS: TIER I  

Barnes & Noble Booksellers is the leading retailer of content, digital media, and educational products. The company operates 689 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s largest e-commerce sites. Its NOOK Media LLC subsidiary is a leader in the emerging digital reading and digital education markets. The NOOK digital business offers award-winning NOOK® products and an expansive collection of digital reading and educational content. Barnes & Noble is committed to assisting schools to meet their goals and showing how NOOK is helping educators and students in today’s 21st Century Classroom.

   www.bn.com

iboss Security is an industry leader in Network Security, Bandwidth Management, Compliance based Mobile Device Management (C/MDM) and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Management. The iboss Secure Web Gateway line provides Scalable Internet access and application control, bandwidth management, and dynamic user based reporting and analytics. Our intelligent bandwidth shaping tools are all about efficiency of design. We provide compliance management products to identify, manage, and secure access of the network for all users, on or off network while retaining granular controls providing the flexible access needed. Attend a webinar through iboss University, request an evaluation. Learn more by calling 877-742-6832.

    www.iboss.com

Lightspeed Systems Inc., founded in 1999, develops comprehensive network security and management solutions for the education market. Education needs the technology revolution that has transformed every other industry. How do we get there? By engaging students in meaningful projects, by creating learning communities, by extending learning beyond the class walls and school bells, and by making sure that schools are empowered to safely and easily use transformative technologies. That’s where we come in… Lightspeed Systems partners with schools to make learning safe, mobile and collaborative. We’ve helped thousands of schools around the world protect and engage more than 10 million students. Our integrated solutions for mobile learning, content filtering, and learning management create inspired teachers, engaged learners, involved parents, and confident IT teams. Lightspeed Systems + Your School. Together we do amazing things.  

   www.lightspeedsystems.com

Education is more than students sitting in a classroom. The expansion in Internet connectivity and the use of mobile devices has transformed learning and schools. The right technology is essential to support today’s challenging learning environment. Microsoft’s teaching and e-learning solutions give students and staff the tools they need to create high-quality, multimedia content; communicate and work together virtually anywhere on any device; deliver, access and manage online courses and content; and develop critical technology and professionals skills. Learn how Microsoft solutions for teaching and e-learning with products like Windows 8, Office 365, Lync, and SharePoint are fueling innovation and the future of learning.

   www.microsoft.com/education

 SPONSORS: TIER II

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Adobe K-12 Education academic and administrative solutions can help schools educate students in a wide variety of subjects and prepare them for future academic and career success. Adobe’s solutions are uniquely positioned to open new avenues for engaged student learning and achievement.

Career and technical education: Help students develop the workforce skills and industry-standard software proficiency they need to succeed in higher education or on the job.

Cross-curricular education: Integrate technology across the curriculum to improve learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and 21st century skills.

Collaboration and administration: Deploy online professional development and enable richer, more interactive distributed learning experiences. Improve administrative processes, facilitate collaboration, and save valuable resources.

   www.adobe.com

ADTECH Systems is New England’s leading full-service, audio-visual systems integration company. Our experience level is among the highest in the industry. Since 1988, we’ve provided integrated audio- visual solutions to K-12 and higher education clients throughout New England. ADTECH Systems is a one-stop shop for audio- visual systems, sales, engineering, installation, programming, repairs, rental and event staging. We eliminate concerns over product obsolescence or complexity of use. ADTECH listens to our customers’ needs, provides state-of-the-art technology to satisfy those needs at affordable prices, and supports the systems we install over the long-term with a dedicated and seasoned AV support team.

    www.adtechsystems.com

As an industry-leading technology solutions provider, AdvizeX Technologies combines the technical expertise of our highly skilled consultants, engineers, and information architects with solutions from the industry’s top technology partners. Our experts are cross-trained in each of the eight critical domains affecting the virtual data center: cloud, virtualization, platforms, networking, storage, applications, security, backup and recovery, and business continuity. The comprehensive AdvizeX approach includes assessment, planning, implementation, and post-program support, and utilizes the proprietary tool—the AdvizeX Advizor™—to assess the current state of our client’s IT infrastructure and make vendor-agnostic recommendations to solve the most critical IT problems.

   www.advizex.com

Founded in 1988, AKUITY Technologies is a trusted Advisor and Technology Partner to organizations all over New England. AKUITY delivers complete technology solutions to businesses, municipalities, healthcare, educational institutions and non-profit organizations. AKUITY delivers a full scope of IT products and services including storage and virtualization, managed and help desk services, Voice over IP, procurement and more. Our services enable organizations to stay competitive by focusing on their core business as we deliver dependable IT infrastructures that are optimized to meet their needs. Ambient Inc., has been providing schools throughout New England with quality classroom technology solutions that help address student engagement, classroom management, and give students experience with technology that will help them to compete globally. Let Ambient be your partner in creating 21st century learning environments. We design, install, service, and train on a wide variety of educational technologies. We sell SMART Solutions and many other brands like Epson, Crestron, Polycom and NEC. With over two decades of experience, Ambient is a regional leader in the audiovisual industry capable of providing our clients with educational solutions, videoconferencing, event design and production.

  www.akuity.com www.ambientsound.com

CDW-G, the public sector subsidiary of CDW, is a leading provider of technology solutions to K-12 schools. Dedicated account managers help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company’s solution architects offer expertise designing customized solutions, while our advanced technology engineers assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include software, network communications, notebooks/mobile devices, data storage, video monitors, desktops and printers and solutions such as virtualization, collaboration, security, mobility, data center optimization and cloud computing. For information call 800.808.4239 or visit CDWG.com.

   www.cdwg.com

CDI has been in business since 1981 and our entire focus is to help schools in North America afford the technology they need to prepare students in a modern environment, while cutting budgets and providing superior service. We do this by providing brand name, recertified equipment that is half the price of new while giving comprehensive and easy warranties that take the uncertainty out of purchasing used. CDI now offers “Openbox” equipment complete in original manufacture packaging and warranties, recertified server and storage solutions and a full suite of software tools designed to make the job of administering complex classroom networks easier.

    www.cdicomputers.com

Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. It provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in-person. Eligible families must have at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, including public, parochial, private, and homeschool students. In just 16 months, Internet Essentials has connected more than 150,000 low-income families, or 600,000 Americans, to the power of the Internet.

   www.internetessentials.com

GovConnection, a wholly owned subsidiary of PC Connection, serves the specialized technology needs of the public sector—including government agencies, K–12 schools, colleges, and universities. GovConnection’s Account Management team is supported by certified technical engineers, technology support specialists, and software licensing specialists. They can help with the assessment, planning, design, and implementation of any IT project.

  www.govconnection.com

HUB Technical Services, LLC. has been in business for more than twenty years and is a MA state approved ITS43 IT service and solution provider and ITC47 state contractor based in South Easton, Massachusetts. HUB offers highly skilled IT services on 4 levels; Hardware solutions, Software solutions, Service & Support and Managed Services. Our mission statement is to “Manage your technology with one point of contact”©. In doing so we are aligned with the best of breed hardware and software manufacturers such as HP, Cisco, VMware, Citrix, Microsoft, SonicWALL and Barracuda. HUB Tech is an award winning HP Elite Partner and has been an HP/Compaq authorized service provider since 1994. HUB Tech provides End2End Virtualization, network analysis, wireless design, storage solutions and server migrations. We are determined to make every customer a lifelong client while supporting your network infrastructure and Enterprise computing environment. One Company, One Call…HUB Tech has proven experience supporting hundreds of K-12 school districts throughout New England. Led by its highly skilled management team and staffed by a certified and trained sales and technical team; we provide IT support services for projects, ongoing maintenance or to supplement your staff. Our team of trained and certified engineers and technicians is available around the clock. Our continuing education program ensures our engineers are ready and able to deliver our solutions today.

www.hubtechnical.com   

Since our founding in 2003, Kajeet® has been focused on providing technology solutions for kids and everyone who cares about them. In addition to our core consumer offering (smartphones for kids) Kajeet recently introduced SmartSpot™, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot that helps schools close the digital divide. SmartSpot™ provides safe, filtered Internet access, an easy-to-use management interface, and a simple pricing plan designed to fit the tight budgets of schools. This affordable solution for schools provides all students with the ability to complete their online assignments and continue learning outside the classroom.

   www.kajeet.com

Meraki is the recognized market leader in Cloud Networking technology. The company has over 20,000 customers with K-12 being the #1 vertical. The reason is because Meraki enables customers to manage their wireless AP’s, Security Appliances, Switches & mobile devices up in the Meraki Cloud making things much easier to manage and much less expensive to run. Add to that the companies unique built-in Layer 7 application awareness that allows administrators to not only know where their users are going, but also gives them the ability to do something about it and you have yet another reason why so many K-12’s leverage this technology. So whether you are thinking about BYOD, updating a Guest Network, refreshing AP’s, switches or security appliances, Meraki is a great fit.

   www.meraki.com

Steelcase Education Solutions brings the very best in furniture, tools and technology together to meet the needs of students and educators everywhere. Our insight-led solutions, offer the best in technology, furniture and tools for learning spaces to enhance pedagogy. Our suite of products enables active learning among students first entering the classroom to those working on graduate degrees, in a way that no other global company can. At Steelcase, we are using our experiences from the past 100 years to prepare for the next generation and helping to create great work and learning experiences for students, educators and the community.

www.steelcase.com/ educationsolutions

Teq is an innovative learning company, dedicated to championing the evolution of the modern classroom. Since 1972, we have provided the education community with solutions to improve student learning and support sustainable change. We pride ourselves in our variety of services and our accomplished staff that includes nearly 40 certified education professionals. Our professional development model empowers educators, improves technology integration, and increases student achievement. Teq provides clients with a unique blend of experienced service, innovative products, and incomparable support, while fostering passion and creativity in the twenty-first century learning environment.

www.teq.com

Founded in 1979 by and for Educators, Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) is an exceptional technology sales and service organization that partners with educational institutions to reduce their costs and enrich the student, faculty and staff’s learning environment while enhancing student performance through technology. We accomplish this by providing unbiased presales consultation, exceptional pricing, outstanding deployment and maintenance services from a local company that cares. WCA has been a leader in the IT industry for over thirty years, is ranked in the largest one percent of all solution Providers in North America and has been recognized for providing World Class service by all of the leading computer manufacturers.

   www.wca.com

30hands Learning is changing the future of education through collaborative, social and student-centric learning. With the combination of structured classroom content and ad-hoc social media, this is truly a blended platform. 30Hands makes teachers' lives easier with intuitive course planning + organization of multimedia content. Designing a course once and storing all relevant content in one spot makes it easy to publish to the students and to reuse materials. Interactive assignments, groups and student creation tools give teachers multiple ways to engage students and provide fast feedback. 30Hands engages students with social media interaction of course materials & creative expression through blogging, video, presentations and conversations. Teachers coach students to have a voice in the blended and flipped classes. Students feel more connected to their teachers and peers by interacting online and in the classroom. 30hands Cloud is a platform for online and blended learning that merges personalized, structured content with social media and student publishing for better, student-centric learning. 30hands Mobile is a fun storytelling app that allows students, teachers and anyone with creativity to easily create stories or presentations based on photos, images or slides using a smartphone or tablet. Final videos can be published to a 30hands Cloud site or to your camera roll for easy sharing.

     www.30hands.com

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