Spotlight Presentations

Shahron Williams van Rooij, Ph.D., C.D.E.P.
Director, Product Marketing
Datatel, Inc.

Monday, March 22
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Evidence-based Claims of Classroom Effectiveness: Action Research Gets New Respect
Collaborative and cooperative learning facilitated by the Internet, video-conferencing, telelearning or other forms of electronic linkage all provide us with a multi-dimensional environment that serves both the degree-seeking learner and the lifelong learner building a professional skill set. With external and internal stakeholders clamoring for data about the effectiveness of teaching and learning at all levels - course, program, department, institution - there is an opportunity for faculty to demonstrate "real world" data on what does and does not work in instruction.

This presentation will focus on the growing importance of Action Research as one means to that end. In contrast with theoretical research, Action Research is conducted by and for classroom practitioners and other stakeholders to identify the needs, assess the development processes, and evaluate the outcomes of the changes they define, design, and implement. The self-evaluation aspect of action research is congruent with the philosophies contained in the Total Quality Education and Outcomes Based Education movements currently being advanced by numerous states and districts throughout the nation. At the end of this session, attendees will be motivated to think about how they can document and test classroom practices to demonstrate effective teaching and learning and share their successes and teaching best practices.

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Anita Dosaj
Director, InfoSavvy Group

Tuesday, March 23
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Digital Kids: Learning in the New Digital Landscape
This presentation examines the new digital landscape and the profound implications that it holds for the future of learning. What does the latest research tell us about how the "Instant Messenger Generation's" brains are being re-wired? How will the new digital landscape affect the what, where, when and how of learning? What will it mean to be educated in the light of modern, changed world?

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John Kuglin
Vice President, Education & Training Programs
ComChoice, Inc.

Wednesday, March 24
11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

The New Digital Age: Realizing the Potential for Education
Technology is continuing to advance at unprecedented rates. What was once thought of as impossible or even as science fiction is quickly becoming a reality. How can you keep pace with such rapid change? The answer lies within the ability to recognize and link emerging and evolving technologies. This linkage allows you to form greater insights toward finding technological solutions. This presentation will serve as a ‘Technology Tour’ and will start at the 40,000 foot level to develop a greater understanding for the possibilities. It will focus on the advancements of several technology innovations not normally found in the field of education. Many of these tools represent products achieved through years of research in various sectors of our society including Hollywood which is currently directing the DVD phenomenon sweeping the country. Couple these exciting technology innovations with NASA’s current Earth science missions, and you have a truly remarkable learning environment that can facilitate a new educational vision.

In addition, this presentation will focus on developing a plan to harness the power of digital media. This plan or strategy will allow both administrators and teachers to enhance their effectiveness as a leader and communicator. The concepts described in this presentation will challenge the participants to develop a personal digital space and populate it with pertinent information and services. Through progressive steps, you will start to become smart consumers of information on the World Wide Web, and quickly move to the more advanced stages of producing information on the web in a cost effective and efficient process. In the end, this presentation will motivate you to develop a digital strategy and evolve your teaching skills regardless of the grade or subject you teach to the next level.