Lunch Sessions
Get Your Lunch and Come Join Us! Each day between 12:30 and 1:00 there will be two areas in the Courtyard: the Greenhouse part of the restaurant (which opens into the Courtyard) and the red gazebo (across from TENCorp’s demo room, next to the pool). There will be signs to mark the spots.

Greenhouse
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Collaborations in IT Fluency (Lunch Discussion)
Charles G. Schiller, DYS IT Coordinator, Hampshire Education Collaborative
Isa Kaftal Zimmerman, EdD, Senior Fellow, the PK-16 STEM Initiative, UMass Donahue Institute and Acadamic Affairs
Matt Mervis, Wireless Learning Project Consultant, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Paul Facteau, Technology Director, Gateway Regional School District
What does an IT Fluent Massachusetts mean? What initiatives are active and what groups are currently working toward this goal? Come meet some of the leaders involved in these statewide initiatives and projects. Find out how you can get involved in what they are doing and what the future plans and impact might be.

Red Gazeebo
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Aspiring Tech Leaders (Lunch Group)
Michael Whittier, Social Science Teacher/Technology Facilitator, Sutton Memorial High School
So you want to be a technology leader? Then please join other aspiring technology leaders and experienced technology leaders to discuss the challenges for the future of technology leadership and how we can all be best prepared to work through these challenges. This session is a kick-off event for a new Aspiring Technology Leaders SIG. This session is designed as a kick-off event for a new MassCUE SIG for Aspiring Technology Leaders. The purpose of the session is to bring together instructional technology specialists, classroom teachers, library media specialists and others who are interested in seeking technology leadership positions with experienced technology coordinators and directors to discuss the promise and challenges of such a goal. The session will engage participants from both sides to discuss their ideas and visions for technology leadership over the next decade and how aspiring technology leaders can best prepare for such challenges. The information and vision derived from the session will provide the momentum and focus necessary to launch a new SIG for those prospective technology leaders. The expected outcome will be 1) to engage participants in a meaningful and frank discussion about the field of educational technology leadership, 2) a list of potential members for the new SIG and 3) a list of questions, concerns and topics from which to shape the next year or two of SIG meetings.

Greenhouse
Thursday, November 16, 2006
New England Assistive Tech Interest Group (Lunch Discussion)
Madalaine Pugliese, Assistive Technology Program Director, Simmons College
Assistive technology and Universal Classroom Design are essential considerations for a successful differentiated classroom. As specialists in these areas are beginning to emerge on all school levels throughout New England, it is critical that such professionals share ideas, resources and strategies in order to become more powerful in our work. Rich resources exist on a national level for assistive technology services delivery planning. However, local policy leaves many wishing for a more organized effort. A listserv of educators and therapists was organized via Simmons College around the theme of assistive technology. Last spring the group from throughout New England met for the first time, discussing ways to support each other in our efforts. This group is being formed in an effort to help professionals who provide these services throughout New England to find each other, organize a mutually helpful support group for ourselves, and help each other craft our vision for ways assistive technology can facilitate the goal of universal classroom success. Join the group to plan ahead for 4 quarterly meetings, topics to pursue, and places to meet.

Red Gazeebo
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Take Your Game to the Next Level with MassCUE! (Lunch Group)
Walter McKenzie, Vice-President, MassCUE
MassCUE is energized and moving educational technology forward across the state of Massachusetts. Its coordinated efforts include publications, professional development opportunities, advocacy for technology in instruction, coordination of efforts among professional organizations, and collaboration with other educational organizations across the region. In order to make each of these initiatives a success, MassCUE needs the active support of forward-thinking, energetic professionals who are willing to work at a variety of levels in support of its initiatives, from feature writers and editors to local leaders and trainers. You don't have to be on the board to contribute to the goals of our organization! Come explore the many possibilities for contributing your time and talents to Massachusetts educational technology. Not only will you assist MassCUE in achieving its goals, you'll grow personally and professionally in return!