On Thursday afternoon of the conference I sat in on the session by Lindsay McFillin titled “Grant Writing for Beginners! Opportunities and Tips”. Ms. McFillin lead a great and frank discussion of the world of grants. From the perspective of a grant award team member, Ms. McFillin gave us the realities of the grant decision process. Such as if you do not follow a simple requirement such as summary word count, you will likely be discarded in the first round. To more advanced tips such as sending notes of thanks even if you are not chosen.

For all those who missed the session, fear not her PowerPoint presentation can be found here. It is titled Grant Writing Seminar. This page also has other wonderfully free materials.

Here organization’s website, www.digitalwish.org, offers a 2 for 1 grant to add an Ultra Flip to their classroom.

Jeff Borden gave a great presentation on the rationale of why and how online learning can help students and teachers. His talk was not full of the often empty rhetoric about how “digital learners” are different from the rest of us. I’ve thought and written about this on my blog (MrPahs.com). Jeff said the learners haven’t changed–the way they and we learn has changed. I think the sooner we include everyone in the conversation about learners the better. No one benefits from creating a divide between so-called digital and non-digital learners. Another point that Jeff made was that students like technology because they like variety. We all like variety–young and old. Online learning can help address this deep need inside of all of us.

Another important way Jeff made for the case for online learning is that the technology can meet the many needs that teachers have everyday. As teachers, we want our students to write more, to think more, to create more. Online technology tools can help us achieve these goals. By using some very straight-forward tools effectively, we can get a lot of return for our investment. What really came through in Jeff’s talk was that he wasn’t just a “tech head” going off on the cool new tools. It was very clear that he uses these tools in actual classrooms. It’s great to hear from someone who has “the goods” and can help teach and inspire others.

Get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping with this year’s list of the 20 Hottest Toys. Perhaps you’re wondering why this would be news worthy for the T+L Conference blog. One of the toys on the list, Star Wars the Force Trainer, incorporates the technology that NeuroSky’s CEO Stanley Young will be discussing at T+L during his Luncheon Showcase address in Denver on Thursday, October 29th. If you want to stay one step ahead of the kids on your Christmas list – and understand the science and technology behind this new sensation -  you won’t want to miss his session. This cutting edge technology allows objects to be moved through concentration. The Technology Leadership Network anticipates this break-through is just be the tip of the iceberg of how such research can be applied to future education resources. Check out the video below and don’t forget to register in advance for this luncheon…space is limited.  In the meantime, you’ll sound like a really cool parent or grandparent!!

Are traditional, printed textbooks headed for extinction? There is a trend toward moving printed publications to digital mediums, but it’s not without controversy.  You might think that going digital may save you money, but the savings might not be as large as you think.   For one thing, online textbooks are not cheap, and when the initial cost of purchasing the technology to read them is factored in, the cost difference with print textbooks shrinks. And keep in mind that there is no single platform yet that is universally accepted for digital books. 

Nevertheless, digital textbooks are clearly an attractive option for many students and school districts with tight budgets. At the upcoming 2009 T+L Conference in Denver, October 28-30, there are a number of sessions planned that will examine the use of digital classroom materials. John Palfrey from Harvard Law School will take a look at how the Internet has fundamentally changed behavior related to information. Jefferson County Public Schools will present a session on how their school libraries have adapted to the digital age – combining valued aspects of the traditional library role such as customer service, research assistance, and literary acquisition with enhanced technology and 21st century skills. And Southeast Polk County in Iowa will share how their school libraries combine materials, services, and activities to meet the needs of their community–and make learning fun with the use of digital mediums.

For details on these, and other related sessions at the T+L Conference, take a look at NSBA’s own foray into digital publishing and view the T+L online conference brochure. 

How has your school district used online textbooks or digital course materials to save money or to engage students in the learning process?

Yes- a ringing cell phone is an unwelcome classroom disruption.  And a texting teen isn’t exactly getting the most out of the lesson plan. But does that mean that this prevalent piece of technology should stay on the black list of banned technology in the classroom?  Or can it be something more?

Elliot Soloway encourages school leaders to rethink the attitude towards mobile technology like cell phones.  Soloway, a University of Michigan education and computer science professor, argues that cell phones and other handheld devices can actually be used in the classroom to add an element of real world application to lessons and enhance instruction.  One of today’s most challenging conversations is how to reach a mobile generation.  And since today’s students undoubtedly are digital natives, why not make use of technology that is practically glued to their hands?

Come explore the argument first-hand in Denver this October.  Register now for T+L’s breakfast session with Elliot and his co-speaker Cathleen Norris- Educating the Mobile Generation- Go Mobile! Go Global!  Elliot will also be a featured speakers during the TEDxTLN Summit, an elite conversation that will re-inspire your definition of leadership in education.

Moving objects with your brain by concentrating? What most would consider the act of a Jedi Master is now commonly referred to by scientists as Brain Computer Technology (BCT). BCT sounds more like the stuff from the mind of George Lucas and less like a tool that can be used to increase student learning, gauge student retention of information, and increase student achievement. But the future is here!

We’ve long known the power of the brain but what if we move brain power to the next level. Stanley Yang, CEO of NeuroSky, Inc. will introduce that latest cutting edge technology, Brain Computer (BCI) Technology. Explore ways to stretch the brain’s ability to make learning happen. It can be a valuable tool for education and transform the world and education as we know it today. The possibilities for learning applications are just beginning to emerge and seem to be endless. Watch out BCT will be comming soon to a school near you!

BCI Technology has been in the medical field for a number of years, helping patients who suffer from debilitating diseases, such as Locked In Syndrome & Cerebral Palsy, to communicate with the world around them. Leveraging cutting edge science and engineering NeuroSky has created ThinkGear a cost effective, user friendly, technology that can be benefit a number of industries including education, toys, video games, health and wellness, etc. ThinkGear monitors the wearer’s brain waves, processes the analog information to digital signals and outputs them as commands to a device, such as computers or game consuls.

At T+L this October in Denver, the Technology Leadership Network has secured Stanley Yang to delivery a luncheon address to share the current applications of BCT and the future transformational possibilities for education. Visit the T+L website to learn more and register. Don’t miss out! Come discover the possibilities and cutting edge technologies that will transform the world as we know it.

Whether you are a fan of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hans Solo, or Luke Skywalker…may the force be with you as you experience BCT and get to test your Jedi technique at T+L!

The last of the blue conference bags have left the Seattle convention center, the busy chatter between workshop sessions has ended, and the long escalator rides mimicking the climb of a rollercoaster are in the past but the message, the inspiration, the connections, and the excitement remain. Paul Saffo opened the first general session by igniting a forest fire of excitement throughout the attendees. As it can best be summed up in the words of a woman I passed on the escalator, “it was just mind blowing. I mean, just amazing!” After starting T+L out with such a visionary and inspirational message it isn’t any wonder that the buzz and excitement grew exponentially for the next two days!

Presenter’s came from across the country from local Seattle to Canada, and with attendees from Australia to India and the majority from the US…. the flattening world of education technology continues to dissolve into one common mission, using technology to enhance learning environments for children. Key notes, featured speakers, and education leaders used white boards, Second Life, Moodle, Twitter, ipods, and one-to-one devices to bring their messages to life. NSBA’s very own Senior Staff Attorney, Tom Hutton, addressed common legal issues and tough uncharted questions of education and the technology that continues to transform the boundaries of the classroom. Leading school districts from around the country presented on web-based collaboration, open source, increasing student achievement, the new definition of 21st Century learning environments, their own pilot programs that have impacted their school districts, partnering with their communities and the importance of PR, professional development, assistive technology, writing and getting grants, and the list goes on and on.

The excitement, buzz, and collaboration that was occurring during sessions, between sessions, over lunches and dinners and at networking events was immeasurable. The experience is noteworthy and we can’t wait for 2009! Denver here we come!