National Technology Columnist to Meet with Connecticut Educators

 Personal Technology columnist for the New York Times and Tech Correspondent for CBS NEWS David Pogue will address Connecticut educators in October about the necessity of technology in today’s classrooms. With new teaching trends such as the inclusion on online classrooms, message boards and chat rooms, David’s award winning background will shed light on these new methods.

 David graduated summa cum laude from Yale in 1985, with distinction in Music, and he spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals in New York. He’s been profiled on both “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes.” In 2007, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in music from the Shenandoah Conservatory.

Pogue's Keynote: The Digital Generation Comes Of Age
For the last 20 years, computers and technology have been part of the everyday curriculum for a generation or two of digitally privileged kids--and, as they become the majority, it's showtime.

As computer-literate children become America's new leaders, visionaries, and designers, how will their digital upbringing affect society and culture? New York Times technology columnist David Pogue takes a thoughtful, funny look at how the tidal wave will hit as the digital generation enters prime time--what we'll gain, what we'll lose, and what beliefs and approaches will shift into something we've never seen before.

Pogue's Keynote Session: Web 2.0, Social Media, and Other Buzzwords

What do YouTube, MySpace, eBay, and Craigslist have in common? They're all part of "Web 2.0," in which a Web site's material is supplied by its visitors.

What do blogs, vlogs, and podcasts have in common? They're all new ways for individuals--and even corporations--to express themselves online.

In this head-spinning talk, David Pogue, the New York Times's most popular blogger (and first video blogger), helps to make sense of the explosively expanding realm of Web 2.0 and all kinds of 'casting. He'll advise both individuals and companies on how to exploit these live-wire technologies, supply some horrifying and hilarious real-world stories, and hint at the future, the pitfalls, and the rewards of these revolutionary new channels.

Emmy Award Winning Teacher Discusses New Education Trends in Hartford

The Connecticut Educator’s Computer Association announces the addition of Emmy award winning teacher Hall Davidson as a keynote speaker during their annual convention on October 21 at the Connecticut Convention Center, the only educational technology conference in the state.

Davidson’s style is national recognized for incorporating new technology with traditional teaching methods to reach out to the 21^st century student. With different attention spans, higher IQ test scores, and social networks, Davidson feels their sophistication comes earlier and these this next generation is different.

“There is a silver lining: We can teach this “New Brain” more effectively, more efficiently, more engagingly. We have the technology! Media has evolved and education must evolve to match” said Davidson.

Since 2005 he Davidson worked for Discovery Education, where he blogs, creates webinars, and works in educational partnerships as a director of the Discovery Educator Network. He has spoken about technology and education to audiences around the world and frequently contributes articles to national, educational publications

Davidson's Keynote: Thinking Big as the World Gets Small

The cameras in their cell phones make them citizen journalists. The web is their personal library and media center. They communicate in real time with the ends of the earth. But can their teachers use these powerful tools at school to help them learn? Certainly! Beyond the "wow," technology provides nearly limitless potential for connectivity, productivity and education. See examples of how today's technologies -- from wikis to the web, from music files to media-on-demand -- can (and should) engage and teach a new generation of students.

Davidson's Keynote Session: No Camcorders (Yet!): Building Digital Video Projects for Every Classroom
Nothing moves from simple to complex better than video. Learn a classroom asset management process that allows students to build video (or multimedia) subject-area projects using "kits" ---web-based and preassembled with graphics, music, and video. Begin with sheltered, curriculum-based resources, both free and fee. Use free, dead-simple software to engage students through content creation. Not only does this build necessary skills like collaboration, mastery, and innovation, it taps deeper learning. This is a great strategy for technology reluctant teachers. No camcorders required! From this "scaffold", depth will follow.