Hotel Update

The NCTIES block of rooms at the Marriott is now full. You may still be able to book a room at the Marriott for the conference, but it will be at a higher rate and will not include the free parking and in-room Internet agreement.

The Sheraton has no more rooms available with two double beds. There are still plenty of King beds available at the Sheraton and there are also a number of roll-away beds to go in those King rooms.

Visit http://ncties.org/conference/raleigh/hotels/index.html for more information

Conference Registration is Now Open

We welcome you to register for the 2012 NCTIES Conference.

http://www.ncties.org/conference/registration/overview/index.html

You can view the PreConference speakers at:

http://www.ncties.org/conference/registration/overview/index.html

Aaron Slutsky to become a Google Certified Teacher

We are pleased to announce that Google has selected Aaron Slutsky as an attendee at the next Google Teacher Academy, to be held in Seattle, Washington on July 28, 2011. Aaron is currently the Director of Technology for McDowell County Schools and serves on the NCTIES board of directors.

Aaron was also invited to be part of the inaugural class at the first YouTube Teacher's Studio. Applications for the YouTube Teacher's Studio were only open to the 50 attending Google Teacher Academy and just 15 were invited to attend. This workshop will occur the day before the Google Teacher. Google believes that this program has the potential to spark a transformation in the way teachers connect with students, both in the classroom and outside.

I am very excited to attend both the Google Teacher Academy and the YouTube Teacher's Studio. I hope to share what I learn at the 2012 NCTIES Conference. ~Aaron Slutsky
The Google Teacher Academy is a free professional development experience designed to help K-12 educational leaders get the most from innovative technologies. Each Academy is an intensive, one-day event where participants get hands-on experience with Google's products and technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, and receive resources to share with colleagues. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local regions and beyond.

Google Certified Teachers are exceptional K-12 educators with a passion for using innovative tools to improve teaching and learning, as well as creative leaders and ambassadors for change. They are recognized experts and widely admired for their commitment to high expectations for students, life-long learning and collaboration.

The Google Certified Teacher program was launched in 2006 with the first Academy held at Google headquarters in Mountain View. The program has since held several academies around the globe, expanding the ranks of Google Certified Teachers. The Google Teacher Academy is produced by Google, in collaboration with CUE and WestEd, both educational non-profit organizations.

You can follow Aaron on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/aslutsky or circle him on Google + http://gplus.to/aslutsky

You can follow NCTIES on twitter at http://twitter.com/ncties

2011 Amended By-laws and Constitution

On behalf of our NCTIES board members, we have been working to review and make changes to our current bylaws. At our summer retreat, we passed a motion to send our proposed amended bylaws and constitution to our membership for a vote. Our timeline is listed in the column to the right.

Current bylaws are in black
Deletions are represented with a strike through
Proposed changes are in red
(Click here to see our proposed amended bylaws and constitution)

Reason for amending the NCTIES Constitution and By-laws is...
to ensure representation for all areas of our state.

The NCTIES board currently has one regional director from each of the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Instructional Technology regions defined in 2006 plus two at-large directors. In 2011, the NCDPI Instructional Technology division redefined state regions. Over the years, NCTIES has aligned our regions to match changes made by NCDPI in the instructional regions. The proposed change to our by-laws will more closely align the NCTIES board to the NC State Board of Education (NCSBE) education districts. Future changes to the NCTIES board will be made as there are changes made to the NCSBE education districts.

Reason for amending the "Standing and Other Committees" in the NCTIES By-Laws is...
to the align NCTIES awards with ISTE awards listed below:
SIGMS - Media Specialist Technology Innovation Award
ISTE Outstanding Teacher
ISTE Outstanding Leader
Making IT Happen


As required by our bylaws, all proposed bylaws and constitution amendments are scheduled for a 30 day posting period (July 16 - August 16) , after which they will be put to a vote (August 16 - 19) by our membership via a separate e-mail that will be sent August 16.

Sincerely,

2011-12
NCTIES Board Members

Friday Correction

Correction on page 110 of the conference program.

Session II: The Ripple Effect…..Impacting Education with Video

March 4th: 9:10am

Room 202

With video at the heart of the interactive classroom multiple technologies have a conjoining point creating a larger impact than any one technology could on its own. This opportunity needs to be media rich with multiple sources of content and interactions for reaching a diverse learner population. Leveraging video, this learning environment can ripple to a remote class, a remote individual, a blog, a wiki, or an iPod/iPhone. Positioning video at the center provides a common interface for both synchronous and asynchronous communications allowing content creators/deliverers to reach further.

Dr. Lance Ford is an educational technology advocate for TANDBERG, now a part of Cisco. For the seven years prior, he served as a teacher and technology facilitator/coordinator for Howe Public Schools in Howe, Oklahoma. . Lance has been named Wal-Mart regional teacher of the year, Oklahoma Technology Administrator’s Technology Director of the Year, and the recipient of the Polaris Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2007 Lance was recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator, was awarded the 2008 Long Term Service Award from the Oklahoma Distance Learning Association, and received the Technology Facilitator of the Year award from the National Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Cruising Raleigh

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes NCTIES back to Downtown Raleigh! To help you find local attractions and restaurants, learn about local tours and how to ride the new R Line, or just to get answers to your questions, please stop by our welcome booth set up in the lower lobby of the Raleigh Convention Center. We’ll be right across from the entrance to the NCTIES exhibit hall, or stop by our visitor center in the connector space between the Marriott and the convention center. And you can always learn more at visit http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/

Did you pick up your complimentary Greater Raleigh SMART card yet? If not, be sure to do so before you go to dinner! The card is provided complimentary by Zspotlight.com and visitRaleigh.com. When you use it, you'll save money at area restaurants and attractions. To preview the many businesses that accept our card, see http://www.zspotlight.com/raleigh-restaurants.asp

What’s new since NCTIES was here last year? Have you tried Zpizza on City Plaza located street level in the Bank of America Building – we think you’ll like this pizza made from all organic and gluten free ingredients. Good and good for you! http://stores.zpizza.com/raleigh-downtown/

Would you like another restaurant idea? Buku is just a few blocks away at the corner of Wilmington and Davie Streets. Featuring street foods from around the world, it’s a great spot for trying something different for lunch, dinner or late night snacks. We loved the Plantain Crusted Chilean Sea Bass! http://bukuraleigh.com/buku/

Interested in live music later on Thursday night? Consider “Enter the Live Haggis” at The Pour House off Moore Square http://www.the-pour-house.com/ , check out the Lounge at 42nd Street Oyster Bar http://www.42ndstoysterbar.com/Live_Music.html or live jazz at The Mint http://www.themintrestaurant.com/events.html . For a complete look at Raleigh nightlife see http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/things_to_do/nightlife/

If you can grab some time before heading home, check out the newly updated IMAX Theatre at Marbles Kids Museum. The new IMAX is even better than before. Now playing: Hubble 3D, Ultimate Wave 3D and I Am Number Four. For more information about show times see: http://www.imaxraleigh.org/showtimes/ While you’re there, check out Marbles – expanding the imaginations of children by providing great adventures through play. See http://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/aboutus

NCTIES may end Friday afternoon, but why not get in a little “R and R” before you head home? Stay around for First Friday, a great way to enjoy art, dinner, and a wide range of cultural activities http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday/index.htm

And finally, who says you can’t shop in Downtown Raleigh? For shopping adventures we have a great variety of galleries, unique gift stores and interesting consignments. To plan your downtown shopping see: http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/at-ease/shopping

NCTIES 2011 Sets Sail

Greetings!

Our ship embarks today!!!! It's exciting and new, come aboard, we're expecting you. All 1400+ passengers and nearly 300 Deck Hands!!!

On-site registration is still available for $160.00.

Check out the "Sessions at a Glance" just published today.

Conference Wiki: Take a minute to look at the conference Wiki and check out the sessions. http://2011nctiesconf.pbworks.com/w/page/35373268/FrontPage

Parking and Internet

Marriott Parking: Please allow yourself plenty of time. With complimentary valet parking (one space per room) at the Marriott, there may be a backlog of cars to be parked if everyone shows up at once. And, anyone using valet parking would need to bring in any luggage to be stored by the hotel until check-in later in the day.

Sheraton Parking: Please enter the parking deck on Gale Street.

Sheraton and Marriott Internet: Both hotels offer Internet included in your rate. Ask the front desk if you have questions.

Thursday check in: If you are driving in Thursday morning, see advice above. Given the high occupancy rate at the hotels, early check-in or late check out will not be available.

Friday check out: While our conference does not conclude until 2:30 or so on Friday, please remember that hotel check out time is noon. The Sheraton, Marriott and Clarion (overflow) have all graciously agreed to work with guests to store guest luggage after check out.

Cruise Raleigh: While you're in Raleigh, don't forget to take advantage of the free, user-friendly R Line bus to visit the area restaurants and nightspots. For more info: http://www.ncties.org/conference/raleigh/index.html

Don't hesitate to contact us for more information at ncties@gmail.com

We are happy to help!

Sonya Terry

Cruise Director, Conference Chair and Vice President

NCTIES