ITRT Events

Why not get a jump on next year by attending the one-day ITRT Mini-Conference at Virginia Crossings Resort (Hanover County). Planned just for ITRTs, this one-day event focuses on specific topics of importance to Virginia's ITRTs. You won't want to miss it.

DRAFT Agenda
7:30	Registration Opens
8:00	Continential Breakfast
9:00	Welcoming Comments and Introductions
9:15 - 10:15	Keynote Presentation Hardware? Software? No..... Let's Connect the HUMANware
10:25 - 11:25	Breakout Sessions - Round 1
	ITRTs Encouraging Collaboration with Web 2.0 Tools	ITRT in 3D	Six Steps Towards Being an Effective ITRT
11:35 - 12:30	Collaboration and Networking Lunch
12:40 - 1:40	Breakout Sessions - Round 2
	ITRTs Enhancing Instruction with Digital Media Tools in the 21st Century Classroom	Panel Discussion - Technology Integrator What's Doing and Not Doing	Strategies for the Non-Choir: ITRTs Helping Pass the SOLs WITH Technology
1:50 - 2:50	Breakout Sessions - Round 3
	Sharing Resources: It's a 2-Way Street!	ITRT in 3D	Six Steps Towards Being an Effective ITRT
2:50 - 3:05	Break
3:10 - 4:10	Breakout Sessions - Round 4
	ITRTs Enhancing Instruction with Digital Media Tools in the 21st Century Classroom	Free Tools and Stuff for ITRTs	Strategies for the Non-Choir: ITRTs Helping Pass the SOLs WITH Technology
4:15 - 4:45	Closing Session

Keynote Session Description

Hardware? Software? No.....Let's Connect the HUMANware
You have the hardware and software, which is ever-changing. Do you have the people (Humanware) aboard to make a difference with adults to enhance the methodology of instruction? It is now time to connect ITRTs with our users to invest in their teaching to enrich 21st century student learning and our global society. Lead with the strategies and guide with the tools.

Breakout Session Descriptions

ITRTs Encouraging Collaboration with Web 2.0 Tools
Session 1
Are you ready to dive into Web 2.0? Come learn about this newest online evolution embracing the power of the web to harness collective intelligence. Understand the role of these tools for collaboration between ITRTs, teachers, and students. Appreciate their power in managing your excessive information overload. Lots of examples will be shared.

Panel Discussion - Technology Integrator What's Doing and Not Doing
Session 2
Come listen to four varied ITRT experts discuss different implementations of the ITRT jobs and responsibilities, and how they successfully navigate the demands placed on ITRTs each day. Included will be discussions on what works and what doesnt; job descriptions, and affecting change.

Strategies for the Non-Choir: ITRTs Helping Pass the SOLs WITH Technology
Sessions 2, 4 (Repeats)
When it comes down to it, passing the SOLs is the utmost priority. But how do you empower the non-believers to use technology in these preparations and learning environments? Walk away from this session with strategies and project-based ideas in a variety of content areas that you can immediately employ for integrating technology with learning AND passing the SOLs.

ITRTs Enhancing Instruction with Digital Media Tools in the 21st Century Classroom
Sessions 2, 4 (Repeats)
Are you taking advantage of free digital media software tools available to you? Come explore how to enhance instruction for the digital future using such tools as iMovie and Movie Maker. Bring learning to life in your classroom with movies. Experience how to create awesome instructional content and the knowledge you will need to have your students presenting content learned in new and exciting ways. Cut..That's a Wrap!

ITRT in 3D
Sessions 1, 3 (Repeats)
Data Driven Decisions for Solid Instruction Data-literacy is something every person in the building should have - students, teachers, administrators, and especially ITRTs, since they should be at the core of solid instructional decision making in the building. Let's explore some easy strategies for getting a handle on data, and using it to focus your professional development and decision making.

Six Steps Towards Being an Effective ITRT
Sessions 1, 3 (Repeats)
Now that you have been selected for an ITRT or currently in the role, many challenges and opportunities are now in your lap to facilitate change with transforming learning through technology. Is this possible yet build on your strengths as a teacher and enthusiast of technology? Yes, come learn six effective steps that focus on goals, time, staff development, resources, strengths and accountability.

Free Tools and Stuff for ITRTs
Session 4
No money for resources should ever slow down the effective ITRT since there are so many free tools and stuff online for you to use and share with your teachers for use in the classroom. Everyone wins with these great online tools. Come learn about them and how to best use them in a learning environment.

Sharing Resources: It's a 2-Way Street!
Session 3
Being an ITRT can be a creative pursuit, and this session will show you how to effectively share your materials for maximum value and accessibility. But we'll also share with you some excellent resources that will inspire, and provide you with great ideas from others. We will share favorite blogs and social networks for gaining ideas, and teach you how to setup your own virtual space for sharing your own ideas, handouts, and lesson materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the Mini-Conference for? It is for those persons known as Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRTs). Regardless of your job title, if you provide ITRT type services, youll want to attend the mini-conference. If you supervise ITRTs, youll want to attend. One day. So much to do and so little time.

2. When is the Mini-Conference? Friday July 25, 2008

3. How much will the ITRT Mini-Conference cost? The registration fee is $100. This includes continental breakfast and sit down lunch, plus all sessions. The deadline to sign up for the mini-conference will be Friday July 18, 2008. However, you won’t want to delay making lodging reservations at the resort (see below).

4. Can I bring my family to the resort? Absolutely! This is a resort and Paramount Kings Dominion is less than 10 miles away. Bring the whole crowd and let them recreate while you educate.

5. What about lodging? A block of 100 rooms has been set aside at the Virginia Crossings Resort (http://www.virginiacrossingsresort.com/). The cost for these rooms is $125 per night. This rate will be extended pre and post the mini-conference for those of you wishing to stay some extra nights. Contact the resort via 888.444.6553 (804.262.2332) and be sure to identify yourself as a member of the VSTE ITRT Mini-Conference block. Your use of the block helps us maintain a low cost for the event.

6. How do I register? Registration is provided either online or via paper form. We accept POs, Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX), or checks. Payment information is expected with your registration.

Please direct any questions to vste@vste.org