Academic Technology Retreat May 9-10, 2013 Guest House Retreat and Conference Center Chester, CT

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013
9:00 - 9:30	Sign-in, continental breakfast and conversation
9:30 - 9:45	Welcome, Intro, Open Forum Explanation
9:45 - 10:45	Keynote: Empowering Digital Natives with Cloud Computing Dirk DeLo, Chief Technology Officer, Avenues:The World School, New York, NY The digital natives of today need to be prepared to be our digital citizens of tomorrow, so how do we model a classroom ecosystem that supports this? Technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable. However, with so many technology tools and so little time, money, and resources, it is often challenging to innovate and find the right tools. Cloud computing resources represents a paradigm shift for technology in education, where teachers are now empowered to be curators of content for their classrooms. How do they comfortably plant these technologies into the classroom ecosystem without being overwhelmed?
10:45 - 11:00	BREAK
11:00 - 12:00	Teacher Tool Kit App SmackDown Update 2013 This round table session will give everyone a chance to share their favorite new technology. From a simple new iPhone App to a more elaborate integrated tool, each participant should bring something that they have discovered to share with the group. The tool kit update is meant to move at a fast pace. Technologies that draw a lot of attention can be added to the open forum board for further discussion.
12:00 - 12:30	Open Forum Schedule Explanation & Sign Up
12:30 - 1:30	LUNCH
1:30 - 2:15	Open Forum (Session 1)
2:30 - 3:15	Open Forum (Session 2)
3:30 - 4:15	Open Forum (Session 3)
4:15	Check in at Front Desk
5:00 - 6:00	Cocktail Reception
6:00 - 7:00	Dinner

Thursday evening:
Relax and enjoy each others’ company- Croquet, Music, Techie Charades, games, conversation

The CAIS Academic Tech Retreat was created as a time and place for busy academic techs to get away from the pressures of school to reconnect with colleagues and professionals in their field. Moving into its eighth successful year, the conference focuses on such topics as curriculum integration, new technologies, customer service and professional development. The relaxed format of the retreat allows conference attendees to form connections and become comfortable with new concepts and ideas to bring back to their work.

NEW VENUE THIS YEAR!  The Guest House is a beautifully renovated country inn on private wooded land, adjacent to a state forest with hiking trails and two neighboring lakes. Conveniently located midway between New York City and Boston, Guest House is easily reachable via major highways or by train. The Guest House is the perfect place to reconnect and rejuvenate! We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration fee:  $310 - residential / $210 - day attendee