VITA-Learn NE Minutes from October 25, 2007

VITA-Learn Northeast Meeting
October 25, 2007

Glover Community School
Glover, VT

Minutes

Attendance - 13 people were in attendance. The meeting began with introductions. Educators with a variety of roles were in attendance.

Sharing – participants enthusiastically shared what was occurring in their schools and SUs with technology. There was much discussion around the use of SmartBoards. Rick mallon from St. J. offered training on SmartBoards if anyone was interested.
“Nugget” – www.portapotral.com Under “Guest Access “ type in “smartideas”

VTCITE – Ed Barry shared information on a project that VITA-Learn is involved in called Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators. VTCITE goal is to establish a professional learning community that supports teachers and those who support teachers in improving student performance through the use of information technology tools. It is supported by a web site (WWW.vtcite.org). Ed shared several projects that would involve new people directly into Phase II of the VTCITE project. People were invited to join the project and to pass the word about the community projects.

State of the State – Arlyn Bruccoli shared several items that impacted educators statewide.
• RiverDeep Learning Village – Arlyn discussed the potential of this site and gave a brief demonstration of how on-line support will take place.
o http://rlv.education.vermont.gov/
• Login: vt.teacher
• Password: vermont
o Presentation at Vermont Fest – training & account there
• Learning Network of Vermont - Arlyn gave an overview of the present training that is occurring around the state
• Learning Network of Vermont
http://www.learn.vt.gov/
Oct. 10th Poultney
Oct. 17TH BFA St. Albans
Nov 8th Brattleboro
Nov 15th Concord
www.learn.vt.gov/support

• State Technology Plan – Arlyn & Peter Drescher updated us on the development of this plan.
o VITA-Learn taking lead on convening
o Critical elements:
• 21st C skills & ISTE
• Tech literacy assessment – performance tasks
• Alignment with DOE/SBE vision
• Find ways to deeply integrate with content
• STEM
• High Schools
• Gave a brief legislative update. There is interest in Distance Learning. The legislature has even heard from states and schools doing one-to-one initiatives
• Attain Act – Arlyn talked briefly about a new bill working its way through congress that, if passed, would increase money coming into schools. It would increase funding to higher levels than has been seen in awhile.
• State Board & DOE Vision – Arlyn shared the new vision of the State Board and DOE. She was highly encouraged by the alignment between the DOE and the State Board and noted the new vision was in direct alignment with what information technology educators have been encouraging for several years.

Tandberg Video System – Gerry Piette and Peter Drescher talked about the potential of this video conferencing system. A meeting was scheduled for later (can someone help with the date and location) for those interested.

What Can VITA-Learn DO for the NE? – Comments included continue to provide leadership for regional meetings. Attendees felt the meeting was very worthwhile. It was suggested that a follow up meeting be scheduled in April. Ed will communicate with Jerry and others about the agenda and location early in 2008.

We all enjoyed Parker Pie Pizza. Thanks for Jerry for hosting (beautiful school) and Jeff Coburn for making the Pizza run!