April 1, 1999
KALAMAZOO -- U.S. Sen. Carl Levin will be the keynote speaker at the second annual Educational Technology Coordinators Conference to take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center.
The one-day conference is expected to draw 200 participants from throughout Michigan and neighboring states. Presented by WMU's College of Education and several co-sponsors, it is designed to address common issues faced on a daily basis by technology leaders and administrators in schools as well as school districts.
The conference is tailored for individuals who currently play or seek to play leadership roles in educational technology. Participants will have an opportunity to share resources, ideas and information and to attend sessions that enhance expertise and promote professional development.
Levin is scheduled to speak at 8 a.m. The Michigan Democrat has taken a personal interest in technology issues across the state. He also has been involved in several key initiatives aimed at increasing technology funding and activities at the state and federal levels.
Another highlight of the conference will be the presentation of excellence awards to technology coordinators from one K-12 school and one intermediate school district. The awards are sponsored by the International Society for Technology in Education's Special Interest Group for Technology Coordinators.
In addition, poster sessions will allow participants to share innovative uses of technology. These informational exhibits will be in the Fetzer Center's main lobby area throughout the day.
Session topics will cover the broad areas of teaching and learning through technology; collaboration and funding; management; and teacher support, staff development and training.
Specific topics will include:
Co-sponsoring the conference are the Allegan County Intermediate School District; Berrien County Intermediate School District-REMC XI; International Society for Technology in Education's Special Interest Group for Technology; Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency; Merit Network Inc.; Michigan Association of Computer-related Technology Users in Learning; Michigan Association for Media in Education; Michigan State Board of Education; Michigan Federation of Teachers and School Related Personnel; North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, and Oakland (Waterford, Mich.) Schools.
The conference fee is $60 and includes lunch. For registration details or more information, call WMU's Office of Professional Programs and Conferences at (616) 387-4174 or check out the conference at <www.oet.wmich.edu/ctc/conference.html>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu
Media Advisory: To arrange an interview with Tracy DuBay, conference co-chair and a staff member in WMU's College of Education, call (616) 387-4425.
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
616 387-8400
univ-rel@wmich.edu
http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news