• To learn to organize and/or improve a Student Tech Team with students and adults as active participants.
• To acquire both technical and interpersonal skills for supporting others as their school communities increase their utilization of MLTI technology as an educational tool. Like the MLTI itself, this conference is not only about the computers and the wireless networks - it is about what can be done with them...
  

• Efffective Student Tech Team members need to know more than how to fix iBook technical issues or how a piece of software works.  They need to be aware of the "why" of the MLTI as well as the "how." Because of this, the technical skills featured will not only include troubleshooting skills but also creative integrations of the MLTI iBooks that can be applied across the curriculum. So while participants will find some sessions that focus on "making the machines work," there will be plenty of sessions that will introduce them to new software tools that do amazing things, as well as amazing new ways to use some of the applications that have become the workhorses of the MLTI. There will also be sessions that have no immediate connection to the MLTI devices, but will provide inspiration for participants of all ages as Maine continues to develop its understanding of how to best harness the incredible potential represented by the MLTI.
  
• By modeling effective interpersonal skills, all presenters will help participants understand how important it is to not only know how to do something, but also to be able to pass that knowledge on to someone else without making that person feel "dumb" or less than competent.  Effective Student Tech Team Members don't simply "fix problems," they help their school community "build capacity."
  
• The original call to potential presenters asked folks to create sessions that might produce these kinds of comments from participants at the end of the day:
• "Wow - that was cool!  I learned how to do some great stuff."
  "The kids loved it.  And I learned a trick or two as well.  I wonder if we could..."
  "I never knew I could do that...  I'll have to play around with that."
  "Hmmm...  that looks like a college I could have some fun at."
  "I guess I am pretty good at working with this computer."
  "I hope I remember everything I learned!"
  "Hey, let me show you something I learned in that last session."
  "I hope they do this again next year!"
  

• To make connections with peers and to have fun.
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Who Should Attend:

• Adults and students interested in forming a Student Tech Team.
  
• Adults interested in Student Tech Team organization and students interested in participating in one.
• Educators, parents, and community members who are interested in learning more about Student Tech Teams and the skills they are learning to utilize.
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Logistics:

• Place- The University of Southern Maine in Gorham. (see map here) The conference registration, lunch, and door prize drawings and closing will occur in Brooks Dining Center. Workshops will be held in the John Mitchell Center.
  
• Times- 8 AM - 3 PM (see General Schedule below)
  
• Date- Thursday May 25th, 2006
  
• Food- Complimentary morning refreshments and lunch are included in the registration cost.
• Supervision- Please bring one adult for every five students.
  
• Parking- Parking is available in close proximity to the Mitchell Center, and passes will be available at the conference check-in. School buses do not need parking passes.
• NEW: Local lodging information for those traveling from long distances... (NOTE: We have had a report that mentioning "USM" when talking with these hotels & motels makes a significant difference in rates)
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Technical Requirements

• Teachers and students should bring their MLTI iBooks in order to participate in hands-on sessions.
• At least one adult should have the school's Admin password in case of difficulties with network connections. If the adult does not know the password already set on the machines, the iBooks going to this event should be configured with a generic admin password for the day. Then when the iBooks are back at school, the school's admin password can be restored by the tech lead.
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• 8-9 a.m.- Registration- Brooks Dining Center
  
• 9-9:20 a.m.- Welcome- Brooks Dining Center
  

    *  Registration 8:00 - 9:00
    * Opening Comments 9 – 9:20
    * Session 1: 9:30 - 10:20
    * Session 2: 10:30 – 11:20
    * Lunch 11:30-12:30
    * Session 3: 12:30 - 1:20
    * Session 4: 1:30 - 2:20
    * Door Prizes, etc. 2:30 – 3:00

• Certificates of participation will be given to students.
• Educators will receive 6 contact hours for their participation.
• Questions? Contact Jim Moulton via the MaineLearns Contact Page