Workshop 2017 will feature a host of new opportunities to learn about technology, including helping schools become “Future Ready” and even taking them on a mission to Mars, when the state’s largest training conference for public education leaders takes place Oct. 23-26.
To see a list of technology sessions offered at Workshop 2017, which is held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, please click here.
Escape the Bus: Mission to Mars
The iSchool Initiative’s Digital Learning Revolution Tour “Escape the Bus” experience is back, but this time they’re taking Workshop attendees on a new mission. It is the year 2030, and the iSchool Initiative SpaceBus, Mission to Mars program has launched. It is the first opportunity to join the effort to colonize Mars. Once attendees join the mission, they are a part of the crew and begin on-mission training in outer space. It is important to learn quickly and adapt to the crew’s strength and weaknesses before the SpaceBus is threatened by unexpected flying asteroids!
Along with offering inspiring presentations, the Digital Learning Revolution Tour demonstrates solutions for mobile technology integration, and brings the full experience to your school’s doorstep. The Digital Learning Revolution Mobile Classroom will be available on the exhibit floor for Tuesday and Wednesday.
NJSBA Future Ready Center
NJSBA’s brand new Future Ready Center will offer attendees professional development opportunities throughout the conference in alignment with the Future Ready Schools certification program initiative. This unique area on the exhibit floor will highlight the first schools in New Jersey to receive their certification. Do not miss this opportunity to celebrate and learn from New Jersey schools that have commited to take the necessary steps to best prepare our students for success in college, career, and citizenship in a digital age. The Future Ready Center will also offer an opportunity for districts to learn how to achieve the certification with the help of NJSBA service providers.
21st Century Classroom Solutions Center
Today, there is an effort to design public school classrooms that place a premium on interaction, collaboration and engagement, and provide educational opportunities that were never possible before. The 21st Century Classroom Solutions Center will demonstrate ways technologies and techniques come together to provide maximum educational value to students. The classroom is designed to facilitate initiatives like bring your own device (BYOD), SmartBoards, virtual reality demonstrations, 3D printing, distance and integrated video learning, and enhanced collaboration.
Workshop Registration and Pricing School officials should ask their school business administrator to register their districts for Workshop 2017 as soon as possible. The Workshop group registration rate is $1,500, and has been expanded to cover 18 team members (up from 14 team members) including: school board members, business administrator, superintendent, facilities managers, curriculum professionals, IT staff, and other district professionals. The individual member rate is $300 per person. Registration is available online, and must be handled by the school business administrator.
Expanded Travel Waiver The New Jersey Department of Education has expanded the travel waiver to accommodate the additional day of training. The adjusted waiver allows school districts to reimburse eligible board members and staff for overnight accommodations for a maximum of three, rather than two, nights. Individuals whose one-way commute to the Atlantic City Convention Center exceeds 50 miles may obtain reimbursement from their school district, charter school, or Renaissance school project for overnight lodging for Oct. 23, 24, and 25.
On-Site Badge Printing In a switch from previous years, attendee badges will not be sent to school districts in advance of Workshop; this year, attendees will print their own badges at special kiosks outside the Exhibit Hall at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
For updates and more information on Workshop visit the Workshop website.