Making Technology-Based Learning A Reality For All Students.

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), an international educational and scientific society, announced its FREE, one-day education conference that will examine the “big picture” technology issues facing K-12 and higher education, and tackle important questions surrounding what must happen to make technology-based learning a reality for ALL students.

ACM1 Educators Day (Saturday, March 10), held in conjunction with the ACM1 Conference and FREE Expo at the San Jose Convention Center, March 10-14, will explore emerging models of technology-based math and science education that will better prepare students for the future. Breakout sessions will focus on areas including the digital divide and how to reach out to technologically underserved communities, including girls and minorities.

“There are large workforce shortfalls in Information Technology predicted even though it is the world’s largest industry always in need of new employees to fuel its growth. These shortfall statistics may in large part be due to the limited number of young women and minorities in the U.S. being turned on to technology at a young age,” said John Gage, ACM1 master of ceremonies and chief scientist, Sun Microsystems. “This issue is just one of the many that teachers face today, and leaders from K-12, higher ed, government and industry will come together at ACM1 Educators Day to offer proven strategies that work towards implementing and encouraging technology usage in all classrooms.”

Along with John Gage, Joan Fenwick, ACM1 education chair and national director of the AT&T Learning Network, helped pull together a day filled with plenary sessions led by keynoters including:

— Carlene Ellis of Intel who will speak about the Glenn Commission and introduce the student winners of Intel’s Invention of the Future Contest

— Florence McGinn, Technology Teacher of the Year, Hunterdon County N.J.

— Linda Roberts, former director, Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education

— Denice D. Denton, College of Engineering, University of Washington

— Richard Tapia, director, Center for Excellence and Equity in Education, Rice University

“ACM1 Educators Day brings together the future of science and the future of education in support of those who will benefit the most from both – the students of today,” said Joan Fenwick.

Educators Day Information and Registration:

Educators Day will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the San Jose Convention Center. Please contact Anne Wilson of the ACM at 212-626-0505 to register. For more information, visit www.acm.org/acm1.

In conjunction with Educators Day, attendees are encouraged to visit the ACM1 Expo (March 10-13, San Jose Convention Center), open to the public and FREE of charge. The Expo is a hands-on exhibition featuring more than 70 displays of the latest research and development from leading companies, universities and organizations. Many of the exhibits are education-related. (Note: If you are a teacher interested in bringing your classroom, please see special instructions on the Web site.)