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Conference Presentations
2007 Technology Innovators Conference
November 15-16, 2007, Washington, DC
Find presentations, handouts, and summary notes from the 2007 Technology Innovators Conference, organized according to the agenda. The conference convened over 150 innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who discussed trends, best practices, collaboration, and leadership in the field of assistive and learning technologies. Watch this page as more materials will be added.
- PDF Document
Thursday, November 15 |
| Welcome
Tracy Gray, NCTI; Lou Danielson and Jane Hauser, U.S. Department of Education |
| Keynote Address
Jim Fruchterman, Benetech; Benjamin Stokes, MacArthur Foundation (moderator) Jim Fruchterman’s model for Benetech, a leading solution representing socially motivated technology applications, is a visionary example of leveraging the power of the social network to enhance lives. As a leading social entrepreneur and technology developer, Jim highlighted his experiences in creating ground-breaking solutions that allow all individuals to achieve equality in society. |
| Social Media: Where the Action Is
Tracy Gray, NCTI; Peter Grunwald, Grunwald Associates; Everett Harper, Linden Lab (creator of Second Life); Sam Simon, Issue Dynamics Inc. (moderator)
Recent advances in social media have increased access to innovative means to expand global communications. This session explored the benefits of online collaborative tools that drive revolutionary social networking opportunities. |
| Speaking Out on the Effectiveness of Research Regarding Educational Technology
Milton Chen, George Lucas Educational Foundation; Gregg Downey, eSchool News (moderator); Cheryl Lemke, Metiri Group; Yong Zhao, Michigan State University, Center for Teaching and Technology, and the US-China Center for Research on Education and Excellence Today, more than ever, it is critical that technology products, devices, and tools have evidence pointing to their effectiveness. Panelists discussed the latest findings driving the field, and the best practices gleaned from the research. A lively conversation followed outlining effective strategies to communicate research-based findings in user-friendly terms to public and practitioner audiences. |
| Implementation in Real World Settings: Learning from Multiple Fields
Sara Basson, IBM Research (moderator); Dean Fixsen, National Implementation Research Network and the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute; David Rose, Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
Past initiatives—both successful and unsuccessful—offer a great deal of useful information as the field moves forward. This session highlighted lessons learned from a wide array of implementation efforts in education and related professional fields that reveal the core components of successful and sustainable initiatives. Panelists disclosed concrete, powerful strategies used to ramp up and replicate high-quality technology solutions in order to reach more students and have a greater impact. |
| Trends in Wireless and Portable Assistive Technology
James Baller, Baller Herbst Law Group; Mike Calvo, Serotek Corporation; Larry Goldberg, National Center on Accessible Media (moderator); Steve Jacobs, IDEAL Group Wireless technology has transformed the way we communicate globally. This session examined how advances in the field of wireless technologies are impacting the development of assistive technology products and services and how accessibility is impacting consumer technology development and consumption. |
| Implications of the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) and the Role of Technology and 21st Century Skills
Jim Fruchterman, Benetech (moderator); Lucy Gray, Center for Urban School Improvement; Chuck Hitchcock, NIMAS Development and Technical Assistance Centers and CAST Now one year into implementation, the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) is beginning to impact publishing and procurement. Learn about how the roll-out is progressing and what future challenges and opportunities lay ahead for technology developers and educators. |
| Commercialization: From Research to Market Reality
Kelly Carnes, TechVision21; Steve Ritter, Carnegie Learning; Dan Steneker, CE Technologies, Inc; David Dockterman, Tom Snyder Productions (moderator)
Taking a proven and effective model to scale involves the development of a strategic business plan and savvy marketing skills. This panel outlined the necessary steps and critical guidance on efficient and cost-effective commercialization and marketing of assistive and accessible tools to reach broader audiences. |
Friday, November 16 |
| Innovator’s Marketplace
John Kemp, Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville (moderator) Conference participants networked with venture capitalists, public and private grant makers, and policymakers to establish priorities for research and development activities, shape the market, and increase demand for novel tools and products to assist all learners. |
| Plenary
Al Miller, F·E·G·S Human and Health Services
Representing the Federation Employment and Guidance Service, Inc. (F·E·G·S), the largest human service organization in the United States, Al Miller demonstrated the power of leveraging public-private partnerships to improve the overall quality of life and maximize independence for individuals with special needs. Based on his tenure of over 40 years at F·E·G·S, Al outlined the blueprint for integrating technology that leads to greater incentives for innovation. |
| Building Collaborative Funding Networks
Barry Fingerhut, Synconium Partners; Al Miller, F·E·G·S Human and Health Services; Benjamin Stokes, MacArthur Foundation; David Ferrero, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Sylvia Clark, NEC Foundation of America
This interactive session provided an excellent vehicle for participants to hear from leading national philanthropic organizations regarding the impact of investment in shaping the marketplace of ideas and innovation. Participants engaged in dialogue with presenters around key issues and opportunities to move the marketplace forward to make a difference. |
