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Malcolm Gladwell to Keynote ISTE’s NECC 2009 in Washington, D.C.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) welcomes noted author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell will deliver the opening keynote address at the 30th annual National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), to be held June 28 through July 1, 2009, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. 

The author of two perennial bestsellers, "The Tipping Point" and "Blink," Gladwell’s ability to interpret new ideas in the social sciences and make them understandable and compelling to a general audience also shines in his latest book, "Outliers." His idea-driven narratives combine research with personal, social, and historical material. A staff writer for the New Yorker, Gladwell has introduced new concepts into the common vocabulary and helped transform business and culture. 

As part of ISTE’s three-keynote series on digital citizenship, Gladwell will deliver his unique perspective on the ways that intentional practice today influences expert-development of the future.

"We're pleased to bring Malcolm Gladwell back to NECC audiences for an opportunity to hear his latest thinking about learning,” said Leslie Conery, ISTE's deputy CEO and NECC conference chair. "His ideas challenged us in 2004 to think about the crucial role educators can play as connectors. We look forward to knowing more about his latest work—including his assessment of the role and value of technology for improving learning.”

Gladwell's speech will complement many of the themes being explored at NECC 2009, which include the role of technology in school improvement, the use of technology and the ethics and equity of equal access, and the construction of a technological infrastructure that supports effective teaching, learning and administration. ISTE's NECC features myriad interactive learning formats from hands-on workshops to bring-your-own-laptop sessions.

For 30 years, NECC has provided K–20 education professionals with an annual forum to learn, exchange and survey advancements in the field of educational technology. Through hands-on and discussion-based workshops, lectures and interactive sessions, discussions with key industry speakers, and the largest vendor exhibition of its kind, ISTE's NECC offers participants the unique opportunity to discover and share what they need to develop the appropriate use of technology in their classrooms, districts, and universities. More than 700 local, regional and national volunteers are involved in the event. 

For registration information and a complete schedule of events and topics, go to www.iste.org/necc/. 

About ISTE The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.   

Visit www.iste.org to learn more about ISTE and its new initiatives—including the next generation of NETS for Students, Teachers and Administrators.  

ISTE is the registered trademark of International Society for Technology in Education.