NECC and the Evolution of Technology in Education in the US

20th Anniversary Celebration—NECC Pioneers and Leaders

#1-NECC (1979)
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Host Institution: University of Iowa
Chair: Ted Sjoerdsma

Roots of NECC—1969 CCUC (Conference on Computers in Undergraduate Curricula)

The major themes were:

• A hardware debate: micros vs. minicomputers
• Development of educational software: CAI, CMI, simulations for subject specific uses (math, science, social sciences, health, engineering)
• Defining teacher competencies for preservice, inservice training

There were 32 sessions, including:

• Computer science (4): labs, programming languages
• Post-K-12 (11)
• K-12 sessions (2): interest just beginning to emerge in this area

#2-NECC/2 (1980)
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Host Institution: Christopher Newport College
Chair: Gerald Engel

The major themes were:

• A year of important new paradigms
• New NCTM standards for mathematics
• ACM Elementary and Secondary Schools Subcommittee  (David Moursund)
• Open University (Frank Lovis)
• Scarsdale Project K-12 (Robert Taylor)
• Use of computer labs (Alfred Bork, Robert Tinker)
• Beginning of LOGO in elementary schools (Dan Watt)
• Computer literacy defined—Robert Taylor, Beverly Hunter, Dave Moursund
• Hardware issue: how to choose a microcomputer for educational use (Commodore PETs, Apple, TRS-80)

There were 32 sessions, including:

• Computer science (4): restructuring core courses, teaching Pascal
• Higher education (7): using computers in mathematics, education, social sciences
• K-12 (5): simulations, games, CAI, early LOGO experiments, testing
• Teacher training (2): inservice

#3-NECC/3 (1981)
Location: Denton, Texas
Host Institution: North Texas State University
Chair: Jim Poirot

The major themes were:

• Integration of computer literacy into curriculum
• Reasoning with the computer
• Software evaluation protocols for educational software
• Emerging research on effectiveness of computers in education

There were 40 sessions, including:

• Computer science (5): programming issues - paradigms, Pascal, Ada
• Higher education (16): use of computers to teach mathematics, education, business, humanities, health, social sciences
• Administrative (5): scheduling, academic planning, financial planning
• K-12 (4): simulations, LOGO, BASIC programming, CAI, problem-solving

#4-NECC/4 (1982)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Host Institution: University of Missouri-Columbia
Chair: Michael Staman

The major themes were:

• Teacher training and computer literacy for t eachers
• Computer-based learning
• LOGO
• CAI authoring environments
• CAI projects in all disciplines: sessions for all of the disciplines (math, sciences, language, engineering, education, liberal arts requirement, social sciences)

There were 46 sessions, including:

• Computer science (7): programming tutorials (Ada, structured programming)
• Higher education (23): computer as a tool (word processing, stat packages, simulations), administration of university computing resources
• K-12 (5): use of LOGO, CAI, BASIC, reading, simulations, games
• Teacher training (7): computer literacy, district models

New for 1982:  51 exhibitors shared their hardware and software innovations with NECC attendees

#5-NECC/5 (1983)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Host Institution: Towson State University
Chair: Doris Lidtke

The major themes were:

• The year of LOGO!
• Integration of tools across the curriculum: word processing, databases, spreadsheets
• Teaching programming: the spaghetti code controversy
• Teacher training: computer literacy, the CBAM model

There were 52 sessions, including:

• Computer science (9): new curricula, accreditation, role of languages (Ada)
• Higher education (12): computer as tool (word processing, stat packages, simulations)
• Administrative (4): computer networks, purchases
• K-12 (9): LOGO, CAI, BASIC, reading, simulations, games
• Teacher training (4)

There were 64 exhibitors.

#6-NECC '84
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Host Institution: University of Dayton
Chair: Lawrence Jehn

The major themes were:

• Evaluation of impact of computers
• Software evaluation
• Integration across the curriculum
• Social impact issues: equity, g ender issues
• Use of CAI, LOGO
• Emerging technologies: videodisc in classroom, networks, e-mail

There were 83 sessions, including:

• Computer science (8): accreditation, languages (Ada)
• Higher education (17): computers in specific disciplines
• Administrative (4): district networking, school networking
• K-12 (13): LOGO, CAI, BASIC, reading, simulations, games
• Teacher training (7)

There were 78 exhibitors.

1985
There was no separate NECC in 1985; we joined forces with WCCE that year.
WCCE/85 Norfolk, Virginia
Chair: Gerald Engel

The major themes were:

• An international perspective
• Across the curriculum
• CAI specific to each discipline
• Pedagogical issues
• LOGO
• Teacher training
• Social impact and ethics
• Looking to the future

There were 113 sessions.

#7-NECC '86
Location: San Diego, California
Host Institution: University of San Diego
Chair: Susan Zgliczynski

The major themes were:

• Computers and ... integrate into, across!
• Computer literacy
• Use of videodisk technology
• Public domain educational software (FREDWRITER)
• Databases
• Critical thinking
• Teacher training
• Equity: gender, socioeconomic, handicapped
• Emerging technologies: networking

There were 104 sessions, including:

• Computer science (10): accreditation, AP exam, languages (Pascal, Modula-2, Ada, C)
• Higher education (8): computer as tool (word processing, stat packages, simulations, word processing in writing)
• Administrative (7): managing, maintaining computer resources, planning
• K-12 (21): LOGO, special needs children, within subjects, across curriculum
• Teacher training (5)

There were 84 exhibitors.

#8-NECC '87
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Host Institution: Temple University
Chair: Frank Friedman

The major themes were:

• Research, models on effective uses of computers in education
• Curriculum integration models
• Telecommunications
• Software evaluation
• Teacher certification
• LOGO
• Computer literacy
• Equity

There were 96 sessions, including:

• Computer science (7): difficulties with teaching programming, empirical studies
• Higher education (10): specific courses, projects
• Administrative (3)
• K-12 (32): within subjects, across curriculum, word processing, LOGO, special needs children
• Teacher training (6): models for effective teacher training

There were 96 exhibitors.

#9-NECC '88
Location: Dallas, Texas
Host Institution: University of North Texas
Chair: James Poirot

The major themes were:

• National reports: accreditation, teacher certification, curriculum
• Reform, Power On! (OTA)
• Hypermedia
• Software tools: AppleWorks, HyperCard
• Equity
• Critical thinking skills
• Teacher training
• Telecommunications
• LogoWriter
• LOGO
• Computer literacy

There were 93 sessions, including:

• Computer science (6): languages, Ada, LOGO, use of labs
• Higher education (13): specific courses, projects
• Administrative (2): district planning, implementation
• K-12 (28): within subjects, across curriculum, LOGO
• Teacher training (10)

There were 143 exhibitors.

#10-NECC '89
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Host Institution: Lesley College
Chairs: Nancy Roberts, Susan Friel

The major themes were:

• HyperCard
• Multimedia
• Ethics in computer courses
• LOGO
• Computer literacy
• Models of school district implementation
• Curriculum, teacher training, hardware and software purchases
• Telecommunications
• Research emphasis

There were 138 sessions, including:

• Computer science (9): 2 on teaching computer ethics, curriculum issues
• Higher education (7): specific courses (math, stats, etc.), projects
• K-12 (37): within subjects, across curriculum, HyperCard, model projects
• Teacher training (12): providing tools to teachers

There were 154 exhibitors.

#11-NECC '90
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Host Institution: Clemson University
Chair: John McGregor

The major themes were:

• Hypermedia
• Multimedia
• Electronic networks
• Ethics and values
• Equity - gender
• Project reports
• A decade assessment: LOGO, computers in education, computer literacy

There were 90 sessions, including:

• Computer science (8): use of labs, 2 on teaching computer ethics, 1 on gender
• Higher education (14): specific courses, projects, engineering
• Administrative (2)
• K-12 (29): within subjects, across curriculum, HyperCard, model projects
• Teacher training (3): accreditation, certification

There were 136 exhibitors.

#12-NECC '91
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Host Institution: Arizona State University
Chair: Gary Bitter

The major themes were:

• Telecommunications: local networks and the Internet
• Distance education
• Management of change
• School restructuring
• Hypermedia
• Multimedia: use of videodisk
• Computer literacy
• LOGO
• Equity, gender issues
• Emerging technology: virtual reality

There were 160 sessions, including:

• Computer science (2)
• Higher education (45): using multimedia, campus networks
• Administrative (3)
• K-12 (54): hypermedia, multimedia, distance learning
• Teacher training (18): multimedia, use of videodisk in classroom, autonomy

There were 160 exhibitors.

#13-NECC '92
Title: Windows to the World
Location: Dallas, Texas
Host Institution: University of North Texas
Chair: Cathleen Norris

The major themes were:

• Telecommunications
• Distance learning
• Networks: classroom, school, district, state, national
• Multimedia - hypermedia
• Role of technology in restructuring schools
• Model schools projects
• Curriculum integration models
• Teacher training models
• Cognitive issues: learning styles, interactivity
• Gender equity
• Using technology with special needs, disabled, at-risk students
• Videodisk technology
• Desktop publishing

There were 117 sessions, including:

• Computer science (10): new curriculum models for high school and two-year colleges, techniques for teaching programming, introducing object-oriented programming
• Higher education (4): campus networks, new curriculum reports
• Administrative (8): setting up networks, security from viruses, legal issues
• K-12 (30): hypermedia, multimedia, distance learning, using technology to teach specific subjects
• Teacher training (17): multimedia, tools for teachers, strategies for using technology

There were 155 exhibitors.

#14-NECC '93
Title: The Magic of Technology
Location: Orlando, Florida
Host Institution: University of Central Florida
Chair: Donna Baumbach

The major themes were:

• Use of multimedia
• School restructuring
• Networked classrooms
• Emerging: virtual reality, schools linked to the Internet
• Evaluation of technology use
• Immersion and integration of technology
• E-mail in the classroom
• Teacher networks
• Exemplary models and practice: courses, classroom use, school district implementation
• Still LOGO

There were 115 sessions, including:

• Computer science (4): teaching programming, collaborative learning techniques, high school CS curriculum
• Higher education (3): using computers in specific courses
• Administrative (6): district models, school networking
• K-12 (49): hypermedia, multimedia, instructio nal software, Internet, distance learning
• Teacher training (24): multimedia, teacher networks, tools for teachers

There were 205 exhibitors.

#15-NECC '94
Title: Recreating the Revolution
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Host Institution: Lesley College
Chairs: Jean Moon, John Richards

The major themes were:

• Restructuring: charter schools, systemic reform
• Federal role in financing technology, reform efforts
• Many models and exemplary programs
• Telecommunications
• Laptops to kids
• Internet in the classroom
• Curriculum integration
• CAI, LOGO, evolving computer literacy, problem-solving, critical thinking
• Multimedia/ hypermedia
• Pedagogical issues: learning styles, different paradigms

There were 204 sessions, including:

• Computer science (15): teaching programming, gender issues, high school curriculum
• Higher education (6): use of computers in specific courses
• Administrative (6): district models, school networking
• K-12 (74): multimedia, instructional software, constructivist models, Internet, distance learning, integration into curriculum
• Teacher training (23): new teacher inservice models, standards for teacher education

There were 238 exhibitors.

#16-NECC '95
Title: Emerging Technologies / Lifelong Learning
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Host Institution: Towson State University
Chair: Doris Lidtke

The major themes were:

• Networking: within a school, across a district, statewide, to the Internet, WWW
• Classroom demonstrations
• Focus on projects
• National models of technology integration, utilization
• Echoes of computer literacy, LOGO
• Gender equity in computing
• CD-ROM technology

There were 224 sessions, including:

• Computer science (13): programming, closed labs, gender equity, ethics and social impact issues, high school curriculum
• Higher education (10): distance learning courses, engineering
• Administrative (25): district, state models for curriculum integration, networking
• K-12 (64): hypermedia, networks, constructivist learning, specific subjects
• Teacher training (20): multimedia, use of CD-ROM, teacher education models

There were 172 exhibitors.

#17-NECC '96
Title: The Call of the North
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Host Institution: University of Minnesota / St. Cloud State University
Chairs: Connie Fiel, Sheldon Ramnarine

The major themes were:

• Networking: within a class, school, across a district, statewide, Internet
• Use of WWW resources in classroom, school: the "information superhi ghway"
• CD-ROM technology
• Multimedia
• Virtual classrooms, schools, communities, universities
• Online communities
• Integration of multiple technologies, esp. Internet, across the curriculum
• Merge of home, school, community
• Focus on projects: electronic portfolios
• Distance education

There were 192 sessions, including:

• Computer science (11): programming, closed labs, gender issues
• Higher education (8): distance learning courses, use of Internet
• Administrative (25): district, state models for curriculum integration, networking
• K-12 (51): hypermedia, use of Internet
• Teacher training (26): use of WWW in classroom, new models of inservice, preservice, empowering teachers

There were 263 exhibitors.

#18-NECC '97
Title: Potlatch
Location: Seattle, Washington
Host Institution: Western Washington University
Chair: Tony Jongejan

The major themes were:

• Networking: within a class, school, across a district, statewide, Internet
• Using WWW resources in classroom, school: safe access
• Creating hypermedia Web pages
• Web servers
• Converging technologies: WWW, Web TV, cable TV
• Multimedia: creating CD-ROMs
• Virtual classrooms, schools, communities, universities
• Online curriculum, support, training, services
• Integration of multiple technologies, esp. Internet, across the curriculum
• Connecting schools, libraries to the WWW
• Distance education
• Future looks: transforming, empowering, dealing with rapid change

There were 241 sessions, including:

• Computer science (5): programming C++, Java, AP exam, cs1-2
• Higher education (4): distance learning co urses, use of Internet
• Administrative (12): models for curriculum integration, networking, Internet access
• K-12 (98): hypermedia, use of Internet, Web pages
• Teacher training (29): use of WWW in classroom, teacher networks, Web-based courses, new methods for teaching technology to teachers, Web resources

There were 265 exhibitors.

#19-NECC '98
Title: Catch the Wave
Location: San Diego, California
Host Institution: California State University - San Marcos
Chair: Peggy Kelly

The major themes were:

• Networking: within a class, school, across a district, statewide, Internet
• Using WWW resources in classroom, school: safe access
• Creating hypermedia Web pages
• Web servers
• Converging technologies: WWW, Web TV, cable TV
• Multimedia: creating CD-ROMs
• Virtual classrooms, schools, communities, universities
• Online curriculum, support, training, services
• Integration of multiple technologies, esp. Internet, across the curriculum
• Connecting schools, libraries to the WWW
• Distance education
• Future looks: transforming, empowering, dealing with rapid change

There were 344 sessions, including:

• Computer science (10): teaching C++, Java in high school
• Higher education (8): distance learning
• Administrative (38): creating, administering networks
• K-12 (126): specific applications, lessons
• Teacher training (121): use of Internet, new tools

There were 284 exhibitors.

#19-NECC '98
Title: Catch the Wave
Location: San Diego, California
Host Institution: California State University - San Marcos
Chair: Peggy Kelly

The major themes were:

• Networking: within a class, school, across a district, statewide, Internet
• Using WWW resources in classroom, school: safe access
• Creating hypermedia Web pages
• Web servers
• Converging technologies: WWW, Web TV, cable TV
• Multimedia: creating CD-ROMs
• Virtual classrooms, schools, communities, universities
• Online curriculum, support, training, services
• Integration of multiple technologies, esp. Internet, across the curriculum
• Connecting schools, libraries to the WWW
• Distance education
• Future looks: transforming, empowering, dealing with rapid change

There were 344 sessions, including:

• Computer science (10): teaching C++, Java in high school
• Higher education (8): distance learning
• Administrative (38): creating, administering networks
• K-12 (126): specific applications, lessons
• Teacher training (121): use of Internet, new tools

There were 284 exhibitors.

#20-NECC '99
Title: Spotlight on the Future
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Host Institution: Atlantic Community College
Chairs: Peter Mora, Arthur Wexler

The major themes were:

• Curriculum and instructional strategies
• Using technology to facilitate learning
• Current and emerging technologies
• Technology implementation
• Social and ethical issues
• Teacher education and training
• Distance learning and laptops

There were 345 sessions:

• Spotlight: 31
• Curriculum and instructional strategies: 146
• Using technology to facilitate learning: 33
• Current and emerging technologies: 14
• Technology implementation: 69
• Social and ethical issues: 14
• Teacher education and training: 17
• Laptops: 7
• Distance learning: 14

There were also:

• 12 Research papers
• 29 Web posters
• 72 Traditional posters
• 14 Student Showcase sessions
• 38 Exhibitor sessions

There were 335 exhibitors.

#21-NECC 2000
Title: Connecting at the Crossroads
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Host Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology's Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC)
Chair: Paul Ohme

The major themes were:

• Beyond the crossroads: where do we go from here?
• Standards, assessment, and accountability: staying connected
• Connecting technology to teaching and learning
• Staying connected with professional development
• Moving beyond the crossroads: teachers as agents for change
• Connected communities: schools, businesses, and resources

There were 351 sessions:

• Spotlight: 21
• Beyond the crossroads: 38
• Standards, assessment, and accountability: 13
• Connecting technology to teaching and learning: 186
• Staying connected with professional development: 58
• Moving beyond the crossroads: 12
• Connected communities: 23

There were also:

• 6 Research papers
• 55 Web posters
• 54 Traditional posters
• 22 Make & Takes
• 17 Student Showcase sessions
• 23 Exhibitor sessions

There were 379 exhibitors.

#22-NECC 2001
Title:  Building on the Future
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Host Institution:  Illinois Computing Educators (ICE) and School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
Chairs: Guy Ballard, Bonnie Thurber

The major themes were:

• Building a framework
• Building technology capacity
• Building human capacity
• Building a learning environment
• Building equity and accountability

There were 357 sessions:

• Building a Framework: 21
• Building Technology Capacity: 28
• Building Human Capacity: 93
• Building a Learning Environment: 205
• Building Equity and Accountability: 10

There were also:

• 25 Research papers
• 57 Web posters
• 56 Traditional posters
• 16 Make & Takes
• 17 Student Showcase sessions
• 24 Exhibitor sessions

There were 449 exhibitors.

#23-NECC 2002
Title:  Nexus in Texas
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Presented in cooperation with:  Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), Texas Center for Educational Technology (TCET), SouthCentral Regional Technology in Education Consortium (SCRTEC), Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• Framework
• Technology Capacity
• Human Capacity
• Learning Environment
• Equity and Accountability

There were 292 sessions:

• Framework: 16
• Technology Capacity: 16
• Human Capacity: 69
• Learning Environment: 172
• Equity and Accountability: 19

There were also:

• 24 Research papers
• 25 Web posters
• 56 Traditional posters
• 20 Make & Takes
• 32 Student Showcase sessions
• 12 Corporate CEO Spotlights

There were 426 exhibitors.

#24-NECC 2003
Title:  Visions & Reflections
Location: Seattle, Washington
Presented in cooperation with:  The Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE), with additional regional support from The Learning Space.
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• Framework
• Technology Capacity
• Human Capacity
• Learning Environment
• Equity and Accountability

The keynote speakers were:

• Mae Jemison
• Alan Kay
• Don Knezek
• Janette Racicot
• Allison Rossett

There were 342 sessions:

• Framework: 28
• Technology Capacity: 24
• Human Capacity: 54
• Learning Environment: 214
• Equity and Accountability: 22

There were also:

• Corporate CEO Spotlights: 5
• Research papers: 49
• Traditional posters: 57
• Web posters: 61
• Student Showcases: 21
• PT3 Grantees Gallery exhibits: 24
• Global Gallery exhibits: 34
• Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions: 30
• Workshops: 181
• Make & Takes: 16
• Forums & Symposia: 4

There were 366 exhibitors.

#25-NECC 2004
Title:  Jammin' & Jazzin' with Technology
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Presented in cooperation with:  The Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators (LACUE).
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• Framework
• Technology Capacity
• Human Capacity
• Learning Environment
• Equity and Accountability

The keynote speakers were:

• Malcolm Gladwell
• Jennifer Corriero & Michael Furdyk
• Susan Patrick
• Craig Barrett
• Peter Reynolds

There were 290 concurrent sessions (including Spotlights):

• Framework: 35
• Technology Capacity: 25
• Human Capacity: 54
• Learning Environment: 169
• Equity and Accountability: 7

There were also an additional 472 presentations:

• Corporate CEO Spotlights: 10
• Research Papers: 58
• Poster Sessions: 118
• Global Gallery: 35
• Student Showcase Sessions: 17
• PT3 Grantees Gallery: 24
• K–12 Interactive Videoconferencing Showcase: 18
• Louisiana Showcase: 8
• Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions: 34
• Workshops: 143
• Forums/Symposia/Seminars: 7

There were 449 exhibitors.

#26-NECC 2005
Title: Digital Illuminations—Sparking a Revolution in Learning
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Presented in cooperation with: The Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT)
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• Framework
• Technology Capacity
• Human Capacity
• Learning Environment
• Ethics and Equity

The keynote speakers were:

• David Weinberger
• Joel Barker
• Deneen Frazier Bowen
• Erin Gruwell
• Marc Prensky

There were 293 concurrent sessions (including Spotlights):

• Framework: 39
• Technology Capacity: 22
• Human Capacity: 61
• Learning Environment: 161
• Ethics and Equity: 10

There were also an additional 550 presentations:

• Corporate CEO Spotlights: 6
• Research Papers: 56
• Poster Sessions: 107
• Global Gallery: 33
• Student Showcase Sessions: 44
• PT3 Gallery: 19
• K-12 Interactive Videoconferencing Showcase: 18
• Pennsylvania Showcase: 10
• Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions: 46
• Workshops: 145
• ISTE Member Events 26
• ISTE Partner Events 4
• Other Program Events (inc Playgrounds and Internet2 Demos) 27
• Professional Development Events 9

There were 512 exhibitors.

#27-NECC 2006
Title: Explore. Dream. Discover
Location: San Diego, California
Presented in cooperation with: California Computer-Using Educators (CUE)
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• Vision, Leading, and Accountability
• Technology Capacity
• Human Capacity
• Learning Environment
• Ethics and Equity

The keynote speakers were:

• Nicholas Negroponte
• Dewitt Jones

There were 291 concurrent sessions (including Spotlights):

• Vision, Leading, and Accountability: 35
• Technology Capacity: 21
• Human Capacity: 46
• Learning Environment: 177
• Ethics and Equity: 12

There were also an additional 612 presentations:

• Corporate CEO Spotlights: 4
• Research Papers: 45
• Poster Sessions: 188
• Global Gallery: 54
• Student Showcase Sessions: 32
• K-12 Interactive Videoconferencing Showcase: 18
• EETT Showcase 12
• California Gold: 13
• Hands-on Open Source 15
• Playgrounds 6
• Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions: 43
• Workshops: 127
• Forums/Institutes/Symposia: 13
• Meetings/Focused Gatherings (inc Association events) 42

There were 494 exhibitors.

#28-NECC 2007
Title: Learning & Leading with Technology
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Presented in cooperation with: The Georgia
Department of Education, Georgia Public
Broadcasting, and Georgia's Leadership
Institute for School Improvement
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• School Improvement
• Ethics and Equity
• Technology Infrastructure
• Professional Learning
• 21st Century Teaching & Learning
• Virtual Schooling/E-learning

The keynote speakers were:

• Andrew Zolli
• Panel: Andrew Zolli, Mary Cullinane, Michael McCauley, Francesc Pedro, Elizabeth Streb
• Tim Tyson, Tia Riedlinger, Josh Schwarz

There were 226 concurrent sessions (including Spotlights):

• School Improvement: 32
• Ethics and Equity: 8
• Technology Infrastructure: 11
• Professional Learning: 30
• 21st Century Teaching & Learning: 127
• Virtual Schooling/E-learning: 18

There were also an additional 547 presentations:

• Corporate Spotlights: 7
• Research Papers: 23
• Poster Sessions: 187
• Global Gallery: 22
• Student Showcase Sessions: 16
• Bring Your Own Laptops (BYOL) Sessions: 27
• Interactive Videoconferencing (IVC) Showcase: 8
• Problem/Solution Panels: 19
• Model Lesson: 13
• Hands-on Open Source: 12
• Playgrounds: 9
• Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions: 24
• Workshops: 111
• Forums/Institutes: 15
• Meetings/Focused Gatherings (inc. Association events): 54

There were 484 exhibitors.

#29-NECC 2008
Title: Convene, Connect, Transform
Location: San Antonio, TX
Presented in cooperation with: TCEA
Chair: Leslie Conery

The major themes were:

• School Improvement
• Ethics and Equity
• Technology Infrastructure
• Professional Learning
• 21st Century Teaching & Learning
• Virtual Schooling/E-learning

The keynote speakers were:

• James Surowiecki
• Jim Carleton And Mali Bickley
• Idit Harel Caperton

There were 328 concurrent sessions:

• School Improvement: 37
• Ethics and Equity: 6
• Technology Infrastructure: 18
• Professional Learning: 44
• 21st Century Teaching & Learning: 203
• Virtual Schooling/E-learning: 20

There were also an additional 556 presentations:

• Research Papers: 42
• Traditional Posters: 239
• Global Gallery Posters: 27
• Student Showcase: 27
• Playgrounds: 9
• Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions: 28
• Workshops: 114
• Forums/Institutes: 19
• Meetings/Focused Gatherings (inc. Association events): 51

There were 479 exhibitors.