Addressing Diversity through Technology Conference
May 21 & 22, 2008
The 4th annual Assistive Technology Conference “Addressing Diversity through Technology” was held at Innovative Learning Services, Manning Centre on May 21st & 22nd. Over 240 teachers, administrators, educational assistants and system personnel from the Calgary Board of Education attended the two day event. Conference themes included:
- Creating Awareness: To develop and promote an awareness of assistive tools and devices that can support diverse learners.
- Building Capacity: To share ideas and foster dialogue regarding effective classroom practices.
- Success Stories: To showcase effective classroom infusion of assistive technology and existing technology solutions to support and personalize learning for students.
Each day began with an inspiring and motivating welcome and keynote address:
- Cathy Faber, Director Curriculum and Learning Technologies
- Deborah Lewis, Director Student Services Support
- Keynote Wednesday May 21 - Kathy Howery, Special Programs Branch, AB Education
From the Margins to the Mainstream: How Assistive Technology is Changing our Everyday World
- Keynote Thursday May 22 - Merlin Keillor, Adaptive Technology Specialist, U of Calgary Disability Resource Centre
Supporting Students with Disabilities in Post-Secondary Education: Alberta Model
In addition, participants were able to choose from 20 sessions each day focusing on supporting students with a range of needs, skills and interests and visit over a dozen resource displays featuring the latest technologies and print resources that support diverse learner needs. Feedback from participants who attended the conference has been overwhelmingly positive as they realized the potential of technology in diverse learner needs.
For further information contact: Pauline Auld pmauld@cbe.ab.ca/Glenn Goslin aggoslin@cbe.ab.ca
