Opening+Session

The opening session in the **Leading Our Way Forward Conference** is meant to help set the context for discussions that will occur over the next two days. As noted in the conference overview, "this conference will provide Alberta's school leaders with the opportunity to learn new ways to build 21st century ecosystems in our schools; environments where growth of 21st century skills are available for today’s students. To give voice to our student's learning... to prepare them for their future."

It's appropriate to start the conversation with the student voices from //**Speak Out - the Alberta Student Engagement Initiative**//. View the **word cloud** suggesting the major themes arising from the 2009 event. **Just added - blog post from the students who participated!**


 * Group Task:** Following the student messages, it's time to hear the voices from the teams who are participating in this conversation. Using the //Characteristics of Technology Planning and Accountability Phases Chart// prepared by Bernajean Porter, school teams will reflect and dialogue on their present planning approach. What seems familiar? Makes sense? Any surprises? Any questions? How close are your team members to having similar conclusions of your school's present planning approach? We will then gather the results of your dialogues using Poll Everywhere.


 * Debriefing questions - Table Recorders ONLY will access and respond for their table! Only ONE response per table!**
 * 1) **Poll ONE:** Overall which phase represents your PRESENT planning approach? We would like ONE response per table. You can answer using a **web browser**.
 * 2) **Poll TWO:** Change: How much "stretch" or system expectation is presently felt by ALL teachers to implement NEW learning practices for ALL students when using technology? Only ONE response per table. Once again, you can answer either using a **web browser**.


 * TodaysMeet backchannel discussion area for the opening session** (hashtag #lowf)

Please complete our **online survey form** at the conclusion of the conference to provide us with feedback on your experience.

• **[|First - Second Order Change]
 * Suggested Readings