Over 200 nationally recognized leaders from academia, corporations, government and the media will examine the research, policy, and practices that have emerged to transform and strengthen teaching and learning through the effective use of technology on November 15-16, 2010 at the National Center for Technology Innovation’s (NCTI) Technology Innovators Conference. “Breakthrough Learning – Transform the Future” will explore emerging ideas, solutions, and public policy initiatives that can leverage the power of inclusive technology so that all students can reach their potential.

Operated by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the National Center for Technology Innovation advances learning opportunities for all students, with a special focus on individuals with disabilities by fostering technology innovation. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), NCTI helps researchers, product developers, manufacturers and publishers create and distribute products of value to students with special needs.

2010 Technology Innovators Conference speakers include:

• Karen Cator, Director, Office of Educational Technology
• Milton Chen, Senior Fellow, The George Lucas Educational Foundation
• Jim Fruchterman, Founder and CEO, Benetech and Bookshare
• Kumar Garg, Policy Analyst, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
• Larry Goldberg, Director of Media Access, WGBH
• Cecilia Kang, National Technology Reporter, The Washington Post
• Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop
• Paul Jesukiewicz, Director, Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (ADL), Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Dane Linn, Education Division Director, National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices
• Christopher Lohse, Strategic Initiative Director of Information Systems and Research, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)  
• Melody Musgrove, Director, Office of Special Education Programs
• Joanne Weiss, Chief of Staff to the United States Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education

Conference sessions include the following:

• Education and Technology Policy: Hear from key leaders on the latest trends and direction in federal educational technology policy.
• Digital Youth and Accessible Media: Find out what today’s youth are doing with digital media and devices. Discover how we can design and use the next generation of technology tools to engage young people to increase their participation in the learning experience.
• Important Role of Open Source Technologies for Education: Learn the ways that open source development is changing the face of education today. Hear from the experts on ways that these new technologies can enhance existing and emerging education models, particularly for students with special needs.
• Innovation and Robotics: The Future of Assistive Technology (AT)? : Discover the potential of robotics for education and therapy for students with special needs. Look to the future to learn what it takes to implement this approach in service delivery settings.
• Underserved Populations: How Innovative Technology Can Make a Difference: Explore how underserved populations, both domestically and globally, are adopting technologies to solve problems and create new opportunities for students and communities.
• Key Issues in Education Policy: Hear how initiatives from the Common Core Standards to federal innovation competitions can help all students, particularly those with special needs.