Intros

[Luke Allen]

Alright now, since we'll all be working together at the conference soon, let's take advantage of this group to introduce ourselves.
I'm a retired teacher, (33 years), and have been involved with the conference for a number of years as a presenter and a committee member, as well as working tech support. I don't even remember what year I started, but I don't plan on stopping. This is too much fun!

[Gerry Mattix-Wand]

Well, as one of the neophytes to the group, I'll add my into. I am the father of 2 (one boy-12 and one girl-8), the husband of 1 (also a teacher), and the servant of many (as director of technology at East Alton-Wood River H.S. - 18 years) This is not only my first time on the tech support group, but also my first time at this conference. It's a little scary jumping headfirst into the unknown like this, but I recognize many of the names on this list, so I know everything will be OK. I am looking forward to this conference and the unique perspective I will get as part of the tech support team. Just one question - Do I need to bring my tux? I didn't realize this was a formal conference :)

[Luke Allen]

Black tie, optional.

[Linda Wallin]

Hi Luke,
Last year was the first year in a long time that I didn't volunteer and it just wasn't as much fun, I mean educational. I have been coming to technology conferences in the burbs since 1987, when North Cook Instructional Service Center had a conference in February and ICE had one in November. I teach disabled preschoolers for the Special Education School District of Lake County and teach at National-Louis University part time. I have three children who are grown and one absolutely beautiful granddaughter. I am on the road to retirement, hopefully in 2012. Still haven't figured what I want to do when I grow up, but it will involve technology.

[Jim Flanagan]

Hi, I'm a newly retired old-timer. I haven't done tech support for a few years (and there may be a few snide comments on whether I really delivered when I was on the team ;-) )

I've been coming to the conference since it was in Arlington Heights - Guess that dates me.

I've been a teacher, tech director, for a long time. I'm looking forward to working with this group again. It's a great group.

Jim

[Heather Clarkson]

Hi all. My name is Heather Clarkson. I have been attending ICE for several years and presented at breakout sessions mostly on the use of Videoconferencing in the Classroom. I am a technology Integration teacher at two elementary schools in Dolton and I live in Indiana (which is one of the reasons I don't make it to meetings). Last year I worked with Tim Wilson, one of the spotlight speakers to create some podcasts to go along with the webcasts. I will be doing the same again this year, but on my own--YIKES!

[Joe Brennan]

Joe Brennan here, also retired and working now as a grandpa, part-time edtech/media consultant and blogger. I also remember the conference in Arlington Heights and Flanagan's efforts in social networking for teachers in the dial up modem days.

[Luke Allen]

This is for Joe. Does this file bring back memories?

[Tajuana Patterson]

I'm a technology coordinator for CPS and have been involved with the conference for several years as an attending member and volunteer. I have been a technology coordinator and computer instructor for students and adults for over 8 years and love what I do. I hope to become more involved with ICE as a presenter and more active in the local monthly meetings.