<div class="gmail_quote">FOSSed 2011 isn't all that far off. As I write this I am typing on a smartphone with an open source operating system called Android. Those of you who are familiar with Android, smartphones, and tablets may know that Android has gotten a lot of traction recently. Why? People like freedom and openness. I'm not knocking the iPhone or the iPad. Both are wonderful devices. Android, however, has arrived. In fact, it was just announced the other day that Amazon will be making an Android powered Kindle...and they opened their own Android App store today. So...why am I typing on an Android phone? I'm sitting in Logan Airport waiting for my flight to Charlotte, NC (and eventually to Columbia, SC). I'm headed to present at POSSCON (<a href="http://www.posscon.org" target="_blank">www.posscon.org</a>) to further spread the word about free and open source software and it's uses in education. I'm excited. First...it's warmer there....and second...I get to do what I love to do. I'm even incorporating my trip into my lessons with my kids back at school. All made possible with open source software. (and you can expect at least one Android session at FOSSed this year) ;-) If not more... I'm also writing to let you know that you deserve great professional development. If success can be measured in longevity, then I can honestly say that FOSSed has truly been successful in meeting the goal of providing quality professional development over the years. FOSSed is now going into our 9th year! Over the years we've had some truly excellent presenters and presentations. This year, I'm sure, will be no exception. We already have some great sessions and instructors lined up and are looking for more (are you interested?) We want you to come and be a part of the FOSSed experience. Many folks come back year after year simply because it is a truly great experience. You not only learn a lot from the sessions, but even more learning takes place after-hours and during the incredible meals. (yes...I said it....the meals are AWESOME at FOSSed) You get a real chance to connect with colleagues and learn so much more than you can in a typical conference environment. We want YOU! Come and be a part of FOSSed...either as a presenter...a participant or both! FOSSed is and always has been participant driven. We want to know what you would like to learn more about. Please go to the FOSSed site <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=0Ao0OJNgJaV9BcEU2SjUyYW1hbTl1ZGFkX3lRV0xiZWc&hl=en" target="_blank">(or click here)</a> and go to Call for presentations for FOSSed 2011 (on the left side in the navigation menu) and fill out the simple form where you can tell us more about what you want to learn! Once you get beyond the first page or so there's also an opportunity for you to let us know if you'd like to present. Most of our FOSSed presenters are also FOSSed participants. These folks simply want to share their knowledge and excitement with YOU. If you have an idea...let me know about it...I'd love to have you present to your colleagues. (and did I mention we pay you a bit?) I know the economy isn't what it could be. Times are tough. This is why it's more important than ever that we leverage quality professional development at a great price. The price for FOSSed is ALL INCLUSIVE. Meals, lodging, and the conference are all one low price (that's the same as last year...we held the line and so did Gould Academy). You can stay on-campus...or you can save a little $$$ and stay off-campus. (off-campus is mostly for the local folks with a short commute) It's $495 for on-campus participants and $455 for off-campus. All meals are included. For those of you who are ACTEM members...combine it with your ACTEM professional development benefit and you could be able to come to FOSSed for less than $100! We're also VERY flexible. Some schools need special billing arrangements to accomodate the new fiscal year and so forth...no worries...just contact me and I'll be happy to help you out. ( <a href="mailto:copperdoggy@gmail.com" target="_blank">copperdoggy@gmail.com</a> ) OH! And don't forget...FOSSed is in July...so it is part of the NEW budget/fiscal year...that might help you! So...whaddya' waiting for? For more information and to register for FOSSed 2011...go to<a href="http://www.fossed.com" target="_blank"> http://www.fossed.com</a> Hope you can join us this year! Bryant and I will be at POSSCON for the next few days (for all you FOSSed Alum...Maddog is here as well!) I will try to post some of the "happenings" here at POSSCON on twitter...you can follow me @dtrask So...register for FOSSed 2011...it's going to be awesome and we want you to be a part of it! <a href="http://www.fossed.com" target="_blank">http://www.fossed.com</a> or you can click here directly to register. If you have ANY questions at all...please drop me an email and I'll be happy to answer it. Sent from my Android phone David Trask FOSSed 2011 <a href="http://www.fossed.com" target="_blank">www.fossed.com</a> <a href="mailto:copperdoggy@gmail.com" target="_blank">copperdoggy@gmail.com</a> </div>