[K12OSN] FOSSed 2011! You should come! Here's why...

[David Trask]

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 (www.posscon.org) 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 (or click
here)<http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=0Ao0OJNgJaV9BcEU2SjUyYW1hbTl1ZGFkX3lRV0xiZWc&hl=en>
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.  (
copperdoggy at gmail.com )  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 http://www.fossed.com

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!  http://www.fossed.com  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
www.fossed.com
copperdoggy at gmail.com
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