As a quick summary of my 3 days spent at CoSN's 13th Annual K-12 School Networking Conference
Visionary Leadership: Scaffolding 21st Century Learning with Technology
(Sunday, March 9 - Tuesday, March 11, 2008).

I noticed the following trends:

• Assessment—data warehousing and bringing the data to the teacher desktop (unlocking the data) as well as online assessment
• Making the case that 21st century skills are crucial and can be supported using technology
• Laptop 1-1 initiative as part of an Intelligent Classroom (projector with whiteboards)
• Ultraportables—two years out???
• Increased Bandwith—ever increasing need
• Student devices: whether laptops or cell phones…school systems are figuring out ways to account for and accommodate them
• E-Learning for teachers and students (includes less dependence on print resources)
• Student portals: getting all the information in one place
• Software as a service (less dependence on outright purchase)
• Open Sources software (such as Moodle?, our course management system?) and Google apps
• Accountability for IT—includes using TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and VOI (value of investment) metrics

I also heard Daniel Pink (A Whole New Mind) speak...he is an engaging and thought provoking speaker. I highly RECOMMEND his book.