Neuroscientist Dr. John Medina is Opening Keynote for ISTE 2011 in Philadelphia

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of educators, technology coordinators, administrators, and tech industry reps from school districts, government agencies, and companies around the world are expected to attend the International Society for Technology in Education's 32nd annual conference and exposition June 26 – 29, 2011, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

The world's most comprehensive ed tech event, ISTE's annual conference and exposition typically attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees.  Last year's conference in Denver attracted nearly 18,000 participants and 450+ exhibiting companies.

"Unlocking Potential" is the theme of ISTE 2011, which is held in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT).

Author and developmental molecular biologist Dr. John J. Medina will present ISTE 2011's opening keynote Sunday evening, June 26, at the Convention Center.  Medina wrote the New York Times bestseller "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School."  He holds joint affiliate faculty appointments at the University of Washington School of Medicine and at Seattle Pacific University, where he is the director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research. Winner of numerous teaching awards, Medina speaks and writes often about the relationship between neurology and education.

"We're very pleased that Dr. Medina will kick off the conversations at ISTE 2011," said Donella Evoniuk, senior director of ISTE's conference services division and executive producer of the event. "A deeply engaging and dynamic speaker, he offers a fascinating look at how physiological factors shape the human brain and how knowledge of simple "Brain Rules" can awaken the educational process and unlock student potential."

Additional information about ISTE 2011 keynotes will be posted shortly under the program tab at http://www.isteconference.org/2011/.  ISTE 2011 features nearly 700 sessions, including workshops, posters, and bring-your-own-laptop sessions.  These are searchable by theme, category, time, Special Interest Group recommendation, and presenter.

About ISTE

ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology. With its affiliate network, ISTE represents more than 100,000 education leaders and emerging leaders throughout the world. www.iste.org.

ISTE is the registered trademark of the International Society for Technology in Education.

SOURCE International Society for Technology in Education