Reflecting on FETC

I spend part of my day 'in the cloud' and other times I am just in a fog!

I did see the new projectors with DLP capability. Bringing 3D to the classroom enhances the learning experience. After dodging asteroids myself, I could picture our kids' interest level would be super high.

Inspiration 9 had a January release. They added the presentation conversion feature and mind maps. With just a click, you are able to convert your visual diagrams into slides for a presentation, an Inspiration viewer (free download) means you can view on any machine, not have to have the app itself.

Applications aren't going away, but they will be used as tools for use in the cloud. When working with Google, for example, you can upload Powerpoint presentations, so folks can still create with programs they are comfortable with. Google Wave increases the collaboration efforts made not only in education, but business too. Google will continue to unveil more. 20% of their employees day is spent on personal work pursuits. Lots of great stuff coming.

The freedom to not being tied to one computer is so nice. I saw more in the line of mobile users and am hoping that supports the need for mobility with our computers in the classroom. AKA eliminate stationary labs. With budget issues haunting us for some time to come, why not let kids bring their own 'tools' to school. We need to be ready, get policy in place, do the background work, and not be in a position of 'catch up'.

With Web2.0 and working in the cloud, we need to examine bandwidth needs for the future. I am so glad we switched our network provider. Things go so much smoother now than they did with the "tower people" aka Trillion. Lots of conversation at FETC from folks concerned that their bandwidth would not meet their needs.

The role of the tech in Pasco is changing. Get ready. We all need to be learning, not only the tools, but how to use them in the classroom.
Word for the future: Integration Specialists! We know the hardware/software and we educate others on appropriate use. I liked when Richard, a Pasco Colleague, said, "you will be standing by the side of the road and eventually forced to move out of the way."