It's time for FETC 2010, 30 year anniversary, and all is set and ready for thousands of participants to filter through the Orange County Convention Center. We're at the West Concourse this year, with parking in the rear of the building.
Ready- Left home with the added travel concern of sinkholes. Armed with my map of the exhibit hall, email verifications of appointments, interviews, receptions, and my own eagerness.
Set- After parking and a hike to Level 1 Sections A and B, I checked in and located the FETC Press Room. Such a nice welcome from really fine folks. We have wireless connection, work areas, and refreshments available to us throughout FETC.
Go- I will be attending the opening session which is 3:30-5:00 PM. From there I'll head to the Exhibit Hall's Grand Opening. There are several companies I will be looking for this evening: Discovery Education, SMART, and Epson to name a few.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Vendor Hall Exhibit
FETC Vendor Hall opening reception is set for Wednesday, January 13 from 5:00-7:00PM.
On Thursday, the Vendor Hall is open 9:00-5:30PM and on Friday, 9:00-2:30PM. Visiting vendors enables attendees to see products, demonstrations, and attend staff development.
On Thursday, the Vendor Hall is open 9:00-5:30PM and on Friday, 9:00-2:30PM. Visiting vendors enables attendees to see products, demonstrations, and attend staff development.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Gearing up!
FETC 2010 is just around the corner. I asked colleagues if they made a schedule to follow while at the conference. The majority of responses indicate the attempt is made, but so much can happen.
The exhibit hall is a big draw not only to see many of the hardware and software products out, but also for the opportunity in attending sessions dealing with the product. Many companies offer staff development in connection with a product purchase. Ask if it is included with the purchase and be sure to follow up and schedule sessions for your staff members.
I've been reading all that I can on the FETC web site . If I am informed, I hope to make wise choices for my time at the conference. I plan on being comfortable and doing a lot of walking. I'll be adding information daily and hope it will benefit those of you who 'pass' by.
The exhibit hall is a big draw not only to see many of the hardware and software products out, but also for the opportunity in attending sessions dealing with the product. Many companies offer staff development in connection with a product purchase. Ask if it is included with the purchase and be sure to follow up and schedule sessions for your staff members.
I've been reading all that I can on the FETC web site . If I am informed, I hope to make wise choices for my time at the conference. I plan on being comfortable and doing a lot of walking. I'll be adding information daily and hope it will benefit those of you who 'pass' by.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Verizon Thinkfinity
Verizon Thinkfinity is such a wonderful web portal to rich educational web resources. I have recently applied to be a Verizon Thinkfinity National Cadre Trainer. I feel I have much to offer and believe wholeheartedly that the resources available are high quality and contain tools that will help "children reach their highest potential" (Pasco County).
Friday, December 18, 2009
I am an Educator
I feel I was "called" to this profession, one I am proud to have been a part of for 35 years. After 25 years in the classroom (N-8), I decided to become an Instructional Technology Specialist. Although my focus has changed to coaching teachers in the use of technology, I feel that I have a good insight into the demands on today's teacher.
Many teachers are leaving the profession during their first five years. The demands on today's teacher are phenomenal. School districts who adopt new programs, textbooks, professional development expectations and so forth are forgetting the need for the time needed to adequately prepare for lessons. Too many meetings, paperwork, assessments are interfering with the teaching and learning process. Our school day is the same length as it was back in the 1920's, but look at all the things to learn that have developed.
To do the best job for students we need to have initiatives and policies fully backed with the necessary funds to make it happen. Perfect example is the use of online testing when schools are not equipped with enough computers to basically 'shut down' any other use for 3-5 weeks of the school year. We need educators with vision...where are we heading and what is the ultimate goal?
Many teachers are leaving the profession during their first five years. The demands on today's teacher are phenomenal. School districts who adopt new programs, textbooks, professional development expectations and so forth are forgetting the need for the time needed to adequately prepare for lessons. Too many meetings, paperwork, assessments are interfering with the teaching and learning process. Our school day is the same length as it was back in the 1920's, but look at all the things to learn that have developed.
To do the best job for students we need to have initiatives and policies fully backed with the necessary funds to make it happen. Perfect example is the use of online testing when schools are not equipped with enough computers to basically 'shut down' any other use for 3-5 weeks of the school year. We need educators with vision...where are we heading and what is the ultimate goal?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
January FETC 2010
Time is drawing near for this year's Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. FETC is a division of 1105 Media Inc. and this year's conference will have more than 200 Concurrent Sessions, more than 70 Professional Development Workshops, and an exhibit hall with 500+ companies. Participants will have an opportunity to network with folks about the latest in technology and educational resources. I look forward to attending and meeting folks I've communicated with during the year on Skype, Twitter, and FaceBook. Educators discovering ways to incorporate the latest Web 2.0 tools in the classroom are an exciting group!
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