FCIT Resources

The Florida Center for Instructional Technology, located on the University of South Florida campus in Tampa hosts a Social Studies blog.

Moving Forward

The Verizon Thinkfinity Community will close on June 30, 2014. I've been a Verizon Thinkfinity Host since February 1, 2013 and I've truly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with fellow educators from around the globe.

The desire to share educational best practices is still strong and so I shall continue whether it be here in Tech Musings or elsewhere on the web.

FETC 2014

FETC 2014 is in full swing today offering time in the exhibit hall and speaking with company representatives: Edmodo, Follett, Google Apps in Education, Dell, Amplify, and SynergySE, just to name a few.  As people mill in and out of display areas, the conversations vary but an overall topic is "I'd like to use that in my classroom."

Connecting with what is available is an important step for an educator or administrator.  When you see a technology tool and make the connection of how it can improve student learning, you've had a

WOW moment. It just might be the catalyst needed to change perceptions.

Twitter is active and #FETC is among the lead in topics of the day.  Speakers have used Twitter to advertise their sessions, share resources, and comment on the conference and the impact it is having on them.   Pics are being posted on Twitter as well.  Here are a few tweets, just to give you an idea!

• "Did you know there are 300 Canandians at #FETC?" from MindShareLearningMag
• "Twitter makes PD personalized." from Jonathan Apostol
• "Second Session that read write think from Thinkfinity has been shared today at #fetc cube creator. Favorite ela resource." Rhonda Roysden

Connecting with friends and meeting new people is a real plus when it comes to attending conferences.  Your PLN (Personal Learning Network) continues to grow.  Here I am with Luis Perez (Accessibility and Inclusive Design Consultant) and Tony Dutra, (Region 5 Technology Coordinator, Technology & Learning Connections/USF).

39 Years

I made up my mind.  I'm retiring.  Retiring is not an end, but a beginning.  I look forward to using the technology skills I've acquired in numerous ways.

When I became a teacher, I truly viewed my career as a 'calling', a vocation choice.  After spending 25 years in the classroom, the past 14 years have been spent in technology and the integration of technology into the classroom.  I've met so many wonderful people along my 'educational path'.  Being a life long learner will not end with retirement.

I'm going out while I still love what I'm doing and still have a positive effect on the folks I work with.  I don't know what the future holds, but that's a good thing.  I imagine there will be a needed adjustment period, but I am ready. I am retiring!

May is just around the corner

April is nearing an end.  I know that May is a busy month for educators.  As I look ahead, I can't help but wonder what new challenges the month will bring.

Join the Crowd at FETC

Thinkfinity: Florida Thinkfinity: FETC 2012

Thinkfinity: Florida Thinkfinity: FETC 2012

Will you be attending the FETC conference this year? What are you most interested in?