Q: What happens when 10,000 educators gather together in central Florida to celebrate dynamic learning and classroom innovation?
A: Simply put .. MAGIC!
From January 23-26, Orlando Florida, and the Orange County Convention Center hosted the annual FETC Conference. This year, educators from around the world gathered together to showcase student achievement in the classroom and showcase new and innovative technologies that will soon be available to teachers and school districts for the upcoming school year. The conference was electric and I can honestly say it was one of the best conferences that I have ever attended.
What is the FETC Conference?
The FETC (Future of Education Technology Conference) is an annual conference that brings together educators, district administrators, and educational technology companies from across the country. This conference serves as a platform for sharing innovative ideas, exploring cutting-edge technology, and discussing the future of education. Held in Orlando, Florida, the FETC Conference features a wide range of sessions, workshops, and exhibits catering to educators' needs at all levels.
Recently we sat down with FETC Conference Chair Jennifer Womble to discuss this year's conference and the history of FETC.
With a rich history spanning over several years, the FETC Conference has become a premier event in the field of education technology. It attracts thousands of attendees who are passionate about leveraging technology to transform education and improve student outcomes. The conference showcases the latest advancements in educational technology, providing educators and administrators with valuable insights and resources to enhance their teaching practices and educational leadership.
4 Outstanding Sessions at this Year's FETC Conference
Expand Your Classroom Creativity with Canva
For the last few years, I kept hearing from those attending conferences “You just have to attend a session from ‘The Merrils.’” When the opportunity came to sit in the front row for one of their extremely engaging 2-hour workshops, I could not resist. During this session, I learned more about Canva than I have ever thought I could learn. (Note: I’ve been a paid Canva member for a few years now). The husband-and-wife team of Joe and Kristin Merrill were engaging and dynamic and were exactly what I needed to get my creative juices flowing during the mid-point of the conference. I highly recommend checking out “The Merrils” the next time you are at a conference such as FETC or ISTE and if you get the chance to check out their book The Interactive Class: Using Technology to Make Class More Relevant and Engaging in the Elementary Classroom today!
Level Up Your Coaching with SMART Goals!
Are you an Instructional Coach seeking new and innovative ways to bring digital learning into your classrooms? Session presenters Jennifer Thomas and Jessica Brittingham brought the house down in this session by showcasing how Coaches can establish SMART Goals to strengthen their teacher/coaching partnerships.
Creating Compelling Presentations
Not knowing where I was going or how I was getting there, I decided to walk into the room that I would later be presenting in to see what it looked like and check out the workshop happening before me. I just happened to walk into one of the most authentic and creative presentations that I’ve ever seen. Author, Speaker, and Inspirational Leader, George Couros walked those in attendance through the steps he takes to create his dynamic presentations and workshops. We learned how he uses Apple Keynote to break about video clips to differentiate between videos with and without sound to create an intimate experience for his audiences of any size. This was by far one of the most interesting sessions for someone who also spends hours on their slide decks and loses sleep if anything is out of place during even the smallest of presentations. A few years ago I read George’s book “An Innovator's Mindset” and this presentation has inspired me to pick it up again in the very near future.
EDUProductivity Tips & Tricks for the WAY-TOO-Busy Instructional Coach
Ok, I am listing my presentation here. But it was a good one. Everyone in the workshop was riveted and you could hear pins and needles hit the floor. In this session, we walked Instructional Coaches through four different activities to help them rethink and reevaluate the ways that they are Communicating and Creating Systems for their coaching programs. Additional Information on these topics can be found at http://www.AskTheTechCoach.com.
Best Part About FETC: Reconnecting with Longtime Friends!
Why should teachers attend the FETC Conference?
Attending the FETC Conference can be a transformative experience for teachers. It provides an opportunity to expand their knowledge, gain insights from industry experts, and discover new teaching methodologies. The conference offers a diverse range of sessions that cover various subjects and grade levels, allowing teachers to customize their learning experience. From sessions on instructional technology and STEM education to personalized learning and classroom management, teachers can explore a wide range of topics that are relevant to their practice.
One of the key benefits of attending the FETC Conference is the exposure to the latest trends and innovations in educational technology. Teachers can learn about new tools, software, and teaching strategies that can enhance student engagement and achievement. They can discover innovative ways to integrate technology into their classrooms and create more dynamic and impactful learning environments. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, teachers can adapt their teaching practices to meet the evolving needs of their students and prepare them for the future.
In addition to the valuable learning opportunities, the FETC Conference offers a unique platform for networking and collaboration. Teachers can connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and build relationships with educators from different parts of the country. The conference fosters a community of passionate educators who are dedicated to transforming education through technology. By networking with peers and industry experts, teachers can gain new perspectives, receive support, and find inspiration to enhance their teaching practice.
Why should administrators attend the FETC Conference?
For district administrators, the FETC Conference is a valuable platform to explore the latest advancements in educational technology and gain insights into effective implementation strategies. The conference offers a variety of sessions and workshops specifically designed to address the needs and challenges faced by administrators. From sessions on educational leadership and strategic planning to data-driven decision-making and teacher professional development, administrators can access a wealth of knowledge and resources to drive positive change in their districts.
Attending the FETC Conference allows administrators to expand their professional network and connect with industry leaders. They can engage in discussions and share best practices with other administrators who are facing similar challenges. By collaborating with peers, administrators can learn from their experiences, gain new perspectives, and find innovative solutions to improve educational outcomes in their districts. The conference also provides an opportunity to connect with educational technology companies and explore new solutions and technologies that can positively impact their districts.
Furthermore, the FETC Conference offers a range of sessions and workshops that focus on effective implementation strategies. Administrators can learn about successful case studies, research-backed practices, and proven methodologies for integrating technology into classrooms and district-wide initiatives. By attending these sessions, administrators can gain valuable insights and practical tips to effectively lead the implementation of educational technology in their schools and districts.
What can teachers take back to their classrooms after attending the FETC conference?
After attending the FETC Conference, teachers can bring back a wealth of knowledge and resources to their classrooms. The conference sessions cover a wide range of topics, including instructional technology, STEM education, personalized learning, and classroom management. Teachers can learn about new tools, software, and teaching strategies that can enhance student engagement and achievement. They can also gain insights into effective assessment methods and data-driven instruction. By implementing the ideas and strategies learned at FETC, teachers can create a more dynamic and impactful learning environment for their students.
One of the key takeaways for teachers is the exposure to innovative teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches. The FETC Conference showcases sessions that highlight research-backed practices and innovative teaching strategies. Teachers can learn about new approaches to instruction, such as project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and gamification, that can foster student creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. By incorporating these approaches into their teaching practice, teachers can create a more engaging and student-centered learning experience.
Moreover, the FETC Conference provides teachers with access to a wide range of resources and tools that can be utilized in their classrooms. From educational software and apps to interactive whiteboards and robotics kits, teachers can explore and discover new technologies that can enhance their teaching and facilitate student learning. The conference also offers opportunities to connect with educational technology companies and exhibitors, allowing teachers to get hands-on experience with the latest tools and resources.
What were the most popular topics of FETC 2024?
At FETC 2024, several topics received significant attention and generated buzz among attendees. One of the most popular topics was artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Educators and administrators were eager to explore how AI can be integrated into classrooms to personalize learning experiences and support student success. AI-powered tools and platforms were showcased, demonstrating how they can assist in adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring, and data analysis to inform instruction.
Another hot topic at FETC 2024 was virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in education. Many sessions highlighted the potential of these technologies to create immersive and interactive learning environments. Attendees were able to experience VR and AR firsthand, exploring how they can be used to enhance field trips, simulate experiments, and provide engaging learning experiences. The sessions showcased the practical applications of VR and AR in various subjects and grade levels.
Coding and robotics emerged as another popular topic at FETC 2024. With the increasing emphasis on computational thinking and STEM education, educators were keen to learn about coding and robotics tools and curriculum resources. Attendees had the opportunity to explore coding platforms, robotics kits, and programming languages that can be integrated into their classrooms to develop students' computational thinking skills and foster creativity.
Digital citizenship and data privacy in education were also prominent topics at FETC 2024. As technology becomes more integrated into classrooms, the importance of teaching students about the responsible and ethical use of technology has grown. Sessions focused on digital citizenship addressed topics such as online safety, digital literacy, and responsible use of social media. Data privacy sessions highlighted the importance of protecting student data and implementing secure practices in educational institutions.
How can you participate in FETC events throughout the school year?
Although the FETC Conference is an annual event, there are several ways to participate in FETC events throughout the school year. FETC offers webinars, online workshops, and virtual conferences that provide ongoing professional development opportunities. These events cover a wide range of topics and allow educators to engage with experts and peers from the comfort of their classrooms. Teachers can participate in live webinars or access recorded sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Where do you find more information about FETC?
For more information about the FETC Conference, including dates, registration details, and session schedules, visit the official FETC website at www.fetc.org. The website provides comprehensive information about the conference, exhibitors, keynote speakers, and special events. It also offers a registration portal where attendees can secure their spot at the conference and explore the available session options.
Additionally, you can follow FETC on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news and announcements. FETC's social media accounts provide real-time updates about the conference, including keynote speaker announcements, session highlights, and special events. Following FETC on social media allows educators to stay connected with the FETC community and receive timely information about the conference.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your teaching practice and join the educational technology community at FETC! The conference offers a unique platform for professional growth, networking, and collaboration. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the next FETC Conference to gain valuable insights, discover innovative solutions, and connect with like-minded professionals. Together, let's shape the future of education!
You can also follow FETC on social media:
See you Next year FETC!
As we all grabbed our Ubers and headed to the airport, i had a moment to take a look back at the Convention Center. The sun was just right, the temperature was 80 degrees, and my feet were tired. All that being said … it was one of the best conferences I have ever attended.
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