Attending one or more of the top conferences about technology in education will introduce you to this fast growing field within the education world. Education technology can refer to the tablets and other devices that teachers use when working with special needs students, but it can also apply to the growing popularity of online programs and classes that students take from home. These conferences take place in larger and smaller cities across the country.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
One of the top conferences about technology in education is the annual event put on by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Though the location of the conference changes every year, it often features guest speakers who have experience in ed tech and special activities that help teachers learn more about devices and programs that they can use. The conference is open to members who agree to follow ISTE standards, including empowering students and using ed tech standards in their classes.
Future of Education Technology Conference
The Future of Education Technology Conference is another great annual event for teachers. This conference has a keynote speaker and several other speakers who give speeches on each day. Many speakers focus on big changes within the industry and with the best programs, software and devices for teachers and classroom use. The conference also focuses heavily on changes that might occur in the future. You’ll learn how to remain informed on those changes and how you can introduce new forms of technology to your school.
iNACOL Blended & Online Learning Symposium
While some conferences about technology in education focus more on devices and programs, the iNACOL Blended & Online Learning Symposium focuses on the growing use of online classes around the world. More than 2,500 people attend every year, and the popularity features a mixture of instructors who teach online classes and those who want to launch online programs in their own schools. Unlike similar conventions that deal more with college programs, this conference talks about the growing need and use of online classes among high school students and younger students. The conference often includes classes that show teachers how to lead online courses.
Google Summits
If you still think of Google as just another search engine, you should attend one of the Google Summits. Offered by the company of the same name, these summits last for one to two days and provide teachers with help regarding Google apps. The summits typically include classes and workshops that show you how to use Google Earth in geography classes, the benefits of watching videos via YouTube and how you can help your students find the best search results via a simple Google search.
Education Technology Strategies
Though Education Technology Strategies is one of the newer conferences about technology in education, it quickly developed a reputation as one of the best. This conference is open to teachers and administrators working in high schools, elementary schools and colleges. It features lectures from guest speakers, a keynote address, workshops and lots of classes. You might take a class on teaching students via the electronic devices that they bring to school, helping online students make and reach their goals or how you can make other teachers understand the benefits of new education tech.
Education technology may refer to those teaching computer classes, but it often refers to the ways in which instructors educate students via new forms of technology. Regardless of what type of class you teach, you’ll find a number of great conferences about technology in education that can teach you new skills for working with your students.
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