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certification
ChromebooksiOS Tips and TricksProfessional Learning

Fall 2016 Online Certification Recipients

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Whether it is via a shared cart, 1:1, or BYOD, many teachers and students have access to iPads and Chromebooks to the extent that these are now common tools in their classrooms. Sometimes, though, it is easy to feel as if you know some of the basics, but not all that you need to really start using it as a powerful instructional tool. TCEA has developed two self-paced, online certification programs to help build these skills: the iPad (Level 1) Certification and the Chromebook (Level 1) Certification. These certifications are designed to help busy educators who don’t have time to attend optional after-school training, but do want the knowledge and skills to be adept users of the tools while earning 18 hours of professional development credit.

Each certification consists of self-paced modules to gain basic understanding of the device, pedagogical considerations when integrating the device in various settings (1:1, BYOD, shared cart, etc.), and introductory tutorials of some of the basic tools/apps that can be used on the device to engage students across the content areas. As a capstone to the online certifications, each participant develops a lesson plan that is correlated to specific content standards and integrates the device and tools/apps.

We would like to congratulate the graduates of the Fall 2016 semester who have earned the iPad (Level 1) Certification and/or the Chromebook (Level 1) Certification.

Certification graduates include:

  • Kayla Burgoon of Lubbock ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Veronica Castillo Baca of Harlingen Consolidated ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Veronica Castillo Baca of Harlingen Consolidated ISD – iPad (Level 1)
  • Kizuwanda Christie of KIPP – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Scott Firenza of Lubbock ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Laura Howard of San Angelo ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Jackie Johnson of Seminole ISD – iPad (Level 1)
  • Stephanie Trook of Lubbock ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)

Learn more about these certifications or contact Ashley Weiler at aweiler@tcea.org . Group discounts are available for districts/campuses who want to register a group of their educators as a cohort; contact Dr. Bruce Ellis at bellis@tcea.org for more information on group discounts.

 

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OneNote
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Top Ten OneNote FAQs

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Have you explored OneNote Class Notebook yet? OneNote Class Notebook works with over 35 different learning management systems (LMSs), including a few popular ones like Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Canvas! If you have tried it, you may have some questions about the best ways to use the program with your students. Here are the top ten questions we’ve received and their answers.

A Quick Update

But before we jump into questions from TCEA Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE) participants, check out these just announced improvements for OneNote Class Notebook.

Get the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)!

1. How can I use OneNote Class Notebook in a regular classroom for students that only can use technology at school (no computer at home)?
Many schools are moving towards increased access to technology through tablets and other inexpensive devices that students can check out.

2. Does it integrate into Schoology and ESchool + easily?
Yes, OneNote Class Notebook integrates into Schoology. For eSchool Plus integration, your Office 365 Administrator (i.e. tech director or designee) can go to this web site to find out more.

3. Is using OneNote easier for taking notes for students than pen and paper?
Yes, it can be for students who take advantage of audio/video recording, as well as those who choose to use custom note-taking pages (e.g. Cornell Notes) that are available. You can use a Cornell Note-taking formatted OneNote page to assist students (consider the possibilities for AVID students who rely on this approach!). Be sure to watch the video.

4. Can notebooks be exported to another format?
Yes, Notebooks, as well as Sections and Pages, can be exported in a variety of formats, including MS Word, PDF, sections, and entire notebooks for backup purposes or sharing. To do so, use OneNote or OneNote 2016 and click on FILE where you will see the Export option. Watch this short snip on File->Export options.

Working with Students

5. What are the best practices for students using OneNote for collaborative note taking?
Consider creating a page per day or unit of study in the Collaboration Space of a Class Notebook where students can add content.

6. At which grade level do you GENERALLY suggest students begin using OneNote?
Students are using it at a wide range of grade levels, starting at kindergarten, where they rely on audio and images for note-taking.

7. If a student changes teachers, is it possible to transfer the student and his or her work into their new teacher’s Microsoft Classroom? 
Yes, students can be moved from one MS Classroom to another via Student Data Sync.

8. Can I create multiple collaborative spaces (teaming the kids into vocabulary “themes” is what I am trying to achieve)?
You can create multiple collaborative spaces in the Collaboration Space. These “multiple collaborative spaces” involve adding a password to a section. Watch how to do that.

9. Is there a way to track which user contributes or modifies content?
You can track student contributions by View->Show Authors (if in the Online version), as well as in OneNote 2016. Watch this overview.

10. Could I (the teacher) use student collaborative spaces, copy them into the content library, and lock all modifications?
Yes, as teacher, you can use their creations in the Collaborative space, then copy their creations into the Content Library.

And, since no round-up is complete without a bonus, here’s one more:

11. I’m trying to load OneNote on my iPad, but can’t get it to open. How do I get it to work?
First, install the OneDrive app on your iOS device (e.g. iPad, iPhone). Then set up your work and personal account on it. Once you have OneDrive set up, add the OneNote app. Then you are ready to open a notebook in OneDrive.

Conclusion

What other questions do you have regarding OneNote Class Notebook? If you and your district are actively using OneNote in any way, please contact Miguel Guhlin (@mguhlin on Twitter; mguhlin@tcea.org via email) so that you and your teachers can be invited to join the TCEA MIE Facebook group.

 

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TCEA 2017 - network
Announcements/Important DatesProfessional Learning

Seven Networking Opportunities at TCEA 2017

by Alexis Cline
written by Alexis Cline

Whether it’s meeting new people, reconnecting with old colleagues, or rubbing elbows with edtech innovators, the TCEA Annual Convention & Exposition is the perfect conference to strengthen existing relationships with peers and forge new connections with educators from around the country. You’ll want to make time to network with other educators, thought leaders, presenters, and exhibitors at one of the many events designed to get you sharing ideas and making connections. Here are just a few to consider.

Poster Sessions

New this year, the come-and-go poster session format allows for up-close access to edtech movers and shakers. Learn from those who are innovating teaching and learning as you talk with them one-on-one. There’s no better way to expand your network. Posters will be offered on the following days and topics:

  • Tuesday, February 7: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. STEM
  • Tuesday, February 7: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Makerspaces
  • Wednesday, February 8: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 3D Printing and Virtual Reality
  • Wednesday, February 8: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Elementary-focused
  • Wednesday, February 8: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Leadership
  • Thursday, February 9: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. K-12 Coding and Computer Science
  • Thursday, February 9: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Amazing Resources
  • Thursday, February 9: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Redesigning Learning

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Tuesday, February 7
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - Exhibit HallEnjoy the excitement and energy of the exhibit hall in a whole new way this year. Tuesday’s Opening Reception is the ideal way to kick off your convention experience. Dedicate some time for exploration and inquiry, discover the latest and greatest in edtech solutions, and pick up great schwag from over 450 education and technology vendors.

TCEA 2017 First Timers’ Session

Tuesday, February 7
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Want to make sure you get the very most out of your convention experience? This session, led by convention veterans who also serve as TCEA board members, offers tips for scheduling your day, choosing the best sessions and events for you to attend, and enhancing your experience in playgrounds and poster sessions. Whether it’s your first TCEA convention or not, you will learn (and laugh) in this fun and helpful session.

TCEA17 YOUniverse

Tuesday, February 7 – Thursday, February 9
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - YOUniverseExplore the Power of You in this interactive learning area. Spend lots of hands-on time exploring makerspaces, breakout rooms, and programming. Discover activities and approaches that enhance learning by sharing in this peer-to-peer, network-rich presentation area.

Special Activities Taking Place in TCEA17 YOUniverse:

Makerspace Showcase
Tuesday, February 7
9:00 a.m. – noon

Come for a half-day of makerspace learning, growing, and building, and experience a variety of hands-on activities.

BreakoutEDU Immersion
Tuesday, February 7
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Adam Bellow, co-founder of BreakoutEDU, will introduce and explore the concept behind the craze. Attendees will be invited to participate in a BreakoutEDU challenge and learn how to implement the activity themselves for multiple grades and content areas.

Pokemon GO in Action
Wednesday, February 8
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Join in the fun of Pokemon GO and meet new friends. Designed for pro and novice players, we will explore local Poke-Stops and battle it out for gyms, points, and prizes.

TCEA17 YOUnited

Tuesday, February 7 – Thursday, February 9
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - YOUnitedMeet other edtech enthusiasts in the social media and connection Hub of TCEA 2017. Featured presenters and edtech experts are scheduled throughout the week to share their favorites tools, techniques, tips, and tricks. Whether you’re new to social media or have more followers than Justin Bieber, this is the spot for integrating social media into your repertoire.

Educational Technology Day at the Capitol

Tuesday, February 7
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Edtech advocates will receive a briefing on educational technology issues and learn tips and tricks for effectively communicating with legislators and their staff members. TCEA will set up meetings with the offices of each participant’s senators and representatives and provide transportation to the Texas Capitol for meetings with your legislators. Advance registration is required in addition to a fee of $15 that covers transportation and lunch at the Capitol.

Convention Social “Get Powered Up”

Thursday, Feb. 9
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - SocialThe Thursday social is the must-attend event at the convention, and this year we’ve moved it to a new, more convenient time. Let your hair down and power up with live music, great fun, and fabulous door prizes. There will be games, contests, and energetic tunes, all from the Live Music Capital of the World – Austin, Texas.

These are just a few of the networking opportunities available to you at TCEA 2017. When more than 9,000 educators come together for a week of learning and sharing, there’s bound to be a great new idea or inspiring story around every corner. Don’t miss your chance to plug the Power of You into the energetic mix that is this education conference. Register today.

 

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campus technology specialist
LeadershipProfessional Learning

We Feel Your Pain and Have a Solution

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Being a campus technology specialist can be very challenging these days. You try to work with all of your teachers, from the most tech savvy to the teacher who still can’t plug in her computer. Everyone wants you to troubleshoot technical problems, even though you’re not the technican. The office needs you to solve printer issues and install the new curriculum software, all by tomorrow.

And you wonder why it’s so hard to make some time to read up on the latest free apps or Web 2.0 tools that you can share to engage students. Few folks are aware of the extra time that you put in on a regular basis or how exhausting it can be to support adult learners; they only know that you make it look easy. But even on the best day, it can sometimes be a lonely job that few people understand.

campus technology specialistTo help you become a more effective and efficient campus technology specialist, TCEA has put together a solution, almost a miracle cure: an awesome group of presenters who know your struggles and can offer authentic solutions and advice to make your job easier and bring a smile to your face. Here are the top three reasons you should attend the Campus Technology Specialist Academy November 17-18 in Austin.

 

Reason #1: Relevant Solutions

Throughout the sessions of the Academy, you’ll hear how other campus technology specialists have worked with their staff to overcome the same challenges that you face. They’ll share what worked (and what didn’t), as well as critical tips to help you avoid the pitfalls that come with being a campus technology specialist.

Reason #2: Innovative and Tested Ideas

You’ll hear great ideas from experts in the field on how to motivate your reluctant teachers while challenging those who are always your first-adopters. You will leave with specific and actionable ideas, lessons, and activities that can be used with students, as well as with teachers, as you help them along their journey to innovative teaching and learning. And you’ll gain creative ways to offer professional development opportunities to better meet the needs of your staff.

Reason #3: You’re Not Alone

It is critical to both your sanity and your effectiveness as a campus leader that you have peers as contacts who can share their experiences and help you brainstorm possible next steps to try. Whatever your preferred method of connecting with others, you’ll find plenty of experts and supportive educators to add to your professional learning network to help you stay informed and balanced.

So, before you download the next app, restart the next computer, or counsel a teacher on why it’s important tocampus technology specialist integrate technology, take a moment to learn about the best learning event for campus technology specialists. View the sessions and schedule here and then register and join us at the TCEA Headquarters on November 17-18, 2016, for two days of refreshing, relevant training. Together, we can stop the pain and put a smile back on your face!

 

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tech support
LeadershipProfessional LearningTechnical Support

Two Techie Events, One Incredible Network

by Alexis Cline
written by Alexis Cline

It’s no surprise that this year’s System Administrator and Technical Support Conference is filling up faster than ever before. There are fewer than 60 seats left, in part because we’ve packed so much techno-goodness into three days (October 26-28) that will build both your tech support and leadership skills. To make your time away from the office as impactful as possible, we’ve scheduled the Fall TEC-SIG Meeting and the annual Sys Admin conference back-to-back. Register for both and enjoy three full days of learning and networking with professionals like you.

Fall TEC-SIG Meeting Highlights

TCEA’s special interest group, TEC-SIG, provides a forum for CTOs, technology directors, technology coordinators, instructional technology leaders, and other administrators to connect as a network of edtech leaders and get up-to-date information on hardware and software, networking, bandwidth decisions, advocacy and other issues that impact your district. The Fall TEC-SIG Meeting will feature a keynote from visionary leader Travis Allen, president and founder of iSchool Initiative, along with a broad lineup of great breakout sessions. You can review the full schedule and breakout descriptions here.

Networking with Networkers

Bridging the two events is a Wednesday evening reception, sponsored by GTS Technology Solutions. This free, laid-back reception features a showcase of a trendy Austin eatery, great food, and libations. And the evening wouldn’t be complete without a special feature from the Live Music Capital of the World. Please RSVP for this event. 

Sys Admin Conference Extras

The sponsors of this event bring added value with their content expertise. From offering guided presentations with top districts to bringing the latest in edtech to the forefront, the vendors showcased at the conference are dedicated to providing the best solutions.

GAFE Q&A with Amplified IT
Many questions were brought forward last year regarding GAFE implementation and support. We’ve partnered with Amplified IT, a Google for Education Partner and leader in GAFE support, to provide dedicated time in an informal Q&A setting to address those tough and lingering issues you are seeking solutions for. This session, more than any other this year, may provide more ROI than any other event you’ll attend.

Sys Admin Unconference
Because we know the real expertise lies in the trenches, the last session of the event will held in unconference format. Attendees will suggest relevant topics and then discuss solutions, ideas, and initiatives that have worked in their districts. This is networking at its finest!

Sponsor Support
We’d like to extend a special thanks to this year’s conference sponsors.

Platinum Sponsors
ClassLink
GTS Technology Solutions
StorageCraft

Gold Sponsors
Amplified IT
Filewave
Howard Edu
MNJ Technologies
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Silver Sponsor
Adtran

Networking Sponsor
AppsAdmins
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TEC-SIG
Professional LearningTechnical Support

Become a Connected TEC-SIG Educator!

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Dream more, learn more, inspire more. These aspirations define leadership. And for the Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group (TEC-SIG), these words have power. Register for TEC-SIG’s next meeting on October 26, 2016 to tap into this power. At the request of TCEA members, the October 26, 2016 meeting of TEC-SIG has been strategically placed next to the fall TCEA SysAdmin Conference. These two events take place October 26 through October 28, 2016. tecsig

  • Stay connected, especially important during Connected Educators’ month.
  • Engage in community-based learning efforts that support hyper-connected students and staff.

Dream More

“How are you using digital signage in your district?” Technologies abound that can shape teaching, learning, and leading. When members ask, “How can I use new edtech in my situation?” they invite you to collaborate with them in world-building. Each effort forces us to re-imagine the possibilities. Whatever your role (technical, policy, instruction), you are invited to dream and learn more.

Learn More

“Use a cheap Android USB dongle and GoogleCast,” shares one TEC-SIG member. “Or,” counters another, “you can use Xibo, Navori, Visix, or  flat panels connected to a video multiplier running Powerpoint!” These meetings inspire attendees to learn from each other. Relationships begin in face-to-face encounters that endure via digital connections TEC-SIG makes available post-meeting.

Inspire Others

“We place digital signage in front of schools, in cafeterias, in hallways, gyms, libraries, and offices. Our high school librarian programs the specific messages that appear on each.” When everyone can be your teacher, it’s important to have a few colleagues you can trust and rely on. Being in the presence of so many educational technologists will inspire you to be a leader.

Act now to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more. Be a TCEA TEC-SIG Connected Education Leader.

More about TEC-SIG

TEC-SIG is the largest SIG and was established in 1989 for the purpose of providing a means of communication between technology coordinators, instructional technology leaders, and other administrators. The organization furnishes its members up-to-date information on legislation, happenings within the Texas Education Agency, grants, and TEC SIG activities. Members share their own technology-related experiences at three yearly meetings in an effort to educate and inform each other on what is happening in the field of technology. You can also participate via the email listserv and TCEA Community.

More about TCEA Sys Admin Conference

The 2016 System Administrator and Technical Support Conference is specifically designed to offer useful and practical information to individuals like you who provide hardware, software, network, and infrastructure support for PreK-16 educators. We have created this conference specifically for the tech savvy system administrator, and we have planned a comprehensive package of strands that covers the real-world problems you encounter every day, offering solutions you can use.

 

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Connected Educator Month
Good TeachingLeadershipProfessional Learning

It’s All About the Connections We Make

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

With school now underway and students knowing their routines, it’s time to catch up on connecting with others and growing professionally. Since October is Connected Educator Month, it’s a perfect time to remember that you have needs as well. To help you get connected to some awesome educators that can help you maintain your enthusiasm throughout the year, I’ve selected five of my favorite resources.

Connected Educator Month Resources

The obvious starting place is the calendar of virtual events that you might want to join throughout the month of October. There are multiple events every single day, many of which are free and can be attended from anywhere in the world. You can also follow the hashtag #ce16 to discuss connectedness with other educators.

EdCamp Calendar

Sometimes the best professional development happens organically and without a formal schedule. If that sounds interesting to you, then let me encourage you to check out Edcamp’s calendar of upcoming events…possibly in a town very near you. You’ll have a chance to learn about relevant topics from folks just like yourself who are on their learning journey of using technology to make a difference in their classrooms.

Twitter Chat Schedule

We all have special hashtags that we like to follow for a stream of great resources and ideas. But do you have any favorite Twitter chats that you really enjoy? If you don’t, or if you would like more, consider looking at TweetReport’s Twitter chat schedule. Sort by topic, day, or time to find the most relevant one(s) for you. And, if you run your own Twitter chat, drop the information into their database so others can find it and connect with your group.

Best Web 2.0 Applications for 2016

And finally, who better to help us connect than Larry Ferlazzo himself. Check out his Best Web 2.0 Applications for 2016 to discover his newest favorite tools that you can use. You’ll find some great ones to share with your peers as you talk about engaging students and livening up lessons.

TCEA Social Community

If you are a TCEA member, then you should already know about the TCEA Community groups that can help you connect with like-minded educators. If you are not a TCEA member, then just know that this is one of several great member benefits of joining TCEA. Subscribe to the groups that meet your needs; ask questions, swap ideas, and share resources. And you can even create your own group if you find that the one for your niche is missing.

Regardless of the content and grade level you teach, you are sure to find some great educators to connect with using one (or more) of these five resources. What other resources do you use to connect with educators? We’d love to hear about them. Just leave us a comment and share.

 

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Twitter
Professional Learning

Twitter-ize Your Learning Network

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“How many of you have a Twitter account?” I asked a recent workshop audience. Only a few hands went up. That made me sad. I find Twitter a powerful tool for daily professional development. Twitter-ize your learning with this question in mind, “What are you learning now?”

Get Started with Twitter

Watch this short 15 minute video that walks you through the steps in creating your own free Twitter account. Yes, it’s just that easy!

Use Twitter Lists

A Twitter list is a subset of the people you follow on Twitter. Set up different lists for organizations you may be a part of. When you view Twitter lists, you ONLY see what those people are tweeting. This can help you focus. Here’s a video that demonstrates.

Take Advantage of Hashtags

Hashtags are words embedded in a tweet that allow others to track what you are tweeting about. If I want to quickly find out what others are saying about education in general, I can do so by doing a Twitter search on the hashtag #edchat or by taking advantage of one of the free services that searches for me, such as Twubs.

Manage Your Twitter account?

While you can use the Twitter website, as well as one of the various mobile apps for Twitter, consider taking a look at Tweetdeck or Hootsuite.  These free tools let you manage multiple twitter accounts and schedule tweets in advance. For example, using Twitter, your tweets are shared as they happen. With Tweetdeck or Hootsuite, though, you can schedule your Tweets in advance. Use it to schedule tweets to celebrate an event, make announcements during a presentation, or coincide with a specific event. And using a tool such as one of these will also make it easier for you to participate and keep up with Twitter chats on topics you’re interested in.

Consider Twitter’s Dashboard, a relatively new service that works as an iOS app and is accessible via your web browser (no Android version as of this writing).

How do I track what I like via Twitter?

As you are working your way through Twitter, there are several ways to keep track of what you are seeing. Here are a few ways to keep track of your Twitter favorites for use later on:

  • Favorite/”Heart” It – The quickest and easiest way is to tap on the star (on mobile apps, press and hold on a tweet you want to favorite, then press on the star. Other options include retweeting). You can then access your Twitter favorites by replacing “mguhlin” in this link with your own Twitter handle. You can later embed your favorites in a web page, blog, or wiki for digital curation of resources and ideas.
  • Send It to Pocket (ReadItLater) – Pocket allows you to share the full text of an article, image, etc. to other sites like Onenote via IFTTT.com.
  • Retweet It – When you retweet, quote the tweet and add your username (e.g. @mguhlin) to ensure you can find it later. Just check your notifications area.
  • Hashtag It – When you retweet something, add a hashtag to it. Drop the # symbol when searching on a hashtag.

Twitter-ize your learning network to discover more about what interests you, as well as share with others what drives your learning! The rewards are infinite.

 

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library
LibrariesProfessional Learning

Conference on the Future of the Library

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

On Thursday, October 6 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central time, there will be an amazing, free opportunity for librarians from around the world to gather virtually and discuss the future of libraries. Attendees will engage in conversations with civic, social, and education innovators who have made the library the hub of learning. The conference schedule will include both keynote presentations and crowd-sourced sessions and will be held entirely online via Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing.

School libraries have seen tremendous change over the past few years with the coming of age of makerspaces and the librarian as technology expert. This free conference sponsored by the American Library Association Center for the Future of Libraries provides a powerful way to ensure that your library continues to serve the changing needs of your students and staff. Advanced registration is required, and registrants will receive the live session links, as well as links to the recordings. Make sure you register today!

 

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Good TeachingLeadershipProfessional Learning

Seven Reasons You MUST Attend TCEA 2017

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

I’ve attended a lot of conferences in my educational career: 34 TCEA Conventions & Expositions, seven Tots and Technology conferences, four System Admin conferences, and literally hundreds of other great learning events put on by various associations and groups. I strongly believe in the power of educators meeting together to share expertise and common problems, in the need for networking and finding solutions together, and in the desire to continually “sharpen our saw” so that what we do in classrooms and schools every day makes a meaningful difference for kids.

I know that all of you reading this blog believe the same. That’s why I want to encourage you to attend the TCEA 2017 Convention & Exposition in Austin February 6-10, 2017. More than just a convention, this event every year is a major learning experience for dedicated educators from around the globe. And it’s just downright fun, too! Here are the top seven reasons why you simply MUST attend!

Reason #7:

Everyone wants to hang out with rock stars. And at the TCEA convention, we’ll have the most famous ed tech stars in the world. Accost them in the bathroom, stalk them in sessions, and put a face to a name of your Twitter have-to-follows. This is your chance to rub shoulders and learn from the best and the brightest gurus in our field.


Reason #6:

TCEA 2017You need more swag for your classroom because you’ve already gone through all of the things you bought from Oriental Trading Company for your students for the entire year. TCEA’s amazing exhibitors and the wacky board members who present the First Timers’ sessions always have the best toys and giveaways that will restock your supply closet and make you the most popular teacher on campus.

Reason #5:

There are still a couple of iPad apps or Chrome extensions that you don’t know about, but might be able to use with your kids or staff. TCEA’s presenters are carefully selected for their outstanding knowledge and up-to-date expertise in the integration of all kinds of technologies, including apps, extensions, websites, Web 2.0 tools, social media, and much, much more.

Reason #4:

In the most steps competition with your campus, you are lagging far behind the PE teachers and coaches. Come walk the Austin Convention Center with its 881,400 square feet and its six city blocks, and you’ll leave them lagging in the dust.

Reason #3:

You won’t feel like a nerd or geek with the crowd at TCEA. Everyone there will have multiple devices, numerous dongles, and will understand your frantic, desperate rush to find an electrical outlet in the next five minutes.

TCEA 2017Reason #2:

You’ve been thinking about repapering your dining room, but can’t really afford new wallpaper. At the TCEA convention, you can grab handfuls of ribbons to wear from your badge all the way down to the floor, and then use them afterwards to redecorate.

Reason #1:

Whether you are an administrator, a librarian, a technician, a teacher, a paraprofessional, or a parent, you want to make the world better for the children you come in contact with each day. Learn from others with the same goal at TCEA 2017, discover new and effective ways to engage students, and ensure that your daily work is based on best practice and the latest research.

I look forward to seeing each of you in Austin the first week of February!

 

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