Summer is almost here and you know what that means: TCEA’s Elementary Technology Conference (ETC) is coming up! Located in Galveston, Texas, this conference allows PreK-5 educators (teachers, principals, librarians, and ed tech enthusiasts of all flavors) to go deeper in an engaging blend of sessions. These sessions combine solid pedagogy with meaningful technology integration and a dash of summer sun. Designed for anyone who works with PreK-5th grade students, ETC is a must-attend event with a summer feel and hands-on focus. Let’s take a look at some of the big reasons to sign up for this elementary-centered conference.
Session Variety
With over 100 sessions to attend at the Elementary Technology Conference, you will definitely find great resources that fit your PD needs and help you build even more amazement for next school year. You’ll see that ETC sessions target the following areas (and more!):
Technology Integration in the Classroom
- Incorporate digital tools like Seesaw, Canva, and Google Workspace.
- Create engaging student content through podcasting, digital storytelling, and app smashing.
- Utilize robotics and coding tools like KIBO, Ozobot, and Scratch.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education
- Explore integrating AI with lessons to teach coding, storytelling, and literacy skills.
- Implement AI for personalized learning, vocabulary enhancement, and digital escape games.
- Empower students and educators through MagicSchool, Gemini, and ChatGPT.
Pedagogical Strategies and Classroom Management
- Apply blended learning and station rotations to structure classroom activities.
- Design formative assessments with Seesaw, choice boards, and small group instruction.
- Tailor feedback for diverse learners with CER, Agile lesson design, and differentiated instruction.
Curriculum and Content-Specific Learning
- Develop engaging STEM and science lessons with digital project ideas and anchor charts.
- Foster literacy skills through digital escape games, leveled readers, and interactive images.
- Reinforce math concepts with stations, fractions, and digital math tools.
Creative and Hands-on Learning Approaches
- Enhance storytelling, creative writing, and publishing through podcasts, FigJam, and stop-motion animation.
- Gamify classroom learning for reading, social studies, and blended learning.
- Blend art and technology with activities like emoji puzzles and digital citizenship.
Networking and Collaboration
You’ll have opportunities to network with like-minded educators and exhibitors who will be showing off their products, tools, resources, and services at ETC. You might just find exactly what you need to solve that one issue that’s eluded you this year! While enjoying a delicious breakfast, lunch, or enticing snack, you can mingle and chat while exchanging ideas and strategies to double your takeaways. Comfy chairs are scattered around for those who want to group together and strategize, brainstorm, and share. And, if you are more of an introvert like me, you can always network via the TCEA app and the TCEA Community by joining one of the many groups offering extended conversations.
Innovative Approaches to Teaching
One of the many great things about ETC is that you will hear first-hand experiences from educators who are doing amazing things in their classrooms. They’ll be sharing their best practices, tips, and tricks for how to go further faster. Plus, ETC is a great time to formulate a back-to-school strategy for putting new ideas and resources in place, starting on day one of the new school year! Educators will also share real examples of how integrating technology enhances classroom engagement. And, you’ll hear about new instructional approaches that might be a perfect fit for you and your students.
How to Sign Up for ETC
Besides leaving with beach hair and sand in your shoes, you will also have ideas to transform the way you teach. Think of collecting new strategies to share with your peers and additional activities to spice up your teaching and directly impact student success.
So, what are your next steps? Here is a practical list that you can use to get you on the fast track to join us in Galveston this June:
- Check out the session listing and ETC exhibitors!
- Download the flyer and Letter of Support to share with your supervisor or administrator. These attendee resources offer reasons why ETC is a smart investment in you and your school.
- Register for ETC with a P.O. or using a credit card. Be sure to check out the pre-conference sessions! You’ll have the option to add one for just $39 when you register.
- Pack your bags and prepare for relevant and impactful learning! And don’t forget your sunscreen, beach hat, and summer reading for those evening beach visits!
If you have any questions, contact us at registration@tcea.org, leave a comment below, or start a live chat! We look forward to having you join us for ETC— the summer conference of the year!
