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Microsoft Classroom
Microsoft

Ten Ways to Customize Microsoft Classroom

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Looking for quick ways to customize Microsoft Classroom so that it better fits your teaching style or how your students learn? Or just looking for things a teacher needs to know how to do in Microsoft Classroom to be successful? Either way, I hope you find this infographic a quick reference to Classroom’s main features and possibilities.

Note: An Adobe PDF version is also available.

ten

#1 – Add Students to Your Class

  1. Login at MS Classroom.
  2. Click on Teachers & Students in top right section of page.
  3. Add students after quick search. Click DONE after finding all students.

#2- Add Co-Teachers

  1. On the same screen where you add students, you can add teachers.
  2. Search and select them.

#3 – Create OneNote Class Notebook

  1. Click on Class Notebook tab.
  2. Create Class Notebook with desired settings.
  3. Open it as OneNote Online and then EDIT in OneNote 2016 to sync a copy to your Windows 10 device.

#4 – Start Conversations for Student Participation

  1. Create Conversations around identified class topics.
  2. Edit members in the group by clicking on the ellipsis in the top right corner of the screen.

#5 – Make Assignments

  1. Click on the Assignments tab.
  2. Click on + New Assignments.
  3. Set title, due dates, and description.
  4. Set assignment for all classes for whom it applies, attach relevant documents, and enable Conversation.

#6 – Grade Assignments

  1. Click on the Assignments tab.
  2. Click on the Assignment name in the “In Progress” column.
  3. Review “Submissions” and then easily enter grades, assigning comments as needed.

#7 – Share Files and Resources

  • Click on the “Files” tab to access the shared files for the class.
  • Place Word, Excel, or Powerpoint Online documents and other files for students to access.

#8 – Use Class Calendar

  • All assignment due dates appear in the calendar.
  • Add new dates for events (e.g. field trips) to class calendar for students to access.

#9 – Manage Class

  • Modify course info using the Manage tab.
  • Update class banner, icon, and course description.

#10 – Update Notebook Settings

  • Add/remove sections.
  • Update teacher/student button if changes to the roster have been made.
  • Lock/unlock Class Notebook Collaboration space for student use.

Attending the TCEA 2017 Convention & Exposition?

Microsoft ClassroomMicrosoft believes in empowering every student to achieve more. In our mission to support educators in guiding and nurturing student passions, we are offering pre-conference professional learning to TCEA convention participants. Attendees at these sessions will be eligible to receive a complimentary Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) exam voucher for attending and earn badges on the Microsoft Educator Community to recognize their achievements.*  Preregister to secure a seat.

2-Day MIE Trainer Academy

  • Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7 | 8:30AM-4:00PM Register Here

1-Day MIE Teacher Academy

1-Day MIE Teacher Academy:  Minecraft Education Edition

Visit aka.ms/TCEAresources to find session schedules and other information about Microsoft’s presence at TCEA.

 

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Announcements/Important Dates

Planning Your TCEA 2017 Experience

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

If you are one of the lucky ones who’ll be attending the TCEA 2017 Convention & Exposition, it’s time to start planning your learning. With more than 1,000 sessions and workshops, waiting until the last minute to decide what to attend can be a big mistake. The good news is that there is a tool that can help you.

First, decide what your emphasis will be during the convention. While it can be fun to go and hear about a million different topics and resources, that can also result in haphazard learning and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Instead, determine where you most need to grow or what new technology implementation is coming to your campus and focus your learning on that. For example, if your campus is about to add Chromebooks to the classroom, then concentrating on that is an excellent way to tackle the convention. If you need to know more about Problem-Based Learning, then that’s what you should focus on.

TCEA 2017Once you have your focus planned, then it’s time to do some research. The TCEA convention offers in-depth learning opportunities on almost any topic in the edtech world that you might be interested in. But you have to know how to search out exactly what you need. To do that, you’ll need your computer and this TCEA website or the TCEA app.

There is a search feature on both the website and the app. Go there and type in the topic that you are interested in. I used “Chromebook” for my example. On the website, you’ll see all of the workshops, session, and poster presentations on that particular topic, followed by the exhibitors who match that keyword as well. On the app, the order is reversed with the exhibitors showing first, followed by the sessions. Clicking on any of the session titles will give you the description, date and time, presenter, and whether it is open to Premium or Basic registrants. In addition, if you log in, you can click to add the session to your schedule (this does not guarantee you a spot in the room; it simply puts it on your calendar) or share it with all of the other attendees or via Instagram or Twitter.

TCEA 2017

If there is a particular speaker that you desperately want to hear while at convention, you can also use the Presenters button on both the website and app and find out all of the times he/she is presenting.

Planning your time at TCEA 2017 will ensure that you make the most of all of the learning opportunities that are important to you, whether they are formal presentations, networking with new and old colleagues, talking with poster presenters, or visiting with exhibitors. So get busy making your schedule now for the best convention experience ever!

 

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connect
ESL/ELLGood TeachingOnline Tools and AppsProfessional Learning

Connect Learners with Video

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Technologies that connect us, engage. One example of this is Flipgrid, a free video discussion board service. With Flipgrid, you can create grids with topics on them and have workshop participants or students respond to the topics with recorded videos. Several workshops ago, I decided to begin using Flipgrid as a regular part of the learning. Some of the applications of the tool included:

  • Ask participants to introduce themselves and/or each other.
  • Watch videos about a topic and then share a summary or take-away.
  • Summarize an article they have read.

Free Online Flipgrid Course

The Microsoft Education Community offers a free course, Amplifying Student Voice, that features FlipGrid uses. In that course, the developers imagine Flipgrid as being more than just a communication tool in your classroom:

For students, Flipgrid provides a safe space to connect with their peers, share their voice on relevant course topics, and add to the collective knowledge of the classroom. For teachers, you can see firsthand as your students develop confidence, reasoning skills, respect of diverse opinions, and understanding through reflection. Moreover, as Flipgrid videos are asynchronous, you can conveniently connect your students with classrooms around the world by sharing your grids with other educators. Their students add their voices to the grid building an active community of shared knowledge.

You can watch videos embedded in the course, as well as view content, without completing the course (but then you wouldn’t earn the badge!):

Introducing FlipGrid for Professional Development

Introducing Flipgrid to others has been easy. I point out how to access the Flipgrid topic I’ve set up for the process, either on a laptop and mobile device (e.g. tablet or smartphone). I start with a quick demonstration, often recording the video prompt in front of the class. Then I invite participants to work in groups of two to three to record their responses. Some even go out into the hall. After they have completed their video responses, we share a few to the whole group. Who would not be engaged by their own face and voice as they connect with others?

FlipGrid in the Classroom

“Seeing and hearing students’ video responses can make discourse fun; the site allows personalities and ideas to shine in 90-second clips,” says Polly Conway, Commonsense Media reviewer. “Design is colorful, clean, and intuitive.” Curious about how participants in my workshops would describe Flipgrid in their classroom, I asked them to share some reflections. “How would Flipgrid be helpful?”

  • In computer programming, students could use it to demonstrate how the code works and the output.
  • Formative assessment tool.
  • Quick check for understanding.
  • Have students work on a collaborative group project and then share their collective or individual video reflection on each task.
  • It is a great resource to use with the teachers we coach so they can reflect on their practices.
  • English Language Learners (ELL) students can experience opportunities to develop their language and practice language mastery.
  • Flipgrid in elementary would be a strong resource for reading responses.

Listen to this Voxercast (audio recorded using the free Voxer app). It features two TCEA Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE), Jocelyn Crew (Lyford CISD) and Jodi-Beth Moreno (Education Service Center, Region 1) sharing about Flipgrid.

Flipgrid Resources

Others have been exploring Flipgrid for classroom use. Consider these examples:

If you’re interested in exploring FlipGrid or other video annotation solutions? Check out this blog entry on Video-based Active Learning.

 

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success
LeadershipProfessional Learning

Join With a Group for Success

by Erin Taylor
written by Erin Taylor

Professional and college sports teams are a prime example of how a common goal can lead to incredible success, both in and out of the game. Each player wants to perform well and improve his own statistics. But it’s the team’s unity that takes an organization to the playoffs. As Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

If you’re a campus principal or district administrator, making your membership with TCEA into a team effort this year can have a tremendous impact! Here’s a page right out of our playbook on how to leverage a group membership into total team success.

Professional Development

Give your entire staff access to tips and lesson plans they can implement right away through our weekly Lunch and Learn webinar series. Watch live, or receive a link for convenient viewing. All 45 of these qualify for CPE credit and feature tried-and-true technology integration ideas perfect for the classroom. With a membership in TCEA, each of your staff has access to all of them, including those that have already occurred.

In addition to the free-to-members Lunch and Learn series, your staff will also have full access to monthly Get Your Google On webinars. These detailed professional development opportunities will help your staff fully integrate the power of G Suite tools into your students’ learning.

Community

Share ideas, get solutions, and respond to problems and questions from others in your district, area, and all across the country in our TCEA Social Community. Connecting with other educators is a necessity when you want your team to improve performance. The TCEA Community makes it easy with groups for different grade levels, subject areas, technology platforms, and more.

Stay in the Know

TCEA provides updated information on the latest educational technology trends and happenings. Whether it’s through our quarterly print magazine, our bi-monthly TechNotes enewsletter, or our daily blog, your staff will always know best practices, the latest research, available grants, and much more. Keeping current with the barrage of technology can be tough, but we make it easy for everyone.

Savings

Districts that purchase or renew five or more individual memberships receive a discounted membership rate. A group of 50+ members will save $18 each – a savings of 36% over the regular membership price! That means that, if you’re an average size campus, you can provide a full year of quality, free, anytime, anywhere professional learning to each staff member for just $31. To take advantage of this savings and to find an exact breakdown of prices for each person in your group, see the Bulk Membership Form.

Gather your colleagues, coworkers, and fellow tech advocates together now. Share this blog post on your Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or at your school to start gathering your group, and make 2017 a championship year for your team!

 

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leadership
LeadershipMicrosoft

Leadership Courses for K-12 Educators

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

If you are an instructional leader who wants to continue growing, then mark your calendar to participate in these free K-12 Education Leadership online courses available in January, 2017. With the goal to drive systemic change and improve education, these courses are incredibly powerful and cover important topics like design thinking, gamification, and deep learning.

About the Leadership Courses

Created by Microsoft and edX member universities, these K-12 Education Leadership courses guide K-12 school and education system leaders in developing their teachers, enhancing classroom learning, and improving student outcomes in innovative, effective digital schools. Each course includes an About This Course section, a description of what you will learn, and the option to add a certificate that can be posted or shared via LinkedIn. Each Microsoft-funded course provides resources to K-12 school leaders. The goal is to meet the needs of leaders around the world at the intersection of education and technology.

leadership

Course Schedule

Arrange your schedule as follows:

Allow Yourself to Be Engaged

I found myself genuinely interested in the content of several courses. From topics like “Bringing people together around ideas they care about” to “Measuring progress and adjusting along the way,”  these processes are sure to prompt problem solving and thinking.

Support Growing Leaders

TCEA knows how important it is to scaffold growing leaders’ efforts as they work to bring about needed changes in schools. We also know how hard it can be to find professional learning resources that support leading within a teaching and learning environment. Microsoft and edX make this possible for us with high-quality anytime, anywhere learning.

 

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MIE
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Celebrating the 2016 TCEA MIE Cohort

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Microsoft has a huge presence in classrooms and offices. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, librarian, or administrator, you probably often find yourself interacting with powerful Office 365 tools and mobile apps. Through the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) program, Texas educators in 2016 were able to become certified, earning the coveted MIE badge.

Purpose of the MIE WorkshopsMIE

Microsoft and TCEA partnered to bring Texas educators comprehensive and engaging face-to-face workshops that spanned the state. Participants explored tools like Office 365, Microsoft Classroom, Microsoft Forms, OneNote 2016, Sway, and many other fantastic resources. These courses are designed to help educators deepen their grasp of Office 365 tools for classroom use and student learning.

Celebrating the TCEA Microsoft Certified Educators

We would like to congratulate the almost 340 Texas educators who have earned the MIE designation as of December, 2016. You can see all of their names here. This is a tremendous accomplishment and we are so very proud of each of these innovative educators!

Become a Member of the MIE 2017 Cohort

Interested in learning more about scheduling a face-to-face workshop or webinar series on Office 365 tools and gaining your Microsoft certification? 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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professional learning
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Mapping Your Holiday Learning

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“What can I learn this vacation break?” As a lifelong learner, I like to ask myself this question when I have some spare time. Balance quiet family moments this holiday with anytime, anywhere learning. Below, you will find suggestions for self-paced professional learning this winter break. These will deepen your technological and pedagogical knowledge without impacting your budget.

mappingDid you know? Join the December 27-29, 2016 EdCamp Voxer event,  100% audio and mobile, available for free! Find out more!

Microsoft Education Community

The self-paced classes available will garner you badges and certificates you can print and share. In a profound way, these courses deepen your understanding of teaching and learning with technology in your classroom. Take these three steps to maximize your holiday learning.

Step 1 – Get a free account.

Your first step involves setting yourself up with a Microsoft Education Community account. Don’t lose your username and password. Some of the options that you have include a free Microsoft account (you can create one with your Gmail or Apple email account), Twitter, Facebook, and Office 365 account connected to work.

Step 2 – Select topics of interest.

Once you are logged in, you’ll see a menu bar running down the left side of the screen featuring several links. Click on the Badges and Points to see what options are available.

Recommendations for Microsoft classes are shown below, followed by more courses focused on pedagogy:

Microsoft Office Tools

  • Teacher Academy Windows 10 – A straightforward overview of Windows 10, great for newbies. You will earn 3,000 points and a badge for completing the course.
  • Teacher Academy OneNote – This provides some great insights into using OneNote, a collaboration tool that is available free to all. You will earn a badge and 3,000 points.
  • Digital Inking and Surface – Learn about digital inking and how the MS Surface Pro tablet can make learning more engaging. You will earn a badge.
  • Teacher Academy: Office 365 – Did you just get a free Office 365 account through work or on your own as a teacher? This course will help you create, edit, share, and work with others using Office Online, Outlook, and Skype for Business. Earn a badge and 3,000 points.

Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Technology

  • 21st Century Learning Design – This 20-hour course combines eight courses with 4-6 lessons each. You will earn a badge, certificate and have a better understanding of the learning that is possible in today’s classroom.
  • Digital Citizenship – Explore digital citizenship concepts and become a confident digital citizenship champion. You will earn 500 points for this course and it will only take 30 minutes to complete.
  • Technology-Enriched Instruction – Learn more about TPACK, 21st Century Learning Design, and how to integrate technology into your classroom. This three-hour course will earn you 3,000 points and a badge.
  • Amplifying Student Voice – In this course, you will explore how to amplify student voice through the lens of research, practice, and integration frameworks. Tools like Skype, Flipgrid.com, and Sway will be used. You will earn 500 points for completing this course.
  • PDLN Connect, Communicate and Collaborate – Visit classrooms that have set norms for cooperation and collaboration. You’ll see how technology can expand the walls of your classroom. Earn 500 points for this one-hour course.

Learn More About Coding

If you’re interested in developing your coding chops, then definitely check out Prepare to Teach Creative Coding Through Games and Apps.  Join the TCEA Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE) Facebook group (with 210+ members) to tap into a dynamic community!

Step 3 – Share Your Learning

Take a moment to share your learning insights via a blog entry, record a voxercast and tweet it, or present at the next staff meeting.  Principals could certainly create a Padlet to facilitate sharing.

Did you know? Ditch That Textbook Digital Seminars are available for free. Go to the site and click “Today’s Speaker” to learn something.

TCEA Professional Learning

Need more human interaction? Check out all the available options at TCEA.org. These for-cost options feature TCEA Professional Development directors to support your learning efforts. Here are a few certification courses:

  • 21st Century Administrator Certification – Learn what you need to be successful in a campus leadership role.
  • Campus Technology Specialist Certification – Understand the tools and processes to better engage students and increase relevant technology utilization in the classroom.
  • IT/Technology Director Certification – Become an effective district leader and support administrators, teachers, and students in the use of technology.
  • Chromebook Certification (Level 1) – Dig deeper in their utilization of Google Apps for Education tools.
  • iPad Certification (Level 1) – Build a solid foundation for integrating the iPad in your classroom by participating in this certification.

Conclusion

Mapping your holiday learning gets easier every day. Treat yourself with anytime, anywhere learning!

 

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community
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Building a Community

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“We are longing for a community,” said a session participant at one of my Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) workshops. “Most of us have adopted Office 365 tools, but we don’t see ourselves in the numerous edcamps and workshops offered. Each of us is struggling to connect.” As instructional coach and author of The Art of Coaching, Elena Aguilar says, “With a powerful community I can do so much more. I am happier. I learn and expand and, possibly, I can transform.” The strategies below seek to answer the challenge of community building.

Five Strategies for Community Building

A few strategies that have worked include the following:

#1 – Connect

“Involve and connect with stakeholders,” I shared in a recent Skype call with USA MIE trainers. As I look at pictures from TCEA Area 1 and Area 8 participants attending the one-day MIE Teacher Academy, the connections with campus principals, regional service center staff, and library coordinators jump out at me. Some specific ways to connect include the following:

a) Amplify Their Voices

Each person has a story to tell. Here are three conversations that capture the heart of MIE events. I recorded them using the free Voxer app on my smartphone:

  • Voxercast: Listen to Crystal Just, Instructional Technology Specialist in Navarro ISD, share her insights in a spur-of-the-moment conversation about helping principals embrace technology.
  • Voxercast: Listen to Mireya Galvan, Coordinator of Library Services in Harlingen ISD, on using OneNote Class Notebook for Professional Development
  • Voxercast: Listen to Cris Chonka, Campus Technology Specialist in San Marcos Consolidated ISD, sharing her insights. Both Cris and Joanne Priest, an Austin ISD high school teacher, had just attended TCEA’s Creative Coding through Games and Apps (CCGA) workshop in December, 2016.

In addition to amplifying the voices of session participants, crafting solutions to common challenges remains important. For example, the TCEA TechNotes blog entry, Top 10 OneNote FAQs responds to specific questions that participants have asked.

b) Create an Online Sharing Space

“I appreciate the info you post,” said a technology director on the TCEA MIE Facebook Group. Creating an online space with shared learning opportunities stimulates dialogue. This dialogue also provides just-in-time support. When a critical service stopped working, TCEA MIE Community members shared their insights and knowledge to resolve the problem.  In another situation, after sharing Amplifying Creativity: Minecraft Fairytales, Javier Aguilar wrote, “Awesome!!”

#2 – Engage

“Excellence is possible without perfection,” I read one day. The quote captures the essence of my rough-hewn videos about Microsoft Classroom and OneNote Class Notebook. Videos can engage others in a wide variety of ways, making complex topics approachable. Another way to engage others is to curate content relevant to your community. For example, I rely on ReadItLater’s Pocket to capture content relevant to my community and then share it using IFTTT.com to Twitter and Facebook. Re-tweeting old content that is still helpful helps latecomers to the community or those who missed it the first go-around.

#3 – Model

“We have to be able to share resources with everyone, as well as only with those who are TCEA members.” Some people get access to workshop resources; others do not.  Microsoft’s OneNote 2016 makes it easy to create notebooks with unlocked and locked sections. Locked sections require a password to open. Then the notebook can be published online with non-passworded and passworded sections.

To encourage the use of OneNote for these purposes, I proposed sharing TCEA’s session resources with Academy participants. These actions helped expand internal understanding of OneNote’s functionality, as well as garnered positive praise from participants. We have to “dream the possible” so others can see and experience it.

Some examples include TCEA Connect!, Campus Technology Specialist Academy, and TCEA Area 20’s Tech-a-palooza Conference. Now that OneNote Online has shown itself as usable in this way, new initiatives such as the Technology Leadership Summit: Security are relying on OneNote’s passworded section feature.

#4 – Partner

“When can we have a Minecraft: Education Edition workshop in our area?” asked TCEA board member David Luna. “We definitely want to have one!” As a Microsoft Training partner, TCEA worked to seek out professional learning opportunities to better be able to facilitate training for Minecraft: Education Edition and Creative Coding through Games and Apps (CCGA). Then, TCEA’s Microsoft Certified Trainers/Experts reached out to collaborate with regional education service centers and TCEA area directors. This outreach program enables both TCEA members and non-members to take advantage of these two new initiatives from Microsoft.

#5 – Learn

Set time aside to tap into the stream of ideas, insights, and information available via social media. TCEA has built online social communities via the TCEA.org website, but also reached out to non-members via Facebook, Voxer (a mobile technology that makes audio-based chats possible, rather than text-based a la Twitter), and others. National and global communities of MIE Trainers and Experts employ Group.me, Twitter chats like #OneNoteQ, #msftedu, and Facebook to problem solve and get fresh information. These connections have a positive effect on learning and professional development worldwide.

Consider examining the TCEA MIE Facebook Group (open to all Texas educators using Microsoft tools; now with 200+ members) and the TCEA Campus Technology Specialist Voxer group as two examples.

Conclusion

“He who learns from one who is learning, drinks from a flowing river.” Never before have we had such easy access to “people in our lives,” as Matthew Kelly points out, “who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves.” Join us at TCEA in helping you find your essential purpose and allow us to provide you with the assistance you need to become the best version of who you can be!

 

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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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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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