Georgia Educational Technology Conference: A Reflection

Marsha Stembridge, Ben Hill County Primary School
Fitzgerald Georgia

This year’s GaETC was well-planned, efficiently staffed and carried out with professionalism. The theme, Keys to Continuous Improvement, was well executed through the conferences, exhibits, and special guests. Personally, the theme spoke to my desire to improve and expand my technology skills. As a media specialist, I have discovered that it can be difficult to find appropriate PLU classes. Many of those offered at the local district level relate directly to the classroom teacher and/or the classroom environment. While I do teach on a daily basis, I see my job quite different from that of a classroom teacher. I see the entire school including parents as my students. This conference addresses my needs in a way other conferences do not. Additionally, it is refreshing to participate in a conference of this nature and caliber right here in Georgia. The level of professionalism and enthusiasm is unbelievable makes for an awesome conference. 

Every instructor was an ‘expert’ in their particular area. It was so nice to be able to sit back and gain such a wealth of knowledge. The instructors were willing to share what they knew and they did it in a manner that really held interest. It was wonderful to have tech support so readily available to handle the issues instantaneously so that instruction could continue. On a side note, it helps to see that everyone experiences technical difficulties occasionally. Oh how great it would be if our teachers could send out an SOS and receive help just as fast. I know our classroom teachers get very frustrated at the lack of on-site tech support. Having such support available at a conference like this is a must for it to be a success.

The number of sessions offered was astounding. There were so many choices; it was hard to decide which ones would best suit my needs. There was such a variety of topics that all attendees, no matter their skill level, should have found sessions seemingly ‘tailor-made’. I know I did. In recent years, our school system has purchased Promethean Boards for all classrooms. This, along with the purchase of the ActivStudio software was a huge financial investment. Many of our teachers have struggled with knowing how to integrate this new technology into the curriculum on a daily basis. Because of this, I deliberately chose to attend several sessions on ActivStudio. I tried to choose sessions with a combination of skill levels in order to get ideas for all of my teachers. As I stated, I have some teachers who struggle with new technologies but I have others who are hungry to learn all the tricks of ActivStudio, so I had to seek out information for them as well. I would really love it if some of those ‘tech savvy’ teachers could attend this conference with me, they would get so much out of it. It is always rewarding to share new things with these teachers and immediately see them incorporate the strategies into their lessons. However, financial constraints certainly limit the number of people who attend from our district. I am thankful to be one of them. Therefore, I consider it my responsibility to bring back and share as much information as I can. In January I hope to offer several short ‘how to’ workshops to my teachers where I will share some of the ActivStudio tricks I learned.

Other than the ActivStudio classes, two sessions were my favorites for very different reasons. The workshop on Internet Safety presented by Connie White and Sue Dowling had a profound affect on me. It was truly a ‘light bulb moment’. It caused a serious reality check for me personally and the message is one all teachers and parents need to hear. The information I learned will be shared at a future PTO meeting. My other favorite session was presented by Anne Wallace from Henry County’s Luella Elementary School. Anne won the 2008 National School Library Media Program of the Year Award. My goal is to build an exceptional Library Media program and Anne shared so many great ideas during the session that will help me as I pursue my goal. This session was very practical, insightful and inspiring.

The special guests at the conference were awesome. I could not resist hearing Patrick Crispen twice. He is so knowledgeable and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to hear him. He is such a humorous speaker that it is a pleasure to listen to him. It was great to be able to sit and listen without worrying with note-taking. I have visited his website and downloaded the presentations I attended and viewed many more. It is wonderful to have permission to share all of this with my co-workers.

I would have to say the highlight of this year’s conference was hearing and meeting Ron Clark. His enthusiasm for teaching is unbelievable. What he has accomplished in his short career as an educator is inspiring. I hope to visit his school one day in the future but for now I’ll read his book.

I could not fully reflect on the conference without mentioning the Exhibit Hall. It is awesome to see new technologies first hand and with one-on-one attention, no less. The exhibitors were so knowledgeable, helpful, and generous in their giveaways. Time spent visiting the booths was time well-spent, however, I didn’t get around to all of the vendors. Receiving a PLU was a priority this year and so I didn’t have as much time as some of my colleagues in the hall. However, I did see firsthand some really great software like BrainPop Jr. and some new hardware like the digital microscope cameras. Seeing new hardware technologies and using new software programs makes purchasing decisions much easier. I feel more confident in my choices when I have seen first hand the technologies in use. The Exhibit Hall provides a great service for both ends: the exhibitors and the attendees. The exhibitors have the opportunity to promote their products and the attendees, those who still have money, have the opportunity to purchase.

Overall, the conference was outstanding and I look forward to next year’s. I cannot think of anything I would change. Keep up the good work!

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