Last week thousands of people in the education technology space converged in beautiful Miami at the Future of Education Technology Conference to share ideas, best practices and new products. You could feel the excitement and ambition of the new decade in all of the presenters, vendors and attendees.
SmartBrief was there for the show and here is a look at what went down.
The Buzz
Social emotional learning was a discussion point, including Equitable Family Engagement for SEL and Student Growth with co-presenter Carlos de la Camara, a curriculum support specialist for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.The session focused on how to improve family engagement academically to improve student outcomes, particularly in homes where there may be a language barrier.
Digital skills for students, teachers and parents were the highlight of several workshops and sessions. Technology integrationist Eric Curts led a session called Applied Digital Skills: Google’s Tech Skills Curriculum for All Subjects that centered on using the free tools available for educators to teach creativity and communication. Video-based, hands-on learning ideas were covered.
Transformation from old ways of thinking and teaching to more streamlined approaches, aided by technology, was on the agenda for several sessions. The session “Transforming Teachers With Video-Reflective Practices” by co-presenters from Newton County Schools in Georgia highlighted how teachers can make sense of what is happening in their classrooms and learn from what they see. The session “Leading Transformation: Navigating Your Framework for Success” featured the best ways to revolutionize a school system with the right outline, data and follow up.
Teacher mental health was the focus of a session presented by education consultant Mandy Froehlich discussed how to destigmatize mental health issues and practice self-care while creating a culture of understanding among educators, including the use of technology for networking and support.
Collaboration between edtech companies and school leaders — and how those relationships can be strengthened – was the goal of a sessions co-presented by Orly Rachamim, the director of educational technology at Netivot HaTorah Day School.
What to Watch
Ozobot offered mini STEM lessons using its sensor-activated robots that travel color coded paths designed by students.
Flinn Scientific featured its STEM-centric offerings, including its latest drone program that is a progression from other hands-on products.
ST Math previewed an updated version of its self-guided programs that will roll out to all new and existing customers in the fall.
Glose demonstrated its reading platform with millions of books in its library and digital annotation that includes emojis as responses.
AllHere shared its mission of creating a database and intervention system to improve student attendance to boost overall academic success.
Edthena’s video library of teacher videos for professional learning has expanded capabilities – with even more video access and sharing abilities than before.
Epson highlighted its latest BrightLink projector (no bulbs needed!) and its reputation for standing out in excellent customer service.
Impero demonstrated its classroom management tool designed to boost student safety online, support technical teams and empower teachers.
Were you at FETC? Tweet us at @SBEducation to tell us the highlights of your experience.
Katie Parsons edits SmartBrief newsletters on EdTech and Math Education. She has a background in news media, working at the Orlando Sentinel and Chicago Tribune as a researcher and reporter. She is the creator of the parenting blog Mumbling Mommy and her writing has appeared in 150+ online and in-print publications, including the Huffington Post, USA Today, GalTime, ChamberofCommerce.com and Florida Today. She is the co-author of The Five Year Journal, available on Amazon. Contact Katie at katie.parsons@futurenet.com.
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