Conference Highlights and Events

Google’s Eye Opener Keynote

Scaling Technology in Education: Building on the Web

Rajen Sheth, Group Product Manager – Chrome for Business and Education, Google
Wednesday, January 25 7:30 am ∙ 8:15 am
Room SA1

Billions of dollars on technology has been spent in education over the last decade. Yet today there are computers collecting dust in the back of the classroom, laptops locked in a closet, and software installed but unused. More classrooms are looking to the web for dynamic, innovative, and (frequently) free tools for students to build analytical, creative, and collaborative skills. With increased attention to online and blended learning models, the key to success for schools is to incorporate the web and new technology in a way that is simple yet robust, manageable, and scalable.

Sponsored by Google

Technology & Learning Connections Hands-On Lab

Sponsored by FDLRS
Room S319
Tuesday, January 24 1:00 pm • 3:00 pm
Wednesday, January 25 9:00 am • 5:30 pm
Thursday, January 26 9:00 am • 3:00 pm

Come explore the latest in assistive and instructional technology in the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System’s (FDLRS) Hands-On Technology Lab. At the lab’s reading, writing, math, science, art and music stations, attendees can preview programs that support differentiated instruction to match the needs of students with disabilities, as well as general education students who are struggling to achieve learning gains. The Universal Access Station includes digital tools that provide access to information and curriculum content for all students, using universal design strategies.

A wide range of assistive technologies, accommodations, accommodations for the FCAT, augmentative communication devices and accessibility solutions are available for attendees to explore. Technology professionals and practitioners will be available to answer questions and provide guidance in matching technology solutions to student sensory, physical and cognitive needs. The lab includes a wealth of materials and resources, including a free resource CD for Mac and Windows. Attendees will leave the lab with technology resources they can use as soon as they return to their school.

In addition to the Interactive lab, FETC offers Special Education sessions throughout the conference; please see the focus areas listed in the concurrent session listings.

FETC Night Out At Epcot®

Wednesday, January 25 • 4:00 or 5:45pm - 9:45 pm
Enjoy sensational attractions and spend an evening with your friends and colleagues at the FETC Night Out at Epcot and embark on an adventure through Epcot. Round trip transportation and admission to Epcot is included! Experience Future World, where innovation and wonder abound, then explore the culture and cuisine of 11 different countries around the World Showcase Lagoon. Top off your evening with the awe-inspiring IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth laser and fireworks extravaganza at 9:00 pm.
Package Includes:
o After 4:00 pm Admission to Epcot and Round Trip Transportation:
o New this year, two departure times!
o 4:00 pm or 5:45 pm—Departure from Orange County Convention Center
o 9:45 pm—Return to the International Drive Hotels
For More Information and Reservations visit the Disney Counter in the registration area or the Conference Highlights page at fetc.org or call 800.557.7776 or after hours 407.271.3705. Price: $69 inclusive of tax

Pre-Keynote Session: Technology Shoot-Out

Hall Davidson, Leslie Fisher, John Kuglin, and Kathy Schrock
Tuesday, January 24           11:00 am • 12:45 pm
Don’t miss one of our most popular sessions! Back by popular demand! Join us for a fun and fast-paced session prior to the Opening Keynote Address! Sit, relax and get a first look at the latest, most exciting gadgets and programs at lightening speed. Hear about the latest technologies and how educators are using them successfully!

First Timers’ Session

Tuesday, January 24           2:00 • 3:00 pm
New to FETC? Attend the FETC 2012 First Timers’ Session to learn important information about the conference and maximize your professional development opportunities. Learn how to download our new mobile app and build your personalized conference schedule. See how to interact and enhance your networking experience with Edmodo. First time attendees will receive a special gift and hear from veteran attendees on how to make the most of your conference!

Ocoee Middle School Tour

“Florida’s State Demonstration School for Technology”
Thursday, January 26           9:00 am• 1:00 pm

Through the actions of the State Legislature and Orange County Public Schools, Ocoee Middle School underwent renovations to transform it into a technological demonstration school for the state of Florida. Ocoee Middle School continues to pioneer new technologies and integrated teaching methods. You won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to tour this amazing school!

A tour of this cutting edge facility will accommodate the first 100 participants to sign up. A light lunch and transportation will be provided. Sign-up is required and will be available in the registration area along with tour details.

Closing Session: App Shoot-out

Hall Davidson, Jenna Linskens, Gail Lovely
Thursday, January 26           4:15 • 5:00 pm
Following Concurrent Session 9, join FETC staff, presenters, attendees and VIPs for a closing session—the perfect ending for your conference. Join this fast-paced panel for an entertaining and informational session demonstrating the latest and greatest apps being used in education! See how educational professionals are solving real classroom challenges by integrating the best apps that help meet the needs of teachers and students. All FETC participants will have a chance to submit their favorite apps and see if they make the HOT list!

And, as is the tradition at FETC, every attendee will receive a commemorative FETC 2012 T-shirt at the final session. We’ll be drawing for fabulous prizes, laptops and technology giveaways! The prize drawing will be held at 5:00 pm and you must be present to win

Exhibit Hall Hours

Throughout the week, attendees will be able to preview and purchase the latest hardware, software and peripherals from the more than 500 companies in attendance at FETC 2012. The Exhibit Hall will be open the following hours during the conference:
Tuesday, January 24 5:00 pm • 7:00 pm
Wednesday, January 25 9:30 am • 5:30 pm
Thursday, January 26 9:30 am • 3:00 pm

The Exhibit Hall Learning Lab and STEM Demo Theaters both open during exhibit hall hours, expose attendees to innovative products and classroom technologies. Be sure to attend these informative demonstrations to learn about the latest technological ideas and solutions and earn CEUs. It’s an additional session track on the Exhibit Hall floor!

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and Reception

Join your fellow attendees and presenters at the Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, January 24, from 5:00–7:00 pm, following the Opening Keynote Session. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, or visit the cash bar as you browse the Exhibit Hall, mingle with your colleagues and celebrate the start of your professional development experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet with leading education product and service experts to research and gather information on solutions that address school and district challenges. 


 

Platinum Sponsor

  • Google Chrome
  • Insight Systems Exchange

Gold Sponsors



  • AVAI logo
  • Discovery Education
  • edmodo
  • GlobalScholar
  • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • MIND Research

Silver Sponsors

  • Dymo Mimio
  • Lenovo
  • Pearson
  • Sonicwall

Technology Sponsors

  • edmodo
  • Epson
  • Insight Systems Exchange
  • Lenovo
  • Lightspeed
  • PBS Learning Media
  • Promethean
  • Samsung
  • Turning Technologies

$10,000 Grand Prize Winner Announced

Picture of the Lenovo winners.

Lenovo gave away 15 ThinkPad laptops for one lucky school at FETC!

Congrats to:
Richard Todd
Boswell Elementary School
Auburndale, FL

Lenovo Logo

NEC Interactive Software: Elevating control of your presentations. Click for more information.