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The NECC 2007 is over or is it?

I was thinking about how traditional conferences that I have attended have been in the past. However, it is apparent that as I reflect on the close of the NECC 2007, I have realized that it was a unique experience because there are so many ways that people who came together in one region can stay connected. The global ramifications of a the NECC makes it the most special event that I have ever attended. I met a person from New Zealand and have the power to continue to stay in contact with her via e-mail. How awesome is that?

Furthermore, this week I have met creators of websites that have inspired my students, including the Math Cats website creator who was also a presenter. I have seen many people that I consider famous in the educational world, including creators of Brain Pop and Promethean Boards. There were even more educational giants available in the Exhibit area, including Gateway computer experts and more. In addition, the time that people have taken to show ways to be creative for the sake of children has meant the most to me. There is an old saying that the best things in life are free, but I have seen the value of this conference in more than a monetary sense. I have seen this as a way for me to develop and grow as a person. For that reason, I graciously thank all of the people who were involved in making it happen.

Techie Teacher
CTS
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Terrific Tuesday at NECC 2007

Terrific Tuesday for me was a self-proclaimed picture day at NECC 2007. Leaving the laptop and replacing it with a digital camera meant less weight and the ability to create videos and still images to help me remember the highlights. I began in the Exhibit hall.

One of the first spots that peaked my interest was the Fastt Math Exhibit. The lesson and description of the product made a wonderful stop. Fastt Math is a Tom Snyder Productions (TM) software and the explanation by the presenter was quite interesting.

The next stop was a trip to the Adobe Exhibit for an awesome presentation of Photo Shop. Educators were treated to a quick lesson on how to manipulate the background of portions of a picture while leaving the rest of the image alone. The sample image included a man on the screen and a change of the background behind him. It was an awesome way to sell the best of Adobe. It was one of the best presentations in the Exhibit Hall.

One of the greatest exhibits was Quizdom. The presenters did an excellent job of highlighting the exciting aspects of the program, including the race car format of showing student progress. Quizdom uses great imagery to get the point of a lesson across. I was impressed with the quality of the program and its ability to help students.

Finally, some of the sessions were awesome today. One of the classes that stood out was the session entitled Technology and Mathematics: The Right Angle. Frank Sobierajski was a true mathematician and has a flair for wonderful ideas. Terrific Tuesday at the NECC could not have been better.

Techie Teacher
CTS
All images are owned by the Techie Teacher (CTS).
All rights reserved.

NECC 2007 Delivers: Tie Network and Brain Pop Lead

June 25, 2007

The Technology in Education (TIE) Network and the Brain Pop exhibit booth were two of the biggest highlights so far at the NECC 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Monday was a big day for most of the speakers because all of the educational sessions were in full swing. The TIE Network actually was a refreshing end to my day. We were treated to music and candy. Katherine Aiken was awesome. She had personality and was very mobile. As a matter of fact, she was one of the few speakers that moved around the room several times. By the time it was over, we had spoken in Ipods, were videotaped, and had a wonderful T-shirt as a momento. The TIE network is the way to go if you are broadening your technological viewpoint as an educator and it is easy to join. Check out the website.

In addition, the Brain Pop booth was on task. There were several computer monitors set up for public viewing. The Brain Pop personnel actually went out of their way to speak and demonstrated the latest on the website. It was refreshing to see them in action. I am already pleased that my place of employment has bought into Brain Pop and cannot wait for the new videos.

Finally, there were some other interesting sessions at the conference including the first meeting on Blogging presented by Will Richardson. Richardson made many references to existing blogs, which helped the audience get more familiar with the power of this medium. Overall, the NECC opening weekday sessions were a smashing success. However, I am still learning how to work in lunch with so much to do. Furthemore, the NECC should be complimented on the free WiFi.

Techie Teacher

Brain Pop and GPB images are courtesy of those websites.

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NECC-working 2007

I was looking over some paperwork for school and was drawn again to thoughts about the NECC. I cannot believe that it happens this week. It is amazing the amount of networking that I expect to occur at the NECC. Many universities, schools, corporations, and other places of business and learning will be drawn to this event to view the latest in technology, but also to talk to and meet other people in the know. Is there any other event like this on the planet?

As I looked over the schedule, I thought of a new term NECC-working. The term sounds so similar to networking and I truly feel that people involved in the NECC are really working hard to make this event a success. It is undoubtedly evident. I have rarely been involved in any situation where people are coming together and where so much information is shared even before the event happens.

Furthermore, I am also coming in contact with people that have inspired me with technology and ideas by way of this Blog, so I thank the NECC for opening a door to sharing about how others feel about this wonderful technological event. With this being my first NECC, I plan on making the best of it. Maybe another addition to the acronym for me personally will be the National Educational Computing "Community" when it is all over.

Techie Teacher

CTS

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Educational Blogs--My Top 10 List

Everyone has a top 10 list of something. Ever since the famous talk show host, David Letterman, created the reverse version of a top 10 list with varied topics, I have loved the concept. Therefore, I have decisively created my top 10 list of educational blogs. Keeping in mind that I have experiences with technology and teaching, I have focused on some blogs that discuss technology in education. This list is by no means exhaustive and has a lot to do with my personal interests, which I feel all educators can relate too in some way.

The only difference with my top 10 is that they are not necessarily in an particular order. I may choose to change what I read over time, so exclusion does not mean complete obscurity forever. Again, this is strictly an educational blog list.


1. The Savvy Technologist
This Blog by Tim Wilson gives practical advice on how to use technology in education.

2. Teach42 Education and Technology
This Blog goes everywhere from YouTube.com to the world of digital storytelling to increase interest in technology and education.

3. Teachers Teaching Teachers
This Blog works with the concept of teachers helping each other professionally through webcasts done mainly by K-13 teachers.

4. Kathy Schrock's Kaffeeklatsch
Kathy Shrock has already done so much for education with innovative ideas, lesson plans, and learning guides, which makes her blog only more interesting to read.

5. Reflections of a Techie
I get the impression that this is an everyday classroom with each post. The teacher sends us somewhere spectacular in each blog submission.

6. The Tech Savvy Educator
The blog at hand takes you great advice from a 3rd grade teacher who uses technology regularly.

7. PBS Teachers Blog
Andy Calvin, an internet activist, leads the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) blog for educators and students with the primary topic being the impact of the internet on learning.

8. 2 Cents Worth
An innovator in the world of research and blogging, David Warlick, is a master at helping others through his blogs and online creations.

9. Always Learning
A global perspective of using teaching and technology abroad is discussed on this intriguing blog.

10. 6/7C Blog & Podcast
This is a classroom blog in action. Adults and children can learn lessons about various topics on this blog. This was intriguing because I have taught both of these grade levels (6th and 7th).

Techie Teacher
CTS
All of the opinions expressed on the blogs do not reflect mine.
All rights reserved 2007.

BlogRovr, BlogRovr, Bring me a Blog!

BlogRovr

As I am awaiting the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC 2007), I have been looking for ways to simplify my web life. Thus, I have signed up officially for BlogRovr. During the NECC, I plan to read a lot of blogs and BlogRovr came about at a good time.

What is BlogRovr? This wonderful website promises to have your favorite blogs delivered to you in a snap. It even generates a list of suggested blogs that you can view without having to type them in. There are windows and screens that act as a guide for choosing a particular blog once you sign in.

What is amazing about BlogRovr is that the sign up is so simple. How many places in cyberspace only require an e-mail and a password to become a member of their website? Upon registering, I decided to check out some of the suggested blogs in BlogRovr. Most of them were quite interesting. In addition, I was glad that there was a prompt for my favorite blogs. The fact that there is also cross referencing between blogs and blog topics, was also a great idea of this web entity. There are others who share the similar upbeat opinions about BlogRovr.

The only pitfall that I am sure will be improved is that BlogRovr should consider having an educational blog "suggested" list for teachers or educational researchers like Edublog. I am sure that as more educational blogs develop, we will see some addition in that area. Everyone who blogs on a regular basis should try BlogRovr. Your blogging experience will never be the same.

Techie Teacher
CTS
Image courtesy of BlogRovr.
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BrainPop and BrainPop Jr. more than entertains

BrainPop and Brain Pop, Jr. (Fun, Educational Videos)

I am finding the NECC 2007 e-mails to be more intriguing by the day. One wonderful e-mail which discussed BrainPop and BrainPop Jr., was sent to me this morning. I found this e-mail unusually timely because I just completed a voluntary class on both of these interactive cartoons/websites in my school system this week.

I am a big Tim and Moby fan (BrainPop fan). I was pleased to see the topics of the new movies that they are releasing. Finally, something new on decimals! On the other hand, I like BrainPop Jr. too. Annie, one of the newest characters in the BrainPop family, is very easy to listen to and she has a lot of information that even middle school students would want to hear. Annie is a sassy throw back to a middle school student's primary school years (K-3 is her actual audience). She gives hefty explanations and is inquisitive enough to hold the interest of all age levels.

Finally, I am extremely pleased to say that I watch these entertaining cartoons with my math students without reservation. However, these animations have more than simple entertainment value. They are very educational and I know my students get a lot out of them. If you have not mentioned to your school system that they should join this phenomenal website, then I suggest you do so. These educational cartoons add flavor to my lesson plans because they spawn discussion and give a twist to all subjects. They are also aligned with the curriculums of most if not all states. I cannot wait to visit this booth at the NECC.

The images are courtesy of the BrainPop and BrainPop, Jr.
All rights reserved to personal opinions regarding BrainPop and BrainPop Jr.

The Anticipation of the NECC

May 30, 2007
I am already like a kid in an "e-mail" candy store regarding the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) to be held at the World Congress Center in Atlanta toward the end of June. I have been sent so many eye-catching e-mails, which have all been wonderful. I keep asking myself: What will I choose to do? What booth will I go to first?

I have been contemplating about the areas that I feel are the most important in education when picking a prospective booth. I will say that I am the type that likes the "wow" factor when it comes to gadgets. On the other hand, I have to think about delivering this information to educators who likely are looking for practicality. Nevertheless, I am excited about what is in store for me next month!

Finally, what does the NECC mean to me right now in this moment?
N--New
E--Edgy
C--Creative
C--Comradarie
Techie Teacher