FETC 2008

Palm trees, sunshine, and humidity all welcomed me when I returned yesterday to Florida to attend the Florida Educational Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida.

During the first morning session, I attended a differentiated instruction presentation from Orange City School District in Ohio. Referencing Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K-5 Classrooms by Grace Smith and Stephanie Throne, the presenters provided a framework for differentiating instruction while using technology. They provided several interesting links to help teachers to meet the needs of all students:


www.kidsclick.com (use the advanced search feature to search readability levels)

www.easytestmaker.com (username and password needed, print only)

http://www.berghuis.co.nz/abiator/lsi/lsiframe.html (Math virtual manipulatives)

http://voicethread.com (create, comment, and share online voice)

http://classblogmeister.com/ (safe blogging for students/teachers)

http://bubbl.us/ (Free Brainstorming Online Application)

magwiki.pbwiki.com (resources from presentation)



The second session of the day was presented by featured speaker, Hall Davidson. Mr. Davidson is the Director of the Discovery Educator Network and offered a room full of eager participants magic technology tricks using html. Here are some of the best links:

http://www.google.com/language_tools (Using Google to translate text or websites)

www.blackle.com (search google in black to save energy)

Mr. Davidson spent quite a bit of time showing how to use iPods effectively in the classroom. Changing the menu, setting up quizzes, and adding directions make iPods an effective learning tool for students. All the amazing tips and tricks can be found on the DEN blog at http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/media_matters.

He also gave us tons of information about make the most of GoogleEarth. Those handouts can also be found on the DEN blog. Also, you can get a Google Earth Pro license just because you are a educator! Email GEEC@google.com and tell them you want it because you are an educator! Finally, he reminded me of GoogleLitTrips which includes GoogleEarth trips that follow famous literature.

The PowerPoint is located at http://discoveryedspeakersbureau.com.