Each year, technology becomes a larger part of the ways students learn about and engage with the world around them. And in lieu of laptops serving as the primary technology for completing school tasks, learners of all ages are independently accessing the software and devices they believe are best fitted for their needs.
An array of new possibilities is out there for educators to meet these digital citizens where both they and their avatar live. But unlike the limitless worlds being created, teachers have finite periods of time to generate meaningful learning.
That’s why, with financial support from alumni Robert and Mary F. English, the College of Education at Illinois State University established the free-to-attend Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21Con).
About T21Con
All education alumni are invited to the bigger, better, sixth annual day of professional development on Friday, September 18 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in the Bone Student Center.
The 2015 T21Con session topics were determined through feedback by Illinois State’s alumni educators and teacher education majors. After a competitive submission process, only the top 18 were selected.
Presenters will include PreK-12 educators with expertise and experience in developing creative and effective integration of educational technology into their curricula. Presentations will demonstrate how teachers can use technology to: set up flipped learning, keep parents informed, teach the Common Core, find new ways to support learning for students with disabilities, incorporate the Danielson Framework, and more. The conference also serves as a tremendous networking opportunity for fellow educators and Redbirds!
The day will also feature an exhibitor hall where cutting-edge educational technology companies will be on hand throughout the day to chat with attendees and demonstrate the next wave of software, devices, and apps.
T21Con will offer door prizes, including high-tech devices, and attendees will be eligible to earn professional development hours (formerly CPDUs) if they sign up to attend by Friday, September 4. For more information, visit the conference website.
Keynote
2015 T21Con keynote Kevin Honeycutt.
This year, T21Con will be kicked-off by keynote Kevin Honeycutt, who offers an energetic, inspiring, and profound take on the needs of students, teachers, and families in 21st century learning environments both inside and outside the classroom. Honeycutt is an author, teacher, educational technology expert, and the winner of the international Making IT Happen Award. In an effort to educate parents, students and teachers about online safety, anti-bullying and cyber-bullying, he created a curriculum which he shares with parents, teachers and students across the U.S.
Honeycutt currently serves as a technology integration specialist at ESSDACK, an educational service center based in Hutchinson, Kansas. He is the host of Art Snacks, which features ten minute drawing videos that support standards curriculum. You can also catch him on Twitter @KevinHoneycutt and check out his professional teaching site.
Details
What: The sixth annual Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21Con)
When: Friday, September 18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Bone Student Center, Illinois State University
Who: Illinois State University alumni educators and current students
How: Register for the free conference and professional development hours, and learn more at T21Con.IllinoisState.edu
