Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference

Would you like to hear about tools, trends and techniques that will appeal to your geeky side while delighting the teacher in you? This fast-paced session will be completely updated from last year's McAuliffe Conference session "Nineteen for '19". You will see an overview of virtual and augmented reality activities, classroom uses of "social" robots, excellent sources for royalty free authentic artifacts, and free innovative apps for all grade levels and subject areas. You will learn more about classroom uses of artificial intelligence in the form of smart speakers, including Amazon's Alexa and Google Home Mini. Learn how to go beyond information retrieval and hear about how teachers and librarians are using them for inquiry-based learning, student produced projects, and classroom management. Did you know that you and your students can write your own "Skills" for these devices, creating customized apps? Session ideas will be tied to creative interpretations of ISTE and Common Core standards. You will hear about technologies and innovative ideas that do not yet exist at the time of this proposal but show promise. The term "Electronic Constructivism" was coined by this presenter, who teaches a course titled "Emerging Technologies", and who will stress what really matters: Good Teaching. No experience with these technologies is necessary, but an open mind, with a sense of adventure and fun, are highly recommended. They'll be a raffle with technology related door prizes. (Presenter(s): Maureen Yoder, Professor, Lesley University)