Texas ed-tech conference charts new waters in education

The theme of TCEA 2010 was "Charting New Waters."
The theme of TCEA 2010 was "Charting New Waters."

How to offer a successful online-learning experience, and how to integrate technology in meaningful ways with even the youngest of learners, were two of the many education technology themes explored during the Texas Computer Education Association’s 30th annual conference last month.

With a theme of “Charting New Waters” in education, the conference—held Feb. 8-12 in Austin—also featured a rousing keynote speech from Christopher Gardner, the man whose life experiences inspired the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, and an exhibit hall with hundreds of ed-tech companies showcasing their latest products.

Here’s a roundup of our TCEA 2010 coverage.…Read More

TCEA keynote: Educators must show determination, drive

Christopher Gardner's speech inspired an audience of ed-tech supporters.
Christopher Gardner's speech inspired an audience of ed-tech supporters.

Christopher Gardner, the man whose life experiences inspired The Pursuit of Happyness, his best-selling autobiography which later developed into a movie, welcomed attendees on the first day of the 30th annual Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) conference with two words of wisdom: “Life happens.”

Gardner detailed his ambition to create a meaningful life despite the obstacles thrown his way, and several themes emerged during his talk—themes that educators most certainly have in common with Gardner: determination, drive, and positive thinking.

“We have seen the creation of a whole new class of homeless people,” Gardner said. He calls that group “white collar homeless” and said that every day, countless professionals who have lost their homes as a result of the nation’s economic struggles go to work and do all they can to remain on their feet.…Read More