23
November
2011
|
17:27 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Conference Helps Teachers Be Tech Savvy

Constantly connected through technology, today’s generation of students have never known a world that hasn’t included wireless devices or computers.  In an effort to learn how to reach and teach these tech savvy students, over 1,000 elementary, middle and high school teachers from across Southern California joined Cal State San Marcos education faculty, graduate students and credential candidates on campus in early November for a conference dedicated to learning and teaching through technology.The annual San Diego Computer-Using Educators (SDCUE) Conference, now in its 23rd year, included over 100 sessions with topics ranging from how to make and use QR codes to engage students, to how the social media site Pinterest can help teachers organize lesson plan ideas and to how iPod Touches can be used to increase student reading fluency and enhance writing. Vendors showcased new products and three mobile technology vans provided participants with the opportunity to explore how electronic tools can help with learning and teaching in the classroom.“This was the first time the conference was held in North County and we look forward to hosting it back on campus next year,” said Dr. Kathy Hayden, director of CSUSM’s iQUEST Project, one of the conference sponsors. The University’s San Marcos Writing Project also made it possible to bring the conference to campus. “It was a rich day of exploration and hands-on learning,” commented Hayden. “After attending, many participants reported that they felt rejuvenated and excited again about teaching. Some were even going to start implementing what they learned the following Monday.”Information on next year’s conference will be posted at www.sdcue.org by early autumn of 2012.