Discover Your Destination at TCEA 2008
Make TCEA 2008 your destination for quality professional development opportunities, the best ed tech exhibits, fun activities, and the chance to meet and network with other education professionals. The 28th annual convention will be at the Austin Convention Center Feb. 4–8, 2008.
Don’t miss the opportunity to choose from 125 hands-on workshops, hundreds of free sessions, nationally known keynoters and presenters, Texas-sized events, and a 700-booth exhibit hall. You’ll learn about the latest and most up-to-date technology solutions and ways to incorporate them into your teaching and learning.
In 2008, more than 14,000 educators, students, and exhibitors are expected to attend the TCEA annual convention. TCEA will host thousands of principals, superintendents, teachers, technology specialists, and curriculum specialists.
For more information, visit www.tcea2008.org .
To register now, go to http://www.tcea.org/registration/ .
Speakers
Keynote Dr. Sally Ride will open the main days of the convention at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6. A member of the Challenger crew on two flights, she is now an advocate for improved science education and has written five science books for children.
Friday keynote will be Marco Torres, a teacher, media coach and education technology director for San Fernando High School. He has been honored internationally for his ability to empower students. He will speak on Friday, Feb. 8 at 11:00 a.m.
David Pogue, personal-technology columnist for the New York Times and an Emmy award-winning tech correspondent for CBS News, will be the Thursday luncheon speaker.
Special Events
From the trendy podcasting and geocaching events to seminars on leadership and research, TCEA 2008 offers specialized educational and training opportunities for a variety of tastes, levels, and interests.
Learn how geocaching brings technology and adventure together! If you haven’t experienced the fun and excitement of geocaching yet, be sure to join us for an adventurous treasure hunt you won’t forget. This event is free! Drop by and join in the fun on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from noon-5:00 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 7 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., but limited space is available.
Take a break during the convention and stop by Podcast Central Station to experiment with podcasting, discover the software (most of it free), visit with veteran educators who successfully podcast, and learn how MP3 players can turn your classroom into a studio. Podcast Central Station is a free event tailored to the educator new to podcasting. This event is open Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 6 and 7 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Pre-registration is not required for this come-and-go event.
In cooperation with TCEA, the eSchool News Network presents a two-day eSN “Best Practices Summit” — FREE for TCEA attendees! Here’s your chance to get first-hand, in-depth briefings on the most effective practices in education technology today. TCEA attendees will meet and talk with a select number of leading TCEA exhibitors in a special, limited-attendance professional. eSN’s “Best Practices Summit” will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 6 and 7.
The Leadership Seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 5 is an all-day event that requires a separate registration of $150 in addition to the TCEA convention registration. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. and the event lasts until 3:30 p.m. in Ballroom A of the convention center. Luncheon, featuring featured presenter Dr. Lane is included. His presentation titled, “Dynamics of Leadership in 21st Century Schools,” will detail what the educational leaders of today must do in order to guide their schools and districts into the new era of technology. Dr. Mills is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Accountability and Technology Services in Wilson County Schools, Wilson, North Carolina. Seminar attendees will study trends and issues related to the effective use of technology to support teaching and learning, explore new technologies, and establish new contacts.
Highlights
Attendees will experience a unique night in the “Live Music Capital of the World” as Austin’s own Shelley King and her band perform on the stage of Austin City Limits, PBS’s longest running popular live concert music series. Shelley King is the first woman to be named Official Texas State Musician. The event will take place in KLRU’s Austin City Limits Studio at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
As the sun sets over Austin, TCEA turns tropical! Your Thursday evening destination is a TCEA Hulabration! Unwind after a fabulous week of learning and indulge in a tropical paradise. Back by popular demand, the Texas Unlimited Band will be performing. Having shared the stage with such megastars as George Strait, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith and Garth Brooks, Texas Unlimited Band is a versatile band that can go from George Strait to Nelly in 2.8 seconds flat. Whether it’s country, pop, or the oldies, these guys do it AND do it well. Limbo down for food, fun, and flamingos! Admission is complimentary for all full registered attendees and exhibiting personnel. Continuous transportation between convention hotels and the event will be provided. Join us for tropical fun on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
TCEA 2008 will feature more than 700 exciting educational technology exhibits in the newly expanded Austin Convention Center exhibit hall. They include vendors who provide products and services for instructional and administrative software, Internet, LAN/WAN, staff development, desktop/network security, and more. All the big names in hardware and software will be there.
TCEA will present more than 420 educational sessions. There are 130 hands-on technology workshops scheduled and more than 350 free sessions, all designed to help educators learn to use technology effectively in their classroom instruction.