2012 FETC logoIf you’re like most educators, you’ve made a resolution to learn something new this year.  But have you decided what, where and how you’ll learn?  If you’re still pondering this resolution, I encourage you to think about joining Powerful Learning Practice (PLP) at FETC 2012 in Orlando, FL (January 23-26).

Over the years, I have attended conferences of all sizes, shapes and locations.  While my participation has changed from attendee to presenter, and ultimately, to vendor, I can assure you that FETC has remained one of my all time favorite conferences.  Why?  Some people go to conferences to reconnect with colleagues, find inspiration or learn new technology. I chose to attend FETC as my first ever conference because of its location!  As I looked out my window into the frigid winter air, I knew I needed to get away to some place warm.  When I choose FETC, I thought I was attending a small conference with teachers from the state of Florida.  What I didn’t realize is that FETC is a very large conference (that includes national and international attendees) that would provide me with new inspiration, cutting edge technology and the knowledge and resources to share with my colleagues back home.

FETC is set in a great location (off International Drive) with numerous restaurants and places to shop all within walking distance.  Not to mention, Disney, SeaWorld and Universal are just a stone’s throw away.  So whether you are a conference newbie or circuit presenter, I hope you’ll stop by and say hello to PLP in Booth #1433.  We’d love to meet you and tell you more about our program, educational philosophies, and what exciting things we have in store for 2012.  Not to mention we’ll be giving away some great prizes and we don’t mind sharing our knowledge on what to see and do while you’re in Orlando.

Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, co-founder and CEO of Powerful Learning Practice was also asked to be part of a panel discussion entitled “Online Communities of Practice—What Works?” on Wednesday, January 25 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Session# CS2738).  She’ll be joined by Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director, e-Learning and Government Partnerships, National Science Teachers Association; Melinda George, Vice President and COO, National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future; Allisyn Levy, Senior Director, Educator Experience, BrainPOP and Therese Mageau, Editorial Director, T.H.E. Journal (who will be the moderator).  They’ll be discussing how “everyone from Education Secretary Arne Duncan to the secretary in your district office is either touting or using some form of a community of practice. Teachers have gathered for decades in living room kaffeeklatches to share their best ideas for improving education. But now the living room is virtual and global—and the challenges are multiplying. Hear from four leaders of successful COP education initiatives and learn about best online COP practices from the practitioners themselves.”

If you can’t get your administrator to let you out of the classroom or office (this year), I hope you’ll join us virtually as I blog about our FETC adventures.  By completing the form below, you’ll be eligible to win one of our virtual conference giveaways!  Virtual winners will be chosen during the conference and announced on PLP’s blog, Facebook and Twitter pages. Good luck!

 

Win one of our virtual conference giveaways




 

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Christen Dodd

Christen is a Connected Learning Specialist for PLP. After earning her MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Virginia, she began her career as a K-5 Computer Resource Teacher. She enjoyed collaborating with staff and creating technology lessons that engaged students, but caught “the bug” for presenting to educators on a national level. For eleven years, Christen trained educators both face-to-face and virtually with Verizon Thinkfinity. She also served as their Distance Learning Coordinator and Vice President of Professional Development. Christen has enjoyed working with Powerful Learning Practice since 2011 and continuing her work with educators, parents and students alike. Currently, she is also an instructional technology specialist at her children's JK-8 Catholic school.

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