5 Tips for Embracing and Maximizing Edtech Innovations

At FETC , held in New Orleans, numerous solutions were discussed with the aim of recovering from the effects of the pandemic, promoting equity among students and parents, providing digital access, managing student mental health, and other Social and Emotional Learning tools. One noteworthy announcement during the conference was that of AVer Information Inc. USA’s launch of the A, the world’s first All-in-One Camera with AI Audio designed for classrooms. This multi-functional tool offers an enhanced teaching experience by combining a document camera, web camera, microphone, and speaker into one easy-to-use device.

Beanstack, an EdTech platform that helps schools encourage their students to read through the use of gamification, recently illustrated the significance of keeping readers involved. Beanstack’s customizable reading challenge platform, mobile app and accompanying reading challenge templates all make it easier for educators and librarians to motivate users to reach their reading objectives by tracking when, how much, and what they read. The company has also provided Schools with IFPs, Monitors, and other audio equipment that can allow those up to feet away to enjoy a clear classroom audio experience.

At the recent demonstration conducted by BenQ Boards, teachers from Citrus County Schools expressed their appreciation for the ease of use and intuitiveness of the BenQ Board smart boards. Furthermore, BenQ also gave insight into their family of BlueCore laser education projectors and InstaShow WDCE education wireless presentation system (WPS). Additionally, ClassVR/Avanti’s World provided a detailed explanation of Eduverse.com, a revolutionary online learning environment allowing K- schools to access a secure ‘metaverse’.

The Cook Center for Human Connection seeks to promote student mental health awareness and youth suicide prevention, emphasizing the essential role of parents in these efforts. To support this mission, it has partnered with ParentGuidance.org, an organization that provides educational and therapeutic resources to bolster parental sense of capability and encourage them to advocate for their child’s mental health. In addition, the Center offers a novel method for learning; Eduverse provides interactive virtual platforms in which all things seem achievable.

At the FETC Virtual Conference, Lisa Wills, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Ector County Independent School District (ISDin Odessa, Texas, discussed the importance of human connection for people to thrive and provided insight into what it means to truly engage students and make virtual tutoring equitable. In light of ongoing unfinished learning, Ms. Wills also explored the concept of high-impact tutoring programs and their evidence-based interventions. She shared how administrators can identify the right program for their district and schools, providing further information in a -minute session at the conference.

The Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal and Director of Literacy report to the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction in their current roles. In this regard, they directly collaborate with the District’s online tutoring programs, such as FEV Tutor, to facilitate accelerated learning for students. FTW Robotics has showcased their drone technology in Booth # that is presently installed in K schools all across the United States. Through Drone Technology, FTW Robotics strives to cultivate critical thinking, lifelong curiosity and Advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEMeducation. They are working hard to spread their wings to more and more institutes each day.

Learninng Outcome

In conclusion, Ms. Wills provided insight into the importance of human connection for people to thrive and what it means to truly engage students in virtual tutoring. She highlighted evidence-based approaches to high-impact tutoring programs and shared how administrators can identify the right program for their district and school. Her thought-provoking presentation also reminded us that we need to continue to be creative in our approach to unfinished learning opportunities, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact on student learning outcomes.