Observation Experience

In February 2003, I attended the TCEA annual convention in Austin. I attended one of the best series of sessions that a Technology Applications teacher could attend. The whole day of sessions was called the "Tech Ap Teacher Network".

The day was divided into the five technology application courses: Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics and Animation, Multimedia, Video Tech, and Web Mastering. Each course was split into 45 minute sessions all day. Each session had a different Tech Ap teacher sharing a student based project that he or she had used in their classroom. They brought handouts and examples. Each participant attended multiple sessions, in the different course areas, each day.

I divided my time between Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics and Animation, and Web Mastering. I attended several sessions in each course. I got so many ideas and suggestions to use in my classrooms. One of the TATC teachers, Rachel Newman, was one of the presenters. I went to one of her sessions and she did a wonderful job and it was great to meet her! When the day ended, I could not believe how fast the day had gone and how many ideas I got from the day. Many ideas I have used since February, but several projects I plan to use this following year when I will be teaching more tech ap courses.

At the end of the day, they shared with us that a web site had been built to house all these projects from the day and more. I have been so glad to have this site to refer to several times. The site is: Technology Teacher Network I recommend this site for some great ideas. You will have to register.....but it is worth it!!