March 29, 2024

Second Annual EdTech Conference Unites Virginia Educators

Students from J.W. Alvey Elementary School give a presentation to the Dean of the College of Education Mary Gendernalik-Cooper

Former state technology leader of the year John Hendron assured a group of more than 100 teachers, administrators and instructional technologists at the University of Mary Washington that they still hold a significant role in education.

“Despite the ubiquitous availability of technology, students still need us,” said Hendron, webmaster and supervisor of instructional technology for Virginia’s Goochland County Public Schools. “You are here to inspire a legion of students.”

Hendron, who was recognized as state technology leader of the year in 2006 by the Virginia Department of Education, spoke at the second annual EdTech Conference on Saturday, June 2 titled “Leading through Change: Teaching, Learning, and Technology.”

The conference also included breakout seminars, with such topics asIntegrating an iPod Touch into an Elementary Classroom,” “Cooking Up SMARTER Lessons-A Recipe for Success” and “iPads in the Math Classroom.”  One session, “Frames and Share, You Can Do It!,” featured presentations from J.W. Alvey Elementary School students who created short movies and presentations.

The conference was founded by Teresa Coffman, associate professor of education, and Tamie Pratt-Fartro, assistant professor of education, to provide a venue of support for a community of learners around important topics such as teaching and learning, pedagogy and student success.

“This EdTech Conference was started to unite teachers and administrators from various K-12 school systems throughout Virginia for a day-long conference on learning and teaching with technology,” said Coffman.

About Brynn Boyer

Brynn Boyer is assistant director of media and public relations and a 2010 graduate of UMW.