Julie Mitchell

NECC 2009

In Summary
Based on my online research, browsing and interaction, NECC was a National conference that offered an overwhelming amount of information, ideas and resources for integrating and using technology effectively in the classroom.

I found several resources and ideas that I could integrate into an elementary classroom setting. My favorite was the iTouch ap, iCanWrite. This application can be purchased for an iTouch iPod and used to help students learn to write and form letters. This technology provided a different and interactive way for students to learn to how to or improve their writing.

Another good resource I found was a free program called Jing Project, it allows you to take computer screen shots, and create on screen video. This program could easily allow the teacher to show how something is done as well as allow students to show or teach a lesson

http://www.xtranormal.com/, was another free resource found, this site allows you to create free 3-d animations/movies. This could be a great tool for letting students summarize a story just read, or to bring their creative writing to life!

NECC is a huge conference, attracting a National audience. There are several pros and cons to attending this conference virtually.

Pros: It is free! The ability to receive and access some of the conference sessions, handouts and resources online and for free is excellent. This allows those who cannot afford nor have the time for a three day conference to attend. Also, the information is available on-line for months after the conference and can be accessed at any time. The online discussions that occurred before and during the conference will continue allowing followers to learn how these tips and technologies play out in the classroom.

Cons: Because there was so much information being presented at NECC and so many discussions taking place I found it extremely difficult and time consuming to take it all in and to find the best of the best. I’m not the best on-line learner and I feel that I would have learned much more had I been there to choose the sessions the interested me, attend, gain hands on experience, and learn from others.

Useful NECC Websites

1. http://literacyispriceless.wordpress.com/

2. http://www.speedofcreativity.org/handouts/

3. http://www.techsavvymama.com/

4. http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Ed+Resource/

5. http://www.jingproject.com/

6. http://web.me.com/jenashby/iPodTouch_Project/iPodTouch_Project.html

7. http://www.explorelearning.com/

8. http://www.kids.gov/

9. http://www.brainpop.com/

10. http://www.pageflakes.com/weblogged/6647283

11. http://www.mathtrain.tv