Baylor University's School of Education to Host Technology Conference for Teachers

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Media Contact: Tonya B. Lewis, (254) 710-4656
WACO, Texas (Oct. 26, 2012) --Baylor School of Education's Department of Curriculum and Instruction--with grant funding from Texas Instruments--will host T3: Teachers Teaching with Technology Regional Conference at University High School, 3201 S. New Road, on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
More than 260 in-service and pre-service teachers from Waco and Midway Independent School Districts and from across the Texas region will learn how to use emerging and existing technology in the classroom to aid in science and math education.
Co-principal investigators of the grant and conference organizers, Suzanne Nesmith, Ph.D., assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, and Rachelle Rogers, Ed.D., assistant clinical professor of curriculum and instruction in Baylor's School of Education, said the conference is a great opportunity for teachers--kindergarten through higher education--to learn how to use handheld technology and computer software in 25 interactive sessions taught by other educators.
"This peer-to-peer professional development enables teachers to immediately put into action technologies and techniques that have proven successful in the classroom," Nesmith said. "We live in a digital age where children are knowledgeable of technology and use it on a daily basis. It is imperative that we are able to keep up with them and use technology in the classroom in new and innovative ways that will capture their attention."
One important aspect of the conference is learning the concept of "augmented reality," a new technology that allows individuals to get additional information by viewing a trigger image or location on a smart device.
"The keynote address 'Beyond Reality in the Classroom' will focus on the new technology and show teachers how to harness it. We will be demonstrating 'augmented reality' technology using QR code exercises," Nesmith said.
Throughout the conference, QR codes will be displayed, and each code will be linked to a video or text science and math question for attendees to answer. Once answered, they will receive immediate feedback as to whether their answer was correct or incorrect and why.

"Augmented reality in teaching is another example of how teachers can use technology to connect with students in a way they are familiar. Learning augmented reality tools excite children and allow them to utilize new skills," said Rogers.
The conference also focuses on some of the most important areas in education--science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
"This conference really highlights and targets science and math problem simulations to help provide understanding of real-world problems. We want to be able to provide teachers with new tools to enhance learning of math and science through technology," Rogers said.
Some of the conference sessions include teaching children to blog, the ins and outs of using a portable planetarium, using iPad apps to teach primary students and how to use YouTube and the entertainment industry to teach math.
"Hopefully, the teachers will come away with ideas and technology to incorporate in their classrooms," Nesmith said. "We want this experience to be a fun learning experience for teachers so that they in turn can create those same great learning experiences for their students."
On-site registration for the conference is available. T3-Teachers Teaching with Technology Regional Conference website. —>

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
The Baylor School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and consists of four departments: Curriculum and Instruction (preparation for classroom teachers and specialists); Educational Administration (post-graduate preparation for school leadership); Educational Psychology (undergraduate and graduate programs for those who are interested in learning, development, measurement, and exceptionalities); and Health, Human Performance and Recreation (preparing for sport- and health-related careers, athletic training and careers in recreational professions, including churches).The School of Education enrolls approximately 1,024 undergraduate students and 320 graduate students, employs 72 faculty, and is one of the few school s in the State of Texas that offers a yearlong teaching internship.