FETC 2009 Keynote Speaker

FETC jumps off tomorrow in Orlando, Florida.  Those in attendance are in store for a feast of treats during the conference and it all begins with one very interesting keynote speaker.

Philippe Cousteau, of the great environmentalist and exploring Cousteaus and president of EarthEcho International, will be addressing the audience about his family's legacy in regards to environmentalism and education. He is also creating a documentary series for Animal Planet about our water systems and how we can support the earth under the water.  

What an interesting pick for an opening keynote.  You would expect one of the many leaders in education technology, or perhaps a teacher or educator from Florida.  This is a welcomed surprise as Mr. Cousteau has valuable insight on the education world from a different angle.  This is a time for new ideas and you have to broaden your spectrum to attract the best.

Promethean <3 DK

So, Promethean (my fave company that makes the white boards all of us teachers are using) and Dorling Kindersley (my fave book publisher that makes those great illustrated books that adults borrow from their children) just announced that they are releasing some products together! Details are kind of scant right now, but check out these pics from the Promethean booth at BETT.


The products will be in a new premium section of Promethean Planet. No word on availability, but it's neat to see Promethean reaching out to other industry leaders. Wish I was there... Great stuff from BETT!

Activsoftware blogging

I was hoping to be the first in the USA to blog into the contest for the new software, but my connection keeps bleeping on wireless. But here is my first notation after reading the announcement at http://www.activblogging.com/:

5 Reasons For Me to Cover FETC

Ms. Jennifer Greene from FETC shot me an email this week reminding me, that FETC was just around the corner. I'm making plans to attend, but you never know what will happen between now an the 21st. This year should be all about new technology and education software, so you know I'll be psyched to get in. Here are her five reason we bloggers should cover the even this year...like we needed any more inspiration.
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Top Five Reasons to Cover FETC 2009:
1. Many great stories about classroom challenges and ed-tech under one roof
2. Discover innovative ways to improve teaching during a tight economy
3. Secure informative quotes from inspiring speakers
4. Report on the latest ed-tech tools, tactics and trends
5. Gather unique anecdotes from local educators and the nation’s top ed-tech professionals

One of the largest conferences in the nation devoted entirely to educational technology is fast approaching. FETC 2009, The Educational Technology Conference in Florida, will take place Jan. 21-24, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Register for press credentials now and allow your audience to live (and learn) the experience through you!
Media representatives and bloggers are encouraged to attend and see the latest in educational technology. There is no cost for media registration; those interested can register online at www.fetc.org (click on Press and then go to Credentials). Please note that media representatives and bloggers are required to register and will not be admitted into any FETC venues without a press badge.
We hope you will consider attending and/or covering this important conference.
If you have any questions, please contact Rick Oppenheim at (850) 386

Watching BETT

Every year it drives me nuts. The biggest show in the world for edtech happens in London and nobody in the USA seems to care or notice. We marvel at our fabulous NECC as the biggest but BETT doubles our largest show in size and audience. There are almost 800 booths at BETT! I wish I could afford the jump, but I can barely afford a toy airplane right now, but I'll be watching the blogs and hopefully report. Which brings me to BETT goers... why dont you blog more images and reviews?

Sigh...