Theme: Confidence to Create

Massachusetts Computer Using Educators, known as MassCUE, is the Massachusetts affiliate of the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE). Each October MassCUE partners with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) to host New England’s premiere technology in education conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. The conference provides educators with two full days chock full of workshops and networking opportunities.

This year we had record number of teachers and administrators attending, over 1500 on Wednesday and 1300 on Thursday. We had over 200 45 minute sessions where teachers shared best practices. We also added shorter presentations called “CUE Tips” where teachers shared one or two helpful tips for integrating technology into the classroom. Educational vendors provided hands-on workshops that gave attendees an opportunity to try out new software and hardware.

Inspirational speakers are always a staple of the conference. Wednesday’s keynote, Steve Gross, Chief Playmaker for Life is Good Foundation, shared with the audience ways he has connected with children in Haiti through play. He reminds us that academics are important but the social and emotional growth of children is equally as important.

As part of our speaker presentations, we introduced this year our “Tedish” talks. These short presentations, modeled after the TED Talks, were given by a Superintendent, classroom teacher, artist, and high school student. Each speaker grabbed our attention by sharing with us what aspects of education they are most passionate about. In addition we had a great line up of featured speakers who presented workshops on the cutting edge. Be sure to visit MassCUE’s homepage to see the videos of our keynote and each of these Tedish talks.

This year we had many more presentations by students during our student showcase sessions. Students from 12 different school systems showed off and explained their high quality projects that incorporate learning and technology.

We had over 130 educational technology companies and 15 nonprofits show off their wares and promote the latest advances in hardware and software. Our attendees got to know these vendors better by participating in our first ever “ScanVENGER Hunt”, a fun game that involved answering clues about the various vendors and nonprofits.

For the second year in a row, we showcased the innovations of LearnLaunch. Learn Launch is a non-profit organization with the mission to increase learning by providing support for the creation and growth of education technology and learning companies in New England. Over 30 new educational startups exhibited at the conference and made connections with educators who were interested in “beta testing” new educational programs.

MassCUE is more than just the fall conference. We offer a number of professional development opportunities. Visit Masscue.org to find out how to become a member and to learn about upcoming events.



Video by Kevin Murphy
@murphyk775

http://www.masscue.org/pages/MassCUE