TCEA 2018: Educators Meet in Austin to Discuss the Future of the Classroom

Thousands of educators will hit the ground in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 5 for the Texas Computer Education Association Convention & Exposition.

This annual event brings together educators, administrators and IT leaders to discuss innovative tips on everything from professional development and classroom tech to thought leadership on accessibility.

From Feb. 5-9, TCEA 2018 is expected to boast more than 8,000 attendees, 1,000 sessions and 450 exhibitors from a variety of tech companies.

Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress and advocate for diversity and inclusion, will deliver the opening keynote on Feb. 6. TCEA’s TechNotes Blog reports that Matlin will discuss accessibility and her app “Marlee Signs,” which leverages mobile devices to teach American Sign Language.

Judge Glenda Hatchett, who was the first African-American chief presiding judge of a state court in Georgia and now has her own syndicated show, will deliver the closing keynote on Feb. 9.

“[Hatchett’s] presentation will be valuable to educators in all roles as she speaks about her experiences working with youth and how to encourage them to achieve their highest potential, regardless of their current circumstances,” notes TCEA’s blog.

TCEA notes that it has also revamped several of its academies, where educators can go for more intensive lessons. Two new in-depth sessions include:

• Innovative Teaching Academy, where teachers can learn more about flipped and blended classrooms, as well as distance learning, gamification, makerspaces and design thinking.

• Transformational Learning Academy, where leaders can find out more about integration models, digital coaching, microcredentials and creating a culture of change.

You can prepare for this year’s conference by browsing through the sessions on the official TCEA program overview, or download the smartphone app to use daily at the show.

EdTech will provide coverage of TCEA from the show floor. Follow along on our conference page to gain insight into the best and brightest sessions this year. Also, follow #TCEA2018 and @EdTech_K12 for the latest on Twitter.