The College of Education is sponsoring two iPad-related events from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2014, in Bluemont Hall. iCamp is for educators; and iPad Initiatives + Implementation is for school district technology directors and administrators. The cost is $25 and includes lunch.
Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, said schools are embracing the iPad.
“Technology is impacting education perhaps faster than ever before,” Mercer said. “As a low-cost device with high-quality applications, school leaders are turning to the iPad as a powerful technique to impact student learning. The key with any technology is using it as a tool to enhance learning and that is the objective of the iCamp sessions.”
iCamp is an innovative and engaging technology conference designed to give educators an immersive experience that builds deep understanding of how students create, connect, share and collaborate with iPads. Two- and three-hour sessions will be offered as well as an all-day session on iBooks Author and iTunes U.
Cyndi Danner Kuhn, technology integration coordinator and instructor in curriculum and instruction, recognized the need for a more intensive, hands-on experience.
“I hope educators leave inspired and ready to ignite learning and teaching as well as discovering ideas for integrating the iPad into their teaching,” she said.
Registration is open to any educator — K-12 or university faculty member — through Jan. 6, 2014.
While teachers are learning new ways to inspire learning in their classrooms, technology directors and administrators will be taking part in the iPad Initiatives + Implementation forum developed by Dennis Devenney, Catalyst director.
Devenny said the forum will be divided into four categories: administrative, technical, successful deployment and vendors. Specific topics include planning, purchasing, distribution and maintenance of iPads along with policy issues, staff development and curriculum development. Discussions also will include infrastructure considerations, management solutions and security issues.
“Part of our purpose as a land-grant college is to share information,” Devenney said. “We see this as a learning opportunity for the K-12 schools as well as for the College of Education. We are learning to shape our content based on the direction the K-12 schools are moving, and we can offer information about best practices.”
Find out more information or register by Jan. 6, 2014, deadline.
(Editor’s note: Reprinted from K-State Today’s article published Nov. 18, 2013.)
