HoverCam Mini 5 Pocket Scanner

The world’s smallest document camera is about the size of a pen and just a little larger than a regular-sized candy bar.  The HoverCam Mini Scanner ($249) needs no wires since it plugs directly into the USB port on a computer. It can be used for Web conferencing, document scanning, creating video, and much more. You’ll find it compatible with both Mac and Windows systems, and you can carry it around in your pocket. So, it’s handy for a classroom teacher and just about everyone.

Got a Great Tech Idea? Ignite It at ISTE 2013

The folks at ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) are looking for thirty dynamic speakers to spark creativity in an Ignite session. Those selected will have five minutes to show twenty slides which tell about a great ed tech idea, an exciting new tool, or a personal story about getting students involved in learning.  If you are heading to San Antonio for ISTE, why not submit an Ignite idea? The deadline is May 1.

Virtual Leadership Conference Targeting Mobile Learning

The FetC Virtual Leadership SUMMIT, Taking the Lead in Mobile Learning, will be held Tuesday, December 11^th, from 12:45-5:30 p.m. If you want to learn more or are confused about strategies for learning and teaching in the Age of Going Mobil, this free, Web-based conference is a must. It will feature national experts, moderated discussions, interactive online environment, and networking opportunities.

WE are Teachers Grants & Contests

The We are Teachers site includes a list of competitions, contests and grants for teachers and schools. You’ll want to visit the site often to find competitions, contests, or grants that are right for you. Currently listed are events with deadlines in late November and early December 2012.  These are: Stand Tall: “One Brave Thing” Pinterest Contest, Sharps $100,000 sweepstakes, Be Tobacco Free Sweepstakes, Staff Development for Educators Sweepstakes; and Be an HP Academy All-Star sweepstakes.

Florida Education Technology Conference

Always one of the best technology in education conferences, FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference) is scheduled for January 28-31 in Orlando. FETC boasts more than 125 professional development workshops, plus a full-conference program of concurrent sessions, speakers, and exhibits. Early Bird registration fees ($50 off) are available until 12/14/12. Attendee housing is now open.

Librarians: Speak at [email protected]

Library and media specialists are invited to apply to speak at [email protected], Computers in Libraries 2013, April 8-9, at the Hilton in Washington, D.C. The two-day conference will cover information about tools, trends, and practical topics. If you are interested in sharing your ideas with other library and media specialists, please submit your proposal by October 12, 2012.

FETC Virtual Conference

The Florida Educational Technology Conference & Expo has always been known as one of the best in the nation. Maybe, you’ve not been able to travel to Florida to attend one, but you can take part in the 2012 Virtual Conference on Thursday, October 18^th from home or school. Cheryl Lemke, well known for her work in promoting effective uses of technologies in schools, will give the keynote address. There will be an opportunity to attend interactive sessions with leaders in ed tech. At the Conference, you’ll find a virtual networking lounge where you can connect with other educators and educational leaders. There’s a virtual exhibit hall at the conference complete with product and service demonstrations.  You’ll also get free content downloads and presentations to take with you.  Registration is complimentary, but you must RSVP.

PLP—Powerful Learning Practice

If you’re like me, you are confused about all the acronyms that relate to improved teaching. I had to look up PLP to find out that it stood for Powerful Learning Practice, which sounds good to me. It’s all about professional development, called the Connected Learner Experience. On the PLP site, you can download a brochure about what PLP has to offer and sign up for the free 13-page Twitter Handbook for Teachers. There’s a PLP convention scheduled for Philadelphia on September 28, 2012 that is designed to inspire, provide collaboration, and help accelerate the shift to positive change in teaching.

Google Education on Air

Educator on Air is a free online edtech conference hosted by Google. Scheduled for May 2, 2012, it will include 46 “Hangouts” featuring professional development. The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. PT, 11 a.m. CT, and noon ET.  Sessions will be streamed live on Google+, which you download free. You can go to the website, decide what you want to learn, and sign up for your sessions. Find out, for example, about Chromebooks for Education, Harnessing the Web, Communicating, Connecting, Sharing, Google Apps, Instructional and Assessment Tools, and Hot Topics in Education.

Media Center Leaders & Librarians: Share Your Ideas at [email protected]

[email protected] invites school library or technology and media center leaders to share innovative ideas, techniques and tips at the Internet Librarian 2012 Conference to be held October 22-23 at the Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey Marriott, in Monterey California.  If you would like to apply to be a speaker at the conference, you’ll need to send in your information by 04/12/12. Speakers will receive complimentary registration.