The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) is going virtual this year! FETC will be a free interactive, online event being held from January 26-29, 2021. This annual conference emphasizes the critical role that education technology plays in providing complete teaching and learning experiences and this year is no different. Expect to hear from ed tech leaders about the strategies and tools they use, and how they have proven to positively impact and benefit their school communities.

In 2019, Shelby County Public Schools (SCPS) invited Clevertouch® to demo and discuss possible education technology opportunities for the district, including a pilot project with Marnel C. Moorman School Center, a K-8 learning center. The district had been looking at panels from other ed tech companies with the goal of replacing the aging technology already in use and found that with the brands they piloted, certain features would not work. They were looking for an interactive flat panel that was intuitive, could help them improve interactive tech across the district, was a value-rich solution, and worked!

Clevertouch, a Boxlight group, was recently awarded a 3-year contract to help update the education technology in a large school district in West Texas (U.S.) that was looking to innovate their students’ learning environment. The district will be outfitted with the multi award-winning IMPACT™ touchscreens, the accompanying software, LYNX Whiteboard, and Clevershare.

NA College (United Kingdom) was faced with the task of investing in technology that would make the learning experience more enriching and fulfilling for both staff and students. Says Lisa Emmerson, Digital Learning and Innovation Manager at NA College, “We decided to move to interactive displays to enhance classroom management and boost learner enthusiasm and engagement.” Emmerson felt that displays provided an abundance of new options that they did not have previously with the traditional laptop and TV monitor combination.

In June of this year, we launched the MimioConnect® Blended Learning Platform and the mind behind this innovative teaching and learning medium is Darin Beamish, VP of Software Development at Boxlight. Darin recently spent time talking with Larry Jacobs from Equity and Access (ace-ed.org), explaining the why and how of MimioConnect for any learning environment.

It’s that time of the year again…ISTE! The annual ISTE Conference and Expo is well-known for its informative sessions with expert educators and ed tech specialists, giving everyone a variety of opportunities to make connections and learn about new and innovative tools for teaching and learning. Of course, the hustle and bustle of educators talking, learning, and laughing throughout the conference space will be different this year. Now all the lively conversations, motivating sessions, and exhibitor demonstrations will all be done virtually. ISTE20 Live will be experienced via an online, interactive platform from November 29 through December 5 and Boxlight will be there!

Recently, Larry Jacobs from Equity and Access (ace-ed.org) had a chat with Mario DiAntonio, Sales Director for Strategic Partnerships for Samsung Electronics America. The discussion centered on how display technology has helped educators boost interactive learning and student engagement, even within a hybrid learning environment.

It goes without saying that 2020 has been quite THE year. Boxlight has made big moves including the appointment of new CEO Michael Pope, the acquisition of Robo3D and MyStemKits, and the launch of MimioConnect® Blended Learning Platform designed in part to answer districts’ needs for innovative, simple-to-use tools for distance or hybrid teaching and learning.

Each year, thousands of teachers, administrators, ed tech leaders, and thought leaders gather for the NYSCATE Annual Conference. At the conference, attendees have an opportunity to listen to special guests speak on where educational technology is going and what to expect in the future. This year, in lieu of a traditional conference, NYSCATE 2020 will be going virtual!

At this point of the year, many educators have grown comfortable with managing ed tech tools for in-class, remote, or hybrid teaching. But there is still quite a learning curve for those not altogether comfortable with ed tech and the virtual classroom — both teacher and student. With this in mind, Boxlight-EOS has designed the Platform Essentials (PE) Course for teachers and students to get acquainted with all that Chromebooks and G Suite, or Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 have to offer. Each course includes seven ready-to-use materials and resources that engage the learner, help them apply necessary skills for distance teaching and learning success, and build the confidence needed to use these tech platforms.