The National Future of Education Technology Conference (2024) is nearly one month behind us, but it’s still on the minds of those who were able to gain valuable insight into the latest trends surrounding education technology and bring them back to their home districts. From educational leadership to implementing an esports program, attendees had very little trouble finding an opportunity to learn something new.
Among the numerous discussions that unfolded throughout the event, one emerging topic stood out: artificial intelligence. While innovative tools like ChatGPT have been around for more than a year now, it’s given educators and thought leaders like Dan Fitzpatrick, former educator and author of The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom, time to experiment with the technology and predict how it will impact the future of K12 education.
What better way to welcome this inevitable force than by breaking down the best moments of FETC 2024 through AI itself?
The editorial team at District Administration called upon the help of Microsoft Copilot to provide a detailed summary of the event and to incorporate insights gathered from attendees who used the hashtag #FETC in social media posts.
Here’s what the chatbot had to say:
The following transcript was produced by Microsoft Copilot in response to the prompt: In 400 words or less, give me a detailed summary of the exciting discussions, workshops and sessions that took play at the National Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Fl. last month. Incorporate insights gathered from social media posts that used the hashtag #FETC.
The National Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), held last month in Orlando, Florida, was a vibrant hub for passionate educators, K-12 district leaders, and technology professionals. This annual event provided a fertile ground for networking, collaboration, and staying abreast of cutting-edge trends and innovations in the world of educational technology.
Key Highlights:
- Student-Centered Sessions:
- One standout session emphasized student-centric approaches. Educators, driven by a genuine desire to empower the next generation, explored strategies to build students’ success and purpose. The focus was on reimagining college and career pathways, recognizing that postsecondary success evolves continually.
- Attendees delved into the findings from the 2023 K12 Career and College Readiness Benchmark Report, sponsored by Paper’s MajorClarity. The report highlighted the importance of understanding students’ desired opportunities before high school graduation. Districts are increasingly enhancing career readiness, enabling students to acquire essential work-related skills as early as eighth grade.
- Shifting Perspectives on Postsecondary Education:
- The panel discussions echoed a critical shift: Four-year degrees are not the sole answer to our needs. As fewer students pursue higher education, K12 schools are adapting by providing diverse pathways to career readiness. These pathways include trade skills and other non-college-related options.
- Individualized Learning Plans have become the norm. Schools and districts recognize that students thrive when learning is contextualized. Leaders are encouraged to reflect on how they approach personalized learning.
- Innovations and Solutions:
- FETC showcased over 60 new products introduced by exhibiting companies. These innovations spanned various aspects of education technology, from classroom tools to administrative solutions.
- Participants engaged in workshops covering topics like artificial intelligence, leadership strategies, and best practices. The conference provided a platform for educators to explore practical solutions for their districts.
- Networking and Collaboration:
- Educators and tech professionals connected with like-minded peers, sharing insights and experiences.
- Social media buzzed with excitement, with attendees using the hashtag #FETC to discuss sessions, share takeaways and celebrate the spirit of educational innovation.
In summary, FETC 2024 fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, reinforcing the commitment to student success, career readiness and transformative edtech solutions. As we look ahead, the conference continues to shape the future of education technology, inspiring educators to create impactful learning experiences for all students.
More from DA: Session recap: Reimagining college and career prep in 2024
