June 25 – 26, 2015 (Pre-Institute Session)                                

The American Classical League Summer Institute    

University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT

Title: Technology: Free and Powerful for the Latin Classroom

Speakers: Zee Poerio and Cindy Caltagirone

Description: Technology is vital in providing students learning experiences they need to obtain skills necessary to compete in an ever changing world.  Studies show that despite increased access to technology, a majority of teachers say they do not have the right level of technology training to use the tools given to them. Knowing what tools are out there and how to use them in a classroom setting to motivate, instruct, and encourage skill acquisition is imperative for the 21st Century.

Prezi and Touchcast are two of the premiere free tools for teachers that are user friendly, easy to use, and encourage creativity.  Touchcast lets you create interactive videos that you can insert pictures, videos, news tickers, social media feeds, web pages, polls, and Prezis. Prezi is an online interactive presentation program that zooms, animates, and mind maps your presentations. Used together for teacher or student centered learning, these tools ignite super-learning.

TouchCast Workshop for Media Coordinators at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit#3

TeachersFirst’s BYOD Dream Tools: Free Tools that Work on ANY device! Great list!

I am getting ready for this year’s PETE&C conference in Hershey, PA. Here is information about last year’s conference.  If you have never been to http://www.peteandc.org/ please check out info on last year’s conference and watch this TouchCast.http://www.touchcast.com/magistrazee/petec_2014_february. I was honored to be part of this great group of PAECT members who were recognized at the Awards Banquet last year.

Leader of the Year: Justin Aglio                            

Teacher of the Year: Zee Ann Poerio                                  

Mary C. Renner Award: Jana Baxter  

Pioneer Award: Karen Galbraith                                          

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Award: Brian Borosh      

Friend of PAECT Award: PA State Rep. Mario Scavelo

Outstanding Technical Support Award: Tim Geiter 

PAECT is a an ISTE affliate and sponsors PETE&C.  For information about PAECT go to http://www.paect.org/

I am so proud to be one of the TouchCast Ambassadors for 2015.  TouchCast is an outstanding App for educators! It is a “studio in a box.” It is also a great tool for use in a flipped classroom. Learn more about TouchCast here: http://touchcast.com/

Read about the ambassador’s program here: http://www.touchcast.com/educasts/touchcast_ambassadors_2015

It’s the start of another year and a new beginning to blogging!