As one of the largest educational technology conferences, FETC provides Pre-K-12 educators and administrators an opportunity to explore the integration of technology across the curriculum through hands-on exposure to the latest software and successful implementation strategies, according to a statement by event organizers.

Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani kicked off the conference as the opening keynote speaker. In her speech, Saujani discussed bridging the gender gap in technological learning and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. FETC also hosted a screening of CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap, a documentary which highlights the shortage of American female and minority software engineers and explores the reasons for this gap.

Meanwhile, keynote speaker, engineer and astronaut Leland Melvin presented on the importance of pursuing STEM careers and National Teacher of the Year Sean McComb offered the keynote address, iWill: Activating Empowered Teachers and Students, in which he shared his positive experiences in transforming his own classroom as well as the conditions necessary for students and teachers to thrive.

The event also recognized innovation in the field of STEM education at the primary, middle and high school levels at the second annual STEM Excellence Awards. STEM Excellence Award-winning schools were evaluated on the use of interdisciplinary curriculum, collaboration, design, problem solving and STEM experiences offered. Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary School of St. Petersburg, Fla., was the winner in the elementary school division, while The STEM Academy of Savannah, Ga., took top honors in the middle school division. Nikola Tesla STEM High School in Redmond, Wash., claimed the honor in the high school division.

“Beyond STEM, FETC prides itself in highlighting a variety of education technology topics in its more than 500 sessions — from podcasting in the classroom to assistive technology to game-based learning,” said Mike Eason, FETC general manager, in a statement. These sessions focused on topics ranging from communication and collaboration to emerging technologies and maker tools to technology infrastructure. They included everything from 3D printing to robotics instruction to tips for peer-to-peer online professional development.

The conference expo also included more than 400 exhibitors such as Florida Shines, Insight Systems Exchange, National Science Foundation, Scantron, Microsoft, Lenovo, Aver and Epson.
 

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Originally built in 1951, the Booker T. Washington K-5 STEM Academy was the result of a response against segregation and disentitlement in a predominantly African-American community. Thanks to the efforts of local advocates, funds were also raised to construct both a community center and library adjacent to Booker T. Washington, creating a celebrated landmark site, overcoming adversity and encouraging community partnerships.

More than 50 years after its founding, the school’s original structure had fallen into disrepair and lacked many modern educational amenities. In response, the community again spearheaded the design and construction of a new facility. Officials selected an interdisciplinary team including Chicago-based Cannon Design and Bailey Edward to create the new building. The resulting facility replaced the aging 225-student structure in a largely underserved community with a modern, LEED Gold certified 425-student academy.

Today, the Booker T. Washington STEM Academy project is a wonderful example of what can happen when education intersects with physical environment. In keeping with the STEM philosophy (a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the academy strives to educate the whole child in an exciting and stimulating learning environment. Booker T. Washington provides both a facility and a curriculum that help students think critically, ask questions, engage with both peers and educators, develop problem-solving skills and put science and mathematics into action.

The MacConnell Award recognizes the importance of a comprehensive planning process resulting in educational facilities that truly meet the needs of students, and faculty, while also serving the greater community. This prestigious design and construction award is presented to the architectural firm, school district, higher education institution, consultant and/or construction management firm whose project meets these requirements. Past recipients have included Missouri’s Joplin Interim High School, Marysville Getchell High School Campus of Marysville, Wash., and Lynwood High School in Bothell, Wash.

Though the James D. MacConnell Award is a great honor for the recipient, it also has a positive impact on the greater school design community. MacConnell Award jury chair, Renee Alexander, AIA, of BBT Architects Inc. commented, “The opportunity of participating in the 2013 MacConnell Award Jury has pushed me professionally to continue to grow, learn, and be better at what I and CEFPI do for the students in this world.”

Established in 1921, CEFPI remains the only worldwide professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the spaces in which children learn. The organization embraces a diverse group of professionals, all with the goal of building healthy, safe, high performing and sustainable learning environments that enhance both student and teacher performance, while also supporting community culture and vitality. The MacConnell Award was created in 1991 to honor the late member Dr. James D. MacConnell for his significant contributions to educational facility planning.

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