L.A. Learning Exchange - National Educational Computer Conference

On Tuesday, June 23, ten participants in NECC ’98 (the National Educational Computer Conference) met at a dinner hosted by the UCLA Science Project and the Target Science teacher network to exchange their views and discuss their experiences at the conference.
The purpose of the San Diego conference was to bring together members of the educational community to focus on technology, learning and the future of America's classrooms, and, of course, to provide vendors space to ply their wares.
Below are comments from this very engaging and spirited dinner . . .

“I got many insights and great ideas for professional development in technology. I was truly inspired.”

Esther Zack
Target Science Academic Director

“Great staff development tips. Presenters with the experience and expertise to show us to get the job done. The presenters were at times a little too commercial but for the most part a very enlightening experience.”

Fred Von Dohlen
Teacher, Hamilton High School

“I enjoyed the presentation on the ten top programs by the Clearinghouse dealing with the math. I found it very informative. I'm still learning about technology and I'm not sure how to apply everything.”

Theria M. Washington
Teacher, Bret Harte Middle School

“On the vendor floor it was great to see other platforms trying to compete in the education arena. In the workshops it was wonderful to see technology going out from its traditional base at science and math. We have much to celebrate as more and more use this incredible tool to help kids learn.”

Warren Dale
Technology Facilitator, King Middle School

“The demonstrations in the exhibit hall were excellent. The newest computer technology was excellent as well. The most interesting workshop for me was the science simulation. They had older students putting together software programs for third-graders. The programs and this peer collaboration was very exciting and interesting.”

Linda Hoffman
Teacher, Palms Middle School

“The NECC has been one of the more exciting conference I have attended this year. I went to several sessions where the audience shared ideas with presenter on how to plan, build, and develop useful educational software for the classroom. In several sessions, the presenter shared useful ideas from experienced classroom teachers on how to use technology more effectively in planning or building projects using technology.

I was able to make great contacts, to build working relationships with vendors, educators, and developers of software and hardware for technology. I am looking forward to continue my relationship with teachers from throughout the USA to share ideas and techniques to develop great projects using technology in the classroom.”

Nancy Soo
Teacher, Rosemont Ave. School

“I can't wait to try ‘Inspirations.’ Visible thinking (mind mapping) will enhance assessing what student know and how they make connections.“

Pat Dung
Target Science Director

“It was wonderful to see the conference so well attended and to see all of the good work from students across the country.”

Michele Parga
Technology Manager
Los Angeles Educational Partnership

“I sat in on a fabulous session -- ‘The Memphis Blues Project.’ The project balances tradition and technology and helps students realize their style of learning and helps teachers rethink their style of teaching. The new technology is mind boggling to music teacher.”

Dan Talbort
Music Teacher

“Michele and I presented the Learning Exchange and LALCNet at an Internet poster session. It was great meeting all the people from around the county, as well as folks from the Netherlands and Australia. I look forward to communicating online with the people I met in person.”

Jeff Hill
Managing Editor
LA Learning Exchange