JiJi and colleagues from MIND Research Institute traveled to Miami on January 14-17 for FETC 2020, the Future of Education Technology Conference. It was lots of fun to catch up with educators from across the country and share information about the new version of ST Math, coming for the 2020-2021 school year.
JiJi really enjoyed getting to see all of the historic art deco architecture in Miami Beach. Geometry is all around us!
It was also exciting to see attendees throughout the conference sporting their tote bags with our new ST Math logo.
I heard lots of comments about JiJi’s makeover! Of course, that’s just one element of the redesign of ST Math, which has a brand new look and feel as well as exciting and innovative features for students, teachers, and administrators.
At MIND, one of our core values is learning, and so I am always delighted to have an opportunity to enjoy speakers at big conferences like FETC.
The opening keynote from author Daniel Pink was especially intriguing on the subjects of cognitive fatigue, achievement, and mood. He shared research published in the Review of Economics and Statistics that “having math in the first two periods of the school day increases the math GPA of students.”
“We have to be much more deliberate and intentional in the ‘when’ of school,” said Pink. “Scheduling isn’t just about convenience and logistics. It’s also about learning.”
District Administration has posted some detailed coverage of the keynote address, including Pink’s discussion of the cognitive impact of school start times.
Attendees were also energized by a presentation from Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Superintendent Carvalho’s passion and energy came through loud and clear when he said we must “be technologists of hope, and recognize the challenges and opportunities that technology allows us.” But he also urged educators to never forget the human element that is so vital: “Technology alone is not the answer to closing opportunity gaps. Technology with human intuition and inspiration is.”
Finally, JiJi and I had a chance to take a spin around the enormous exhibit floor and meet ST Math fans from across the country!
FETC was a great way to kick off the year and we can't wait to see what 2020's other education conferences will bring. Make sure to keep an eye on our Twitter account for announcements on where we'll be all year. JiJi may be coming to a city near you!
You can meet us in February:
Stop by our booth to meet JiJi and see the new ST Math in action!
Liz Neiman is Vice President of Engagement at MIND, leading the marketing team's plans and activities to promote MIND's initiatives and impact. Besides education and gaming, her interests include music of all kinds (from musical theater to heavy metal), cooking and baking, and fashion. Follow her on Twitter @lizneiman.
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