Orlando, Fla. – Educators and administrators from across the country will have an opportunity to explore the latest technology, hardware, software and strategies for improving education when they convene today for FETC 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. 
Started in 1981, FETC is one of the oldest and largest conferences in the nation devoted entirely to education technology. It offers educators from kindergarten through college opportunities to learn how to integrate technology into their curriculum. Beginning today and running through Thursday, FETC will feature more than 150 concurrent sessions and 100-plus ticketed workshops focusing on hot-topic areas including digital content, future and emerging technologies, teaching and learning, administration and accountability.
This year’s conference features opening keynote session speaker Tierney Cahill, a Nevada teacher, author, Congressional candidate and subject of the upcoming film, “Class Act,” starring Halle Berry. Cahill will discuss her project-based approach to learning and sign copies of her 2008 memoir, “Ms. Cahill for Congress,” immediately following the keynote. Cahill will speak Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall (SA1).
FETC is going mobile this year with its first conference app, available at no cost on the Apple and Android market. The app will connect users to the conference program, schedules, maps and to other attendees through social media. VerAttend, FETC’s official program attendance verification system, can be accessed through the app so participants can track attendance of keynotes, concurrent sessions and ticketed workshops from their mobile device or tablet.
Also returning to FETC this year is the “Pre-Keynote Session Technology Shoot-Out” in which four industry leaders – Hall Davidson, Leslie Fisher, John Kuglin and Kathy Schrock – will present the newest tech tools during an interactive 75-minute session.
Signature “Eye-Opening Keynotes,” held each morning prior to the start of the session/workshop day, feature inspirational speakers and innovative topics designed to generate thought and discussion throughout the day.
This year’s Eye-Opening Keynote Speaker, Rajen Sheth of Google Chrome, will explore online tools for building dynamic, collaborative learning environments for students.
“After participating in FETC, our attendees return to their schools and districts with new tangible knowledge for advancing their students’ curriculum and education experience. Not only do attendees have the opportunity to learn about best practices from national experts, but they can also see and purchase the latest innovations in classroom technology from more than 500 exhibiting companies,” said Michael Eason, executive director of FETC. “We are proud to be part of such a positive process.”
The Exhibit Hall at FETC is a dedicated educators’ marketplace with more than 500 companies, including leading education and technology companies like Insight Systems Exchange, Pearson, AVAI, Discovery Education, Mimio and Lenovo. The hands-on, interactive environment in the FETC Exhibit Hall gives attendees access to the cutting-edge innovations shaping and transforming today’s educational landscape.
For more information on FETC 2012, including a detailed list of sessions, exhibitors and ticketed workshops and registration information, visit www.fetc.org.
FETC, a division of the 1105 Media Education Group, is owned by 1105 Media, Inc., a leading provider of integrated information and media in targeted business-to-business markets.
About 1105 Media, Inc.
1105 Media, Inc. provides integrated business-to-business information and media to qualified professionals in the public, academic and private sectors focusing on technology, products, policy, regulation and news delivered through an assortment of media including print and online magazines, journals and newsletters; seminars, conferences, executive summits and trade shows; training and courseware; and web-based services. The markets served by these offerings include Government, Education, Network & Enterprise Computing, Business Intelligence, Office Equipment, Industrial Health & Safety, Compliance, Security,Environmental Protection, Water & Wastewater and Home Medical Equipment.
1105 is based in Chatsworth, Calif., with primary offices throughout the U.S. and more than 350 employees. The company was formed in April 2006 by Nautic Partners LLC, Alta Communications and President & CEO Neal Vitale.