ORLANDO, Fla.  – The use of social media has become fully integrated into our culture – from individuals connecting with family and friends, or businesses connecting with their customers, to elected officials connecting with their constituents.  And now it is evolving with the younger generations in the classroom and taking center stage at one of the nation’s largest education technology conferences, FETC 2013, which kicks off Monday (Jan. 28) in Orlando.

 Thousands of educators and exhibitors attending the conference will have the opportunity to get connected and participate in FETC’s multiple social networks and advance their own skills by attending social media sessions and workshops.  

FETC has been actively engaged in social media since 2009, creating an online environment where technology enthusiasts, educators, presenters and exhibitors can share information and build relationships by posting conference updates, announcing contests, sharing teaching ideas and best practices, uploading videos and encouraging conference meet-ups with people in their personal learning networks.

FETC has implemented a variety of ways for participants to easily get involved in social media at this year’s conference, including:

  • Edmodo: This social media network is devoted to classroom education, allowing teachers to communicate with their students about assignments and with their fellow educators about teaching techniques and best practices. Conference attendees can join the FETC Edmodo group to find presentations, participate in back-channel discussions, learn more about exhibitors and meet up with other attendees on this free and safe social network.  (www.edmodo.com/FETC)
  • Twitter: This popular social media network has been the centerpiece of digital networking for FETC attendees, exhibitors and others interested in the latest developments in education technology. “Followers” of “@FETC” share an interest in education technology and can engage in the conference back-channels of discussion by using the #FETC hashtag (or search tool).

 

  • Facebook: Attendees are encouraged to “like” FETC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FETC1) to find out about conference activities, sessions, speakers and exhibitors, as well as to see how others are learning, teaching and sharing new ways to improve education with technology.
  • Foursquare: This “geo-location” social network will allow conference attendees to “check in” at “FETC at OCCC” and “FETC Exhibit Hall” – as well as at participating exhibitors’ booths – to win prizes, earn points and find friends at the conference.

 

  • LinkedIn: Conference attendees are invited to join FETC’s discussion with other education leaders and technology experts.

 

  • YouTube: FETC has incorporated video into its social media this year. The National FETC YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/NationalFETC) offers attendees a sneak-peak of the 2013 featured speakers and videos from previous years at FETC.
  • Google+: Conference attendees can join FETC’s interactive circle on Google+ to meet and
     “hangout” with other conference attendees.

During the 2013 conference, FETC will be hosting its annual “Tweet Up” of Twitter users attending the conference during its opening reception on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at booth #1065 in the Exhibit Hall. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet with their colleagues face to face during this event.

For the second year in a row, FETC 2013 will offer a mobile app available in both the Apple and Android app stores. Conference attendees can download the app for direct access to VerAttend, FETC and Learning Environments conference schedules, sessions, maps and FETC social media platforms directly from their phone or tablet.

In addition, FETC 2013 will feature sessions and speakers to hone the social networking skills of attending educators, including:

  • Creating Student and Teacher Friendly Social Media Guidelines, presented by featured speaker
    Steven Anderson on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1 – 1:40 p.m., in room S310GH.
  • The Power of Personal Learning Networks, presented by featured speaker Eric Scheninger on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1 – 1:40 p.m., in room S310BC.
  • Super Secret Twitter Tips, Tricks and Resources, presented by featured speaker Steven Anderson
    on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2 – 2:40 p.m., in room S310BC.
  • Google+ Hangouts: A Great Instructional and PD Tool, presented by Randy Damewood on Thursday, Jan. 31, 1 – 1:40 p.m., in room S320E.
  • Teaching Students Professional Social Networking Etiquette for the Real World, presented by Tammy Fry on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 12 – 12:40 p.m., in room S320H.
  • Motivate, Innovate, Collaborate Using Edmodo & ePals, presented by Norma Jennings with Linda Cobb on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2 – 2:40 p.m., in room S320F.
  • Using Pinterest to Build a Personal Learning Network, presented by Kathy Parker-Jones and Lauren Davis on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1 – 1:40 p.m., in room S230B.

FETC 2013 is co-located with the all-new 2013 Learning Environments conference and expo event. Formerly the School and College Building Expo, Learning Environments has been re-energized to fully integrate the latest in education and construction trends including ideas in sustainability, adaptive reuse, programming
and design. Learning Environments attendees will also have the opportunity to “get connected” through social media channels including:

  • Facebook: Like Learning Environments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LexEvents).
  • LinkedIn: Participate in the Learning Environments discussion with other industry professionals. 
  • Foursquare: Check in on Foursquare at “Learning Environments at OCCC” and “Learning
    Environments Pavilion.”
  • Twitter: Follow the Learning Environments Twitter conversation @LEXevent
    using the #LEX13 hashtag.

For more information on FETC 2013, including a detailed list of sessions, exhibitors, 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

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 Media 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 and CEO Neal Vitale.

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 Note:  Media representatives interested in attending and covering FETC 2013 can register online at www.fetcpress.org or on-site in room S220D of the Orange County Convention Center.  FETC 2013 will feature an on-site Press Room where registered media representatives can schedule interviews, work stories or just relax.  The Press Room will be open Tuesday, Jan. 29 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.); Wednesday, Jan. 30 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.); and Thursday, Jan. 31 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Media representatives are required to register and will not be admitted into any FETC venues without a badge issued by FETC press staff. There is no cost for media registration.