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Corpus Christi ISD Educators Help Each Other at Technology Conference

The conference is part of the district's efforts to follow the state's technology plan.

(TNS) — Cary Perales used an overhead projector when she taught fifth grade science, she said.

Perales, who is now the Corpus Christi ISD's instructional technology coordinator, said engaging instruction now a days centers more around interactive whiteboard, tablets and Google applications and teachers are expected to keep up.

"Times change very quickly," she said.

Hundreds of Corpus Christi Independent School District educators — including those who have transitioned from older teaching methods and young educators learning best practices with technologies they are familiar with — gathered at Veterans Memorial High School on Wednesday to sharpen digital skills and learn new ones to incorporate into their teaching. More than 600 CCISD teachers volunteered time from their summer break to attend the second annual Tech2Teach Conference, during which teachers spend two days learning strategies and resources through session led by fellow educators.

Perales said the most popular sessions were on the use of smart devices, Google in the classroom and session on the flipped classroom model.

"(Students) do all the reading and lecture before class and work with the teachers (in class) on projects and discussion," Perales said.

Albert Martinez, CCISD's director for technology support services, said the district-led, free conference was built off the state's Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. The plan focuses on preparing students to learn, work and live in the 21st century. Martinez's department was tasked with leading the conference.

He said he looks forward to incorporating a student-led component for next year's conference.

©2016 the Corpus Christi Caller-Times (Corpus Christi, Texas), distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.