The first annual TrueTech Conference was sponsored by Caritas Telecommunications and offered by the Diocesan Department of Communications and Office of Catholic Schools. This day of learning and fellowship among Catholic school teachers and principals was aimed at creating enthusiasm about the use of technology in the classroom.
The Catholic schools of the Diocese have acquired new technologies in recent years to enhance learning and an emphasis has been placed on helping teachers become comfortable with it.
“It’s important to be exposed to new ideas,” said Dr. Enrique Murillo, a Professor of Education at California State University, San Bernardino and Vice Chair of the Caritas Telecommunications Board of Directors. “You can’t inspire others unless you, yourself, are inspired.”
The day began with a keynote address from educational technology expert Leslie Fisher, who led attendees through a humorous memorial of technologies past and later presented a glimpse of future classroom technologies. Quoting the late Apple founder Steve Jobs, Fisher highlighted the importance of the user, in this case, teachers, to the success of technology.
“I really feel this way about teachers. Give them the tools and they will do wonderful things with them,” she said in concluding her talk.
Teachers were then free to attend a variety of breakout sessions on everything from blended learning through technology, effective use of social media, the use of GIS mapping software to learn about the world and many other topics related to educational technology. Presenters included representatives of Gradelink, Schoology, Learning.com, Microsoft, Common Sense Media and Airwatch.
Attendees said they enjoyed the variety of topics offered and left with a greater understanding of the importance of technology.
“These are 21st Century kids,” said Cynthia Vargas, first grade teacher at St. Margaret Mary School in Chino. “We need to speak the language they speak so that we can teach them what they need to know.”