The atmosphere of Palm Springs was electric Mar. 17-19, as approximately 7,000 eager educators converged on the desert community to attend CUE 2016. Now in its 35th year of existence, CUE (Computer Using Educators) is California’s oldest and largest education technology conference. Over the last several years, it has grown in regard and prominence nationally, and is now considered one of the nation’s foremost instructional technology-focused conferences.
Paralleling the record-breaking conference attendance, was the unprecedented number of ART of TEACHING fellows, mentors, alumni, and administrators who participated in CUE 2016. This year, 105 ART of TEACHING-affiliated educators proudly displayed Cotsen ribbons on their conference passes, and navigated their way through a veritable smorgasbord of inspiring workshops, keynote addresses, and vendor displays.
After a warm welcome from California State Superintendent of Schools, Tom Torlakson, conference goers were treated to several inspiring keynote speakers. One such speaker was Hadi Partovi. Partovi co-founded the educational non-profit Code.org, and launched the international initiative Hour of Code, and online resource, Code Studio. The keynoter’s compelling words made a convincing case for teaching all students to code in school. Referencing President Obama’s recent support of computer science in school, Partovi reiterated that computer sciences are no longer an optional set of skills for students to learn, they are now as basic as “the three r’s.” Citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Partovi shared that it is predicted that by 2024, there will be one million computing job openings in the United States. As a result, if schools are to truly prepare students for their futures, educators must ensure that all students become proficient in computer science skills.
A significant highlight of the gathering was the high visibility of the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING and its affiliated Principals’ Technology Network (PTN). This year, fifteen Cotsen and PTN educators were invited to present during this prestigious gathering. They included:
Trisha Callella (Los Alamitos)
Meghan Carder (Tustin)
Michelle Ciecek (Tustin)
Nancy Delgadillo (Rowland)
Lupe Escobar (Fullerton)
Jerry Gargus (Los Alamitos)
Erin Kominsky (Los Alamitos)
Sunghi Okino (Los Alamitos)
Brandi Miller (Rowland)
Sue Moffat (Tustin)
Helene Morris (Fullerton)
Kyle Myers (Fullerton)
Brandee Ramirez (Tustin)
Paul Ramirez (Fullerton)
Tracy Ramont (Fullerton)
We congratulate each of these outstanding professionals for personifying the power of excellent teaching.
In recognition of their contributions to deepening the work of technology infusion in instruction in schools, CUE honored sixteen outstanding Ed Tech professionals during this year’s conference. Among the honorees was ART of TEACHING consultant from 21st Century Learning, Dr. Sharon Sutton, who received one of the organization’s highest honors, the Gold Disk Award.
In feting Dr. Sutton, CUE noted: “Sharon Sutton has inspired thousands of educators including students, teachers and administrators and her exemplary work has made a positive impact on students in many schools, districts and programs…”
We are proud of Dr. Sutton, and pleased to have her working with the ART of TEACHING team. You can learn more about attendees’ experiences at #CotsenCue16.