Nationally recognized LEGO learning and educational technology experts headline West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference
Annual event returns to Morgantown in July
MORGANTOWN, W.VA. – A leader at incorporating LEGO blocks into “STEAM” education and a nationally recognized higher education technology expert are slated as keynote speakers for the West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference set for July 19-21, 2023, in Morgantown.
Dr. Leanna Prater, Senior Professional Learning Manager at LEGO Education, and Derek Bruff, Ph.D., educator, author, and higher ed consultant, will be keynote speakers at the July 19-21, 2023, conference in Morgantown, W.Va.
Dr. Prater brings a wealth of experience to the field of education, having worked as an elementary school teacher, district technology specialist, and adjunct professor at Georgetown College in Kentucky. She currently provides leadership and strategic solutions for professional learning at LEGO Education, where she supports educators by helping them incorporate hands-on learning to their classrooms. She also advocates for STEM and computer science for all and supports classroom teachers and students in areas including robotics and creative computing.
Dr. Bruff is an experienced educator and higher education consultant who has directed the Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching for more than a decade. He has also authored two books, Intentional Tech: Principles to Guide the Use of Educational Technology in College Teaching (West Virginia University Press, 2019) and Teaching with Classroom Response Systems: Creating Active Learning Environments (Jossey-Bass, 2009). He consults with faculty and administrators across higher education about teaching, learning and faculty development.
Harmony Garletts, conference co-chair, said these speakers will provide insight that is ideal for the annual conference audience of educators and technology providers for West Virginia’s public and private schools, colleges and universities.
“Their extensive experience and expertise in education, combined with their passion for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning, make them ideal speakers for our conference,” Garletts said. “We look forward to hearing their insights and ideas for how we can continue to innovate in the classroom.”
The annual West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference brings together educators, technology leaders and industry experts to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices for integrating technology into the classroom. This year’s conference will feature a range of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities for attendees.
The conference is coordinated by the West Virginia Network (WVNET), a leader in educational networking and technology for the state of West Virginia since 1975. WVNET provides telecommunications and computing services across the state, focusing on state colleges, universities, state and local government, K-12 and public libraries.
For more information about the conference and to register, visit https://wvstc.com