Free instructional technology development offered to area educators

August 23, 2017

Georgia Southern University’s College of Education will host its first EduMakers Unconference for area teachers, media specialists and other educational professionals to share expertise in creating and teaching in makerspaces and STEM/STEAM labs on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event, hosted by instructional technology faculty Mete Akcaoglu, Ph.D., and Charles Hodges, Ph.D., will be organized in an “unconference” structure, allowing participants to determine, drive and even lead the learning sessions of the day. Possible topics include coding/programming, game design, 3-D printing and laser cutting, robotics and makerspace design and organization.

“This free event will bring together teachers from our region to share their experiences and resources in helping each other to create and maintain makerspaces in their schools and form a professional learning network to support each other’s ongoing learning needs,” said Hodges.

Akcaoglu and Hodges organized this event to address the growing push for STEM and computing skills alongside creative spaces in schools to allow students to learn by hands-on activities.

“As educational researchers of instructional technology, we are excited to see teachers incorporating such learning activities in their classrooms and schools,” said Akcaoglu. “This type of engagement and learning is long-lasting and possibly life-changing.”

To reserve a free ticket for the EduMakers Unconference, visit http://bit.ly/EduMakers2017.

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for the first 100 participants to RSVP, and door prizes will be awarded throughout the day’s events.

For more information about EduMakers Unconference, visit https://spark.adobe.com/page/LMg8ozNJQlPCU/ or email innovationstudio@georgiasouthern.edu.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 118 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.