Ulster BOCES

Ulster BOCES Instructional Services hosted Tech Fest 2017 on Tuesday, October 24. The event showcased the benefits of technology in the classroom and drew educators, administrators, and Board of Education members from Ulster and Orange Counties, as well as some students, who were eager to test out the newest technological gadgets and learn how they can be used to enhance learning.

"This was an opportunity for the educational community to see and play with some of the latest and greatest technology, which will help prepare students for the ever-increasing digital age," said Ulster BOCES Model School Instructional Specialist Cynthia Farrell, the event's coordinator.

Ulster BOCES Ed Tech and Model Schools provide technology support inclusive of technology integration to area school districts, and keep districts informed and on the cutting edge.

A few of the venders included Renaissance, an educational software company; Infobase, a business that creates classroom videos; iDesign Solutions, a robotics equipment company; iTutor, an online tutoring company; and Merkel Donohue, a manufacturer of ergonomically correct classroom furniture.

Highland High School Principal Peter Harris wanted to check out the Merkel Donohue booth to see the latest in classroom furniture. Harris said, "The educational system is always evolving and so is the classroom environment. I wanted to test out some of the new furniture and see how it supports the whole experience of education for the mind and body."

New Paltz Central School District Special Education teacher Barbara Weiner said she attended the event because she wanted to see what was new in regards to bringing technology to special education students.

Ulster BOCES staff showcased Robotics and Coding in their digital playground as well as Assistive Technology. Approximately 100 educators from the community participated in the event.

Besides visiting vendor booths, guests also had the opportunity to win door prizes, donated by the vendors, such as Chromebooks, software goodies, and gift cards.