A Brief History of the Ohio Educational Technology Conference:
In 1997, the Office of Information Learning and Technology Services (OILTS) held a legislative showcase to highlight and demonstrate what PK-12 educators in Ohio were doing to integrate educational technology resources and tools into the classrooms of Ohio educators and administrators.
In 1998, the conference expanded its footprint, moving to Columbus and being officially named the “Ohio Educational Technology Conference.” While continuing to provide insight into the uses and best practices of educational technology in classrooms, OETC grew to include professional development for educators. More than 200 concurrent sessions cover topics ranging from practical applications, research, and cutting-edge uses to on-site demonstrations, posters, and exhibitor displays. Additionally, the conference cultivated partnerships with the Ohio Department of Education, educational technology agencies, education service centers, and special interest groups providing services and support to attending education professionals.
In 2013, OETC joined the Ohio Department of Higher Education to work toward the common goal of bridging the gap between PK-12 education, higher education, and the workforce. Providing educational opportunities to promote and support the integration of technology resources for students throughout their education and into their career, OETC is dedicated to enhancing the educator and student learning experience by providing professional development that fosters skilled, consistent, innovative, fun, and effective integration of technology throughout education to accelerate the learning of all Ohio citizens.
Growing out of the Ohio Legislative Showcase in 1997, OETC has a long history as Ohio's premier ed-tech conference. Operating under Schoolnet, eTech Ohio, and now the Ohio Department of Higher Education, OETC has a goal to offer the best professional development for Ohio educators and to assist them in preparing the workforce of the future.
After 22 years of successful live events, the Ohio Educational Technology Conference transitioned to a virtual event in 2021 as a result of the COVID pandemic. With more than 200 live and synchronized sessions, and over 100 exhibitors, #OETC21 offered the opportunity for educators and technology enthusiasts to come together and “Reimagine Education.” With an attendee base representing 45 states and 13 countries, #OETC21 reached its most expansive audience yet. #OETC22 was a virtual event as well.
Going into its 25th year, the Ohio Educational Technology conference remains one of the premier educational technology conferences in the country. #OETC23 will be in person this year and promises to be new and innovative, taking the next step to provide an enhanced learning experience for all attendees.>
