The Pitch
Each year, the GeoGebra Institute of Ohio hosts a free two-day conference for mathematics students, classroom teachers, parents, and university researchers. The conference supports the use of free software (namely, GeoGebra) in the teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels, K-16. The Spring 2012 meeting attracted over 350 students, teachers, and researchers from throughout the United States and beyond. The mission of the conference is to provide high-quality, free professional development to those interested in using GeoGebra to teach and learn mathematics. Because we are a non-profit organization, and because we ask for no dues from our participants, we find it difficult to cover expenses related to the conference (e.g., transportation costs for high-quality keynote speakers, printing costs for promotional flyers and hands-on materials for participants). See www.ggbmidwest.com/conference for more details.
Impact
We aim to attract 1000+ participants to the 2013 meeting. We've secured three keynote speakers of national and international prominence. This has already increased the visibility of the event. The majority of our conference-goers are teachers who plan to use (or currently use) GeoGebra mathematics software with their students. By supporting teachers' use of GeoGebra software, we encourage young learners to see mathematics as a vibrant, creative field of study. Furthermore, because we encourage high school and college students to give talks at the conference (in 2012, approximately 15% of presentations were given by K12 or college students), we aim to provide young learners with opportunities to become a vocal and visible part of the mathematics education community. This upcoming year, we are encouraging all speakers to bring student co-presenters to the conference.
What We Need & What You Get
We are looking to raise $2000 by the time of our next conference (August 3-4, 2013). This amount will completely fund the conference. We will be able to provide handouts for participants, create promotional materials, video record all sessions, and fund the travel for prominent keynote speakers. By contributing to our cause, you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you have meaningfully contributed to the mathematical development of teachers and their students.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please let others know about the 2013 GeoGebra North America Conference. Tweet about it! Post about it on your Facebook wall! Email your friends. In particular, tell K-16 students and their teachers about the software (freely available for download at www.geogebra.org/download). Encourage them to tell their teachers about the conference and GeoGebra software. Tell your friends to visit our website and register to attend: www.ggbmidwest.com/conference. Registration is FREE and easy.