A Short History of NETA…

A short history of NETA from the resident geriatric member of the board!…

NETA has a long and proud history dating back to the 1980s!!!

A few highlights from my years in NETA include shuttling David Pogue around Omaha and ‘Starring” in his keynote movie. This was from the days when iMovie and digital movie creation were brand new and exciting technology! Back then we were meeting at the Holiday Inn on 72nd which has since been torn down.

The Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1986. Our goal is promoting the integration of technology into education for the state of Nebraska. The association was established by a group of educators who saw the potential for technology in the classroom. They wanted to enhance the learning experience for students and improve the effectiveness of teachers. NETA has grown steadily throughout its history with the exception of the Covid years!

After we left the Holiday Inn we spent a few good years in Lavista at the Embassy Suites till we outgrew it too!

Since its inception, NETA has grown to become the leading organization for educational technology in the state. The organization has a membership base of thousands of educators, tech specialists, and administrators. NETA’s mission is to provide opportunities for members to network, learn, and share best practices and resources related to technology in education.

One of the key activities of NETA is its annual conference, which provides a platform for educators to share their experiences and knowledge with one another. The conference features keynote speakers, workshops, and exhibit halls, and the Vendor booths showcasing the latest technology and educational resources.

NETA used to sponsor group technology buys from Apple Computer and others.

Here is a flashback from 1991 when you could buy an Apple IIGS for $1466 or a Mac LC for $1972

NETA often fell on Bring your Daughter to Work Day, so my daughter Hanna came to NETA many times with me over the years!

The bottom line of NETA for me is, it has been and continues to be the very best Professional Development for Nebraska Educators to keep up with emerging trends and technologies, and to network and share with amazing educators from across the state and around the area as well at hear from top keynotes from across the country and around the world!

Let’s all work together to make NETA stronger and larger, to help educators and students across our state to be the very best that they can be!

Jeff Ingraham