Seventy Indianapolis-area teachers spent four days on campus learning how better to incorporate computer technology into their classroom curriculum.

The Computer and Information Technology Department at IUPUI offered the 5th annual Tech Camp for teachers July 18-21.

Teachers representing more than 60 schools chose to learn how to infuse desktop publishing, Web design, Access data management, or Web graphics into their classroom activities. The camp is designed to offer secondary school teachers the latest and greatest in technology curriculum ideas.

“We offer both the hands-on training and the exposure to the books, objectives and state standards for the various types of computer education,” said Joy Starks, Tech Camp director. “Teachers can hone their skills or get just-in-time training for new subjects they have to teach in the fall.”

Faculty from CIT, part of the School of Engineering and Technology, serve as professors for Tech Camp, which is co-sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education and the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.

Metropolitan School District of Shakamak teacher Dena Irwin has attended a number of the summer tech camps. She has taught computer application and business courses at the high school level.

Enrolled in the “Graphics Galore” track at Tech Camp this summer, Irwin studied assignments using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

“I don't know these software programs as well as I would like to,” Irwin said. “I need to be up-to-date for my students to be up-to-date.

“Tech Camp is a shorter, condensed version of a college course. It's four days of intense coursework studies, but it doesn't stress you out.”

Irwin chose to live in the campus Apartments on the River Walk during the week-long event. The camaraderie of networking and socializing with others after hours is just as important and beneficial as the intense training, said Irwin, who is in her 11th year of teaching.

“It's a hoot,” Irwin said. “We work hard all day on our studies, and then (in the evenings), we learn about each other, what we teach, where we teach.”