CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A professional development conference is giving educators the chance to learn from the comforts of their offices or homes.

The inaugural West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference began Wednesday and continues Thursday. It is a collaborative effort between the state Department of Education and WVNET. Participants can choose from among more than 50 sessions in the areas of virtual learning, instructional technology and information technology.

State Schools Superintendent Jorea Marple says she hopes teachers take advantage of the conference. It is geared primarily to educators from kindergarten through 12th grade but is open to anyone with a desktop computer and broadband Internet connection. Mobile devices are not recommended.

The conference can be accessed at http://conference.wvnet.edu .