In just about 4 days, I will head over to ISTE 2012.
This ISTE will be much different than the last time it was here — 2006. Way back then, I knew just a few people in the Ed-Tech World (Janet Barnstable, Sharon Peters, David Warlick) and there was no such thing as a Blogger’s Cafe. It was very easy to remain anonymous, stay towards the back, and leave with information but not a lot of contacts. Some of that my fault — and some not. 
Remember, twitter and skype were 1 year away from hitting most of our radars.
Jump forward to 2012 — a TOTALLY different ISTE is approaching.
I play to LAUGH — MUCH and with MANY. I do so enjoy my network of friends and I do so much enjoy catching up on what is going on in their lives and I enjoy laughing with them.
I plan to LISTEN — I plan to take the opportunity to listen to as many conversations as I possibly can. Whether it be in ANY of the “social lounges” or in a traditional session setting or any number of events — I plan to listen.
I play to LEARN — There is so much I don’t know and there is so much I want to know. I have overloaded my schedule with sessions so I can place myself in areas where I can be a sponge and just learn learn learn….. The 3 areas I am going to spend the most time in learning will be: iPad information, Digital Citizenship and 1:1 deployment.
I plan to LEVERAGE — At times, I will also speak up and share my understanding of things I am concerned or passionate about. And I will introduce everyone I meet to someone I have met — so, if you meet me — expect to meet 4 or 5 others as well.
I plan to LEAVE — More equipped to be a better employee at my work and helping staff become even more comfortable and ready to embrace so many opportunities. I shall be exhausted but I shall also be re-charged.
I am so looking forward to seeing so many friends in the next week…..
I am looking forward to learning so much in the next week……
It is going to be great.
Jen
I wish I was going to hear your laugh, but will still plan to listen and learn virtually!
Lor —
We will open skype as much as we possibly can — so you can be a part of ISTE12.
Jen
Going to miss your smile too–and will not get to see the “new” you either. Sigh. Heading out Friday for ALA in Anaheim, but just could not afford ISTE despite the proximity. I’ll be lurking in Twitter for sure!
Anaheim, as in CA?? How long will you be here. San Diego is only 1 1/2 hour away-ish.
maybe meet in the middle somewhere?
Can’t wait to see you at ISTE12! I went to the one in San Diego in 2006 too, and I didn’t know you! Atlanta in 2007 was so fun! So glad we’ll both be at ISTE this year. It’s been a long time! See you there!