I have almost slowed down from my whirlwind of “BUSY”-ness from April 24 to May 1.
On April 24, I was in Chicago for the TechForum where I led a round table.
On April 30, I was in Washington for the TechForum where I parricipated in panel and a round table.
On May 1, I was in Pomona, CA for the SGVCue event where I shared in 2 conversations and won 4 doorprizes.
To be honest — I did NOT go to Tech Forum in Chicago to learn anything new. I went to see friends, visit the Arboretum, see some sights, and laugh out loud!!! Which I did. And on top of that, I did learn something new……
First of all, I enjoyed hearing Clarence Fisher speak as the keynote and I very much enjoy hearing Teachers in the classroom, talking to teachers in the classroom about what they can do in the classroom. He was genuine, he was positive, he was hopeful, he was honest, and it was one of the better keynotes I have heard in quite a while. He reminded all of us about making a difference in our classroom FIRST!!! Then open the walls….. YEP!!!
Secondly, I enjoyed the panel discussion in the morning very much and I enjoyed the second session in the afternoon…..but the comment that was made that will stick with me for a long time and the statement that WILL make making a difference is that of “Are we talking with our students!?!?!” Not talking in meetings about our students, their future, their classrooms, our rules for them — but inviting them into the conversation. WOW — not sure my school is ready for that….but I am going to throw that thought up in our next meeting. Good thoughts to think!!
A week later I flew up to Washington to attend the Tech Forum in Seattle. I knew absolutely NO ONE….so would be making a lot of new friends and learning new names. I met so many wonderful people — but the one who is on my radar right now is Conn McQuinn — handouts here soon –
Everything he had to say was relevant and interesting. He shared a story how he used to never jog and decided to run a 5K before he turned 50 (I believe). Didn’t reallly do anything about it until someone asked him what 5K he was running in. That motivation got him going….and practicing, and making it a part of his lifestyle. Somewhere along the ride (I don’t know pre or post 5K) he got hurt and suddenly was not able to run for 6 weeks….and he missed running. It became an excellent anaology about tech opportunities in the classroom — and adapting and adopting or was it reflecting and reforming. LOL — you have to see his handouts. PLUS, he does his own drawings for his slides — very nice guy, very creative. His blog is work your RSSing!!
The next day, Saturday, I spoke in Pomona, CA at the San Gabriel CUE event. Enjoyed my time very much and got to see friends who I see only on Twitter. I also was able to bring Cherie (K6 computer teacher along) and she really really enjoyed the day. I attended a session on Comic Life (new program to me and I won the software), attended a session on Animationish (new program to me and I won the software, gave to Dennis), won a headset, $15 itues card, something else (gave to Chris) and also won an epson printer (its coming in the mail.)
A nice confernce, very nicely done. Good to see local friends, laugh, chat, dream, and share!!! And always nice to come home with some new ideas.
Now I am exhausted….and seem to have gotten some sort of Bronchitis from my trip….no worries, it is not the flu!
Next trip — mid June to fly to Texas!!! New friends, new sessions, new ideas.
Smiles — I am tired.
Jen
