It's that time of year everyone. It's time for the CUE 2016 National Conference. Whether you're new to the edtech world, or this isn't your first rodeo I've got a few tips to hopefully make your conference experience more enjoyable.
Make sure you bring a reliable computer with a charger. You can bring a tablet but most sessions work best if you have a computer.
Make sure you're comfortable with the device. You don't want to try and learn how to use a Chromebook and a learn about Project Based Learning at the same time.
Don't be afraid to ask “Is this session Chromebook (Mac, PC) friendly?” before the presenter starts. You don't want to get stuck in a session you can't use.
Speaking of sessions, don't be afraid to get up and leave during a session. Presenters and other attendees won't be offended. Everyone understands you're there to get what you need and no one wants to keep you from that.
There are multiple venues this year, so keep the location of sessions in mind when you're creating your schedule.
Don't forget connect with people at the conference, have your Twitter handle or other social media accounts ready to share.
Be aware, you may need to sit on the floor for a session. So if you like kilts, skirts and dresses make sure you plan ahead. Also, no one will judge you for wearing tennis shoes. You will walk a lot, wear the most comfortable shoes you own!
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't forget to take a break for food, water, and a little relaxation.
Speaking of food and water, bring some with you! The lines can get a little crazy sometimes.
Traveling with friends? Divide and conquer sessions and share notes via Google Docs. It's like being everywhere at once.
Speaking of that, take good notes and always include the speaker's contact information. CUE presenters love to keep in touch.
Take lots of photos. It's easier to snap photos of presenter slides then to copy it all down.
Make sure you take the time to reflect on your learning. A great way to do this is via a collaborative Google Slide deck, and if you need some inspiration take a look at a deck +Cynthia Nixon and I made together.
Take a stroll through the exhibit hall, but don't fall in love with every product. You never know what your IT director will and won't buy.
When it comes to parking, it can be a bit crazy. There are some free spaces and some paid parking lots. I used Uber for the first time at the conference and it was a breeze. If you're interested you can use the promo code, aobqt to get $15 off your first Uber ride. Click here to learn more.
Don't forget your badge while at the conference, but it's ok to stow it when you're enjoying the city of Palm Springs.
I know it's cliche, but seriously have fun. CUE is a great place to learn, connect and grow, so enjoy the ride. Also, if you feel like you're drinking from a firehose, that's ok. Remember, everyone is at the event to ultimately help students and are willing to help you too.
Bonus Tip! Go to your local CUE affiliate meeting! Don't know which affiliate you're in, check the map. The best way to keep the learning going after the conference is to connect with your local affiliate!
This year, my affiliate IACUE is hosting the Call to Adventure, because we want to help you on your educational technology hero's journey. Plus we'll have food and fabulous prizes!
In January of 2014, I went to my first EdTechTeam Summit featuring Google Apps for Education. Molly Schroder presented a keynote about Living in Beta, and she showed a video about Google’s project X.
I was hooked. I wanted to run back to my district and spread the word of iteration and moonshot thinking, and in some ways I did. Yet, like any post-conference experience, there were the moments of extreme exhilaration and loneliness. Lucky for me, I had found my tribe of like-minded people and they were and are only ever 140 characters away.
Since 2014 I’ve integrated technology into classrooms, and coached other teachers to do the same, but I wanted more. I wanted to reach beyond the boundaries of my school district and social media friends to learn from and help others. To accomplish this, I started going to more summits but this time, I was presenting not just participating.
Then a window of opportunity opened, the application for the Google Certified Innovator Program opened. But like all good things, nothing happens overnight. For weeks I contemplated, read and reread the application, yet each time I didn’t start typing. I felt like I was not good enough, or smart enough, or googly enough. Lucky for me, I have an amazing husband and PLN that convinced me to apply. I furiously designed a t-shirt, learning space, created a video, and wrote about my potential innovation project to help more teachers access coaches to help them with anything education related. When I hit submit I believed in my work and vision, but did not think I would be chosen. Then weeks later, while sitting in a meeting, the congratulations email arrived. I lost every sense of decorum and yelped. Despite my imposter syndrome I made it, just like my tribe thought I would.
While I waited for the academy to begin I began to connect with my fellow future innovators via Google Hangouts, Voxer, Google+ and Twitter. I was so happy to see that not only did I get in, but so did my coworker along with eight of my friends. Our first team building exercise happened before we even arrived thanks to the hard work of the BreakoutEDU team. We solved their puzzles and then we started to create our own game with a partner from the cohort.
Then the travel day finally arrived. My fellow Innovators and I arrived in Mountain View California for the academy. Some of us arrived early and explored San Francisco but we all met up at the hotel to get ready for the journey ahead. We all rode together on a bus from the hotel and it was immediately a party. There were hugs, cheers, and a great atmosphere. When we arrived at the Google campus we were all smiles. For some, it was the first time meeting in real life and for others it was the first time they had seen someone in months, it was a family reunion of sorts.
During the first night, we got to know each other by playing our created BreakoutEDU games. After we broke out of our creations, we played a Google-themed game that will be made available to the community soon. Then we found our team for the rest of the academy and had some awesome Google food. In our team, we were tasked with creating a team name, cheer and to pick a team song. We were also introduced to the tenets of the Innovator Program, Transform, Advocate, and Grow. Everything we did in some way, shape, or form connected to one or more of these tenets.
Day 2 was our first full day at the Google Partner Plex and our introduction to Sparks and Sprints. Sparks are motivational, inspirational talks, or prompts for personal inquiry from Google Innovators and Googlers. Sprints were accelerated work times to begin working on our Innovator Project. What I found really helpful during the academy was we were allowed to abandon the idea from our original application. While I liked my idea, I was extremely worried about district red tape. In addition, we were told we could team up with other people to expand or combine an idea. There were plenty of opportunities for reflection, communication and of course fun. In addition, we were able to participate in a HyperCamp. If a demo slam and an EdCamp had a baby this would be it. Innovators were able to present something they are excited about and then they had a station in the room where others could come visit and learn.
I think one of my favorite Sparks on day one was from Mark Wagner because he took the idea of Moonshot thinking and made explicit connections to education. An idea that once seemed like a far-off vision because something tangible I could take home and use to effect change. When a meaningful problem, an innovative solution, and the appropriate technology come together a Moonshot for education is born. Over the two-day academy we all explored our Innovation idea and with our Coach, we looked at ways we could take our idea to the Moonshot level.
Day 3 involved more Sparks and Sprints but what I found most useful was the extended time to work and expand on our innovator projects. There were prompts we could use to guide our process as we worked. The end of the day included a gallery walk so we would provide constructive criticism to our peers. It was great to see what people accomplished during the two days and see what people had to say about what we completed.
The academy culminated with a Google Hangout On Air live Innovator Academy Graduation. Other Google Innovators from around the world were able to log on and celebrate with us. When our names were called, they played our team theme song and we had our graduation photo taken. After, we took our official class photo and celebrate with a glass or two of champagne.
It was an amazing three days. There are so many stories, inside jokes, selfies, and new friends. Usually after such an amazing event like this, I would be sad because it was over but really the adventure has only just begun. We have projects to work on so the conversations and positive energy is going to stay strong. Now that the academy is over, I hope I can bring the experience from the Innovator Academy back to my school district and that our Innovator projects can not only help my teachers but those around the world. While at the academy, I learned our struggles in the classroom are not our own, they are universal. It will take new ideas and bravery to move forward, ultimately doing what is going to be best for our students. 💡
