My #GAFESummit Story So Far

I still remember my first #GAFESummit at New Technology High School in January 2014. At the time, I was just about half way through my Educational Technology Masters program at Boise State University, a relatively new teacher, and a lone wolf techie at my school site. I was fortunate to see Jamie Casap & Molly Schroeder speak at the event, and on the plane ride home I remember thinking to myself “I want to help others like they do.”

I’ve now been to 7 GAFE Summits and that internal desire hasn’t changed. I am often asked “You know so much about technology, why do you still go to these things?” First, I thank the asker for thinking I know ‘so much,’ but then I reply with “regardless of what I think I know, it’s technology. It’s always changing; there’s always something new to learn.” GAFE Summits make continually learning fun and exciting; no matter your ability level, an EdTechTeam summit is a great place to learn because you get to practice, meet amazing people, collaborate with them, and try new things.

In May of 2015 at the San Bernardino summit, I was able to present alongside people I’ve looked up to and followed on Twitter for years. During my first presentation at the summit, someone asked a question and I didn’t know the answer. Internally I froze, but I quickly channeled my inner googleyness and said ‘I don’t know, but let’s try it together and find out.”

Presenting at a GAFE Summit is invigorating. Not only do I get to practice my craft but I get to learn with the people that attend my sessions. Now instead of being afraid of questions I crave them. I want to app smash and test things live in front of other educators. I want to model not knowing and being willing to try. I know it is scary at first, I’ve been there, but I hope I can help others and show them it doesn’t have to be that way forever.

I’ve presented at 5 of the 7 summits I’ve attended. Each presentation, each summit has its own personality and potential for awesome. People think I’m crazy, but I can’t be away from the type of energy for long. A successful summit is when I’ve learned with the participants and being able to bring that knowledge and energy back to the teachers I work with as a Staff Development Specialist is an amazing gift the GAFE Summit provides.

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By they way, if you’re free the weekend of November 21st Temecula is hosting their first GAFE Summit and I’ll be there! Come hang out and enjoy the learning.