An old article but worth the read.

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My #ISTE2016 Nugget

I’ve never been to ISTE before. This was my first trip to ‘the room where it happens’ and it didn’t disappoint. I arrived on Saturday morning and within five minutes of stepping into the conference center, I heard people geeking out about tech tools, hashtags, and backpacks. I was right where I needed to be.

Prior to the trip friends were asking why I’d make the trek all the way to Denver and the answer was simple, the people. My goal for ISTE this year was catching up and meeting people. Every time I go to a conference I learn just as much, if not more, from the people in attendance. This conference was no different.

I was fortunate to connect with so many people from the internet that I could not contain my happiness. Not only did I get to reunite with my Google Innovator #MTV16 family, but I got to meet the many of the amazing #COL16 cohort. Then there was the #tosachat, #connectedtl, and #personalizedPD friends. Then it was great to connect with leaders from EdTechTeam, BreakoutEDU, and CUE.

Throughout every conversation, I noticed one theme. We all are struggling; some of us need help with getting leadership on board, gamification, robots, pushing beyond the S of SAMR, or getting our friends connected to a PLN. But what I love about the educational technology community is we don’t give up and we share. No one had the answer, but we all were willing to share where we are in the process.

So, when asked what’s my one nugget from ISTE it isn’t a tool, app, device, or program. It doesn't let perfect get in the way of progress.

I didn't forget, honest.

Over the past two months, I've been fortunate to attend two educational technology events. The first was the Antelope Valley EdTech Summit. This event opened with a keynote by Alice Keeler.

While I don't aways agree with her tweets, I definitely agreed with this quote. During her Alice brought Christine Pinto to the stage to present the amazing work she is doing with technology and her TK students.

Christine was incredibly energetic and showed everyone in the audience that if her TK students can use technology yours can too! The final speaker of the day was Naomi Harm.

Her keynote was filled with little tips and tricks but I thought this quote was especially important for educators. 

Today, I've had the opportunity to participate in the Think. Create. Share. conference at Cal State Fullerton. Dr. Jonathan Plucker provided the opening and closing keynotes for the event.

During his keynote, Dr. Pluker debunked some myths about creativity and this was one of my favorites.

Please don't let your Cinco de Mayo celebration spoil someone's Mother's Day! Don't drink and drive!

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Just a thought

I'm sure you've noticed I don't blog a lot. It's something I want to improve, but I'm willing to accept that becoming a more consistent blogger is a future task and not something for the present.

My original plan for 2016 was to blog once a week. That morphed into once a month and then I just stopped. While I did start a new series for the blog, #CanvaKeynote, I recognize my original plans went out the window and this is okay. As I continued to mull this over in my mind, I thought about my time in the classroom and how many times changed my lesson plans.

Then this came to mind.

The First in a Series

This past weekend I started a new personal tradition called #CanvaKeynote. My goal is to make one Canva image for every keynote I listen to. Here are the first three I created at the Imperial Valley #GAFESummit.

The inaugural image was inspired by Dee Lanier and his #ThinkOpen initiative.

The second image was from Chris Bell and his day two opening keynote. 

The final image was from Jason Markey and his Chance Favors the Connected School (Working Title keynote.

I don't want to give too much away about the keynotes, because I hope you get the chance to hear them for yourself, but I hope you like these images and check out these amazing men on Twitter.

I can't wait to go to my next event and continute to add to this series. 

Avoiding #CUE16 Confusion

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.
• Check out CUE's blog about Social Media and More.

Image Credit Sylvia Duckworth

• Plan ahead by looking at the conference schedule, and mark sessions you're interested in.
• 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.

Image credit CUE from the CUE 2016 Program

Image credit CUE from the CUE 2016 Program

• 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.

Click here to make a copy of our note taking slides for CUE.

• 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.

Image credit © 2010 MarketingInProgress.com

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! 

Email board@iacue.com for more information.