ISTE Reflections

If you are a follower of Twitter, you may have seen that several people from the Office of Personalized Learning were able to attend the ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education) conference in Atlanta.  Here are my reflections on the experience:

• It's all about the students.  If they're not the focus of what you're doing every day, then you should refocus.  When someone asks what you teach, the natural response is to answer "Math" or "First Grade" but the real answer is "Students" we teach students first and foremost.
• Technology is there to support students and teachers.  It's not about add a new tool for technology's sake.  Technology should make teachers' jobs easier by helping engage and connect students.Don't ask "What can I do with this iPad?"  Ask: "How can this iPad best help me teach X?"
• Empower your students.  Don't start by taking away all rights and choices because some students MIGHT do something they aren't supposed to.  Give your students the benefit of the doubt and they might do something amazing.  Deal with the rule breakers when the time comes.
• Share the successes.  Too often, teachers are the only ones that see amazing student work. Share it with other students, their parents, the school and even the community.  Find a place that works for you. Create a website, join Twitter, write in a blog... something. Show the world what your students are capable of.
• Be brae and let students teach you. There were a number of Poster sessions with students teaching the adults. How better to empower students to show you how they created something on their iPad?  Have them help their peers, too.

This was easily one of the most amazing (and overwhelming) experiences I've had as an educator.  It is so fun to spend four days with other educators that are committed to helping students succeed.  We're going to do our best to bring some small part of what we learned to SPPS at the Tech HOOPLA (Hands-on Office of Personalized Learning Academy) on August 14 and 18.  Sign up in PD Express. I hope to see you there; I would love to start a conversation with all of you.