#Edtechchat focuses on Education Technology. Co-founder Tom Murray says #edtechchat "connects us professionally with inspiring educators from all over the world, all of who encourage us to be better every day for the children and families we serve.”
Patrick, Instructional Tech from Elgin, TX catching while I can between school board meeting, 2 different GS meetings and helping my kids with hmwk #EdTechChat
So proud of Mville Doc Student Michael Kealy named semi-finalist for the CoSN Next Generation Leader's Program! As 1 of 28 educators nationwide being considered for this program, please vote for Michael now at:
https://t.co/dm3xlCLqPy@Mville_College@pnwboces#mvilleLEADS
A1: I always attend our state tech conference, @msmeca, and then try to attend #FETC and / or #ISTE depending on budget. I'm eager to check out ASCD and CoSN soon. #edtechchat
A1: I try to choose conferences based on the types of sessions offered - things that go beyond basic tech tools and 50 ways to use them. Locally, @METCedplus is the best. Nat'l, I'm headed to @SXSWEDU & #ISTE18#edtechchat
A1 what is most accessible to me.. would love to go to a national conference, but money/distance is larger than online or local conferences #edtechchat
A1: Are web-conferences included in this as well? I "went" to one that Edmodo hosted online, and I thought that was really neat! The benefit of those is that they're usually free and that you don't have to travel to get some good nuggets. #edtechchat
“Having materials that could integrate [with an LMS] from the start would have definitely made life for our teachers so much easier,” said Ceballos. #EdTechChathttps://t.co/Bo1neWpP3n
#EdTech Conferences give you the opportunity to connect with & build you PLN, learn from great presenters and share what you gained with your colleagues & PLN who were unable to attend. My Conferences page https://t.co/UcFO8CvrQv#edtechchat#FETC
A1 I keep an eye out for upcoming events on twitter or social media and sign up for email updates on sites that I trust to send out great pd options! #edtechchat
A1: I try to choose conferences based on the types of sessions offered - things that go beyond basic tech tools and 50 ways to use them. Locally, @METCedplus is the best. Nat'l, I'm headed to @SXSWEDU & #ISTE18#edtechchat
A2 Happy to be jumping into #edtechchat. Pre conference finds me reading blurbs and connecting with colleagues who might be attending so we can combine forces.
A2 Have a clear goal for the event. Check out the schedule before hand and carve out time for processing and networking. Attending every session leads to brain drain #edtechchat
A2: Check out the conference program and pick sessions that you want to learn about. And day of if a session doesn't work out, walk out and find another. #VoteWithYourFeet#EdTechChat
A2 always download the app; connect with others who are attending; mark every session I think I want to attend AND then prioritize my schedule #edtechchat
A2.
1) Reach out to friends who are going
2) Reach out to friends of friends
3) Reach out to people who aren't friends yet
4) Hit the ground running!
#edtechchat
Folks, if you are looking to build your PLN, don’t be bashful. Just follow us. I promise I don’t bite. @nathan_stevens, on the other hand, well... #edtechchat
A2: I prep social media accounts and hashtags, review the program upon arrival, link up for a few dinners with friends, and treat each day like a learning marathon! #edtechchat
A2: I survey what topics are going to be covered beforehand and choose the ones that apply to my context. I try to be realistic and pick sessions that have things my school already has or can easily attain or things that could be realistically implemented. #edtechchat
exactly! conferences are fantastic locations for collaboration and crazy, creative, out of the box thinking that will actually work when you find the right people to bounce ideas off of! #edtechchat
Folks, if you are looking to build your PLN, don’t be bashful. Just follow us. I promise I don’t bite. @nathan_stevens, on the other hand, well... #edtechchat
A1 I chose conferences based on my professional learning goals, goals of my school, and when the conferences falls so I do not interfere too much with my Ss' day. Always a fan of #edcampme (plug, accepting registrations now!) #edtechchat
A2 I preplan my plan of attack with the option to adjust as needed. I also make sure I plan time for expo halls if there is one- learn so much there as well! #edtechchat
A2 plan out the day and leave time to decompress the information and make notes...look for connections opps. Which is hard for me as an introvert... #edtechchat
If it wasn't for me being a bit over extroverted 5 years ago at a conference, I wouldn't be doing this chat. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there to meet and learn! #edtechchat
I did go to a conference where the food was really just okay. The only thing that tasted good was the Dr. Pepper...and even that started to taste bland. :( #edtechchat
A2: Make sure you pack good shoes! You don't wan to miss something because you have blisters! True story .. my first #FETC I had to wear flip flops! #edtechchat
A2: Most everyone has said this. Download the program. Look at what will push you and contribute to your growth as a T. If you are going in group, divide and share notes. #edtechchat
A2: Download Conference app; pre-plan sessions to attend so I can be strategic and vary my learning; try to network with colleagues attending #edtechchat
A2: I have not been able to attend a conference yet however, when I am able to attend one I will do research before hand on the topic. I will also make sure to research the speakers so that I can understand more about their views. #edtechchat
I *might* create a custom Google Map with places saved so that if "where should we eat?" or "let's meet for a drink" comes up...I have a list of places ready to suggest. #edtechchat
Haha This could happen. I always like the idea Ron Clark puts out - some people are sitters, others walkers, and then you have runners...always send the runners to the pd because they're pumped and ready to make something work #edtechchat
In reply to
@ChrisMortenson, @jamescollinsjr, @T_HEB
Thanks for letting me know about that! The food I ate was actually catered in from a well-known restaurant chain, but all I could say was yuck from the entree to the dessert! #edtechchat
Hearing this I would group myself with the runners. I am excited to learn from others bc it will positively impact my Ss. When I return to work I share my notes and make myself available for brain picking. #edtechchat#CollaborativePD
In reply to
@WWATeacherDo, @ChrisMortenson, @jamescollinsjr
A3) I've always wanted to host a party to watch the conference livestream/tweetstream with other local edu folks who couldn't make it out to the actual location.
Has anyone tried this?
#edtechchat
A2: It helps to know the #hashtag of the event and to start following attendees and presenters. Also need to be ready to strike up "real" conversations in elevators and coffee lines. #edtechchat
A3 follow peeps at it, follow the hashtag, sometimes you can even access Conference materials liked shared docs and Conference presentations with a little digging #edtechchat
A3: Like @mr_hayes stated, use the conference hashtag! I never thought of this for conf I can't attend, but in retrospect, this is a very good idea. And, find out if the conf is livestreaming, so you can watch online or asynchroniously. #edtechchat
Exactly! If you're going to pay money to send someone to a conference, you want to send someone who is actively looking to learn and grow and will come back pumped & ready to share! #edtechchat
In reply to
@T_HEB, @ChrisMortenson, @jamescollinsjr
Hey #edtechchat since you’re all talking about conferences. As a part-time vendor rep. I am curious What gets you in to a booth to try out a product? Something shiny? SWAG? The product itself? Something another educator told you to try?
My best experiences at conferences, are small group gatherings that happened outside the talks (usually while talks were *in* session). Great for introverts and you make *real* connections this way. #edtechchat
A3: Go to conf website. Look for downloadable presentations/resources. I’ve even emailed presenters, explained my absence, complimented them, and asked for cliffnote version. #edtechchat
I live through conference social media when I can't make it to the actual conference! You can still get great ideas when people tweet out their presentations or session reflections/quotes #edtechchat
The product itself. I don't need free crap that won't fit in my already overpacked suitcase.
Only exception: a nice lanyard, bc ones conferences hand out with badges are junk.
#edtechchat
Something I’ve heard so far and swag doesn’t hurt either. I won’t stand in line most the time though. There needs to be instant accessibility. #edtechchat
a2: #edtechchat I take advantage of meetups (CoffeeEdu, or PubEdu or informal gatherings) whenever possible. I learn more from these than the scheduled sessions in many cases.
My best experiences at conferences, are small group gatherings that happened outside the talks (usually while talks were *in* session). Great for introverts and you make *real* connections this way. #edtechchat
I will go to a vendor who is using their product. Whether its an interactive board or other tool...I want to see someone using it in front of me. That grabs my attention and helps me start picturing how I would use it in my classroom #edtechchat
I do appreciate it when conference organizers set aside an informal meeting area for impromptu sessions or follow up conversations. Sometimes the best learning is unplanned. #edtechchat
I also find I learn a lot more from those 1 on 1 (or 2 or 3) sized conversations than from watching a speaker. Usually easy enough to get highlights of talk - can't do that for a conversation you don't have. #edtechchat
Generally I visit booths with products I want to learn more about.
If I’m going to have my badge scanned and be subject to a flood of marketing emails as a result , it needs to be for something I am interested in. #edtechchat
Freebies are tough when you try to live that minimalist lifestyle! I just pick through the freebies I want, but I would probably want to bring my own lanyard as someone else already mentioned. #edtechchat
In reply to
@mrterborg, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
Do it! Will change your experience. Also - the hallways are usually pretty quiet while sessions are on, so you can actually *hear* the other person/people talk. I love conferences, but find them so draining, as I'm a total introvert. #edtechchat
A3: Every now and then, I’ll strike up a really conversation and stay connected with the person. He or she will tell me about an upcoming conf or presentation to hear. Doesn’t happen to often though. #edtechchat
I am usually one of those "NotAt ____" but I am going to be @FETC ... #fetc ... sharing at the conference is key for others to learn with you. #edtechchat
It's a tough life, and then you add things like Target and conference freebies into the mix. The things I did keep were some of the stickers from the tech companies because I thought they looked cute. #edtechchat
In reply to
@mrterborg, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
Some things are worth it. Usually I see are free trinkets that I don't need. I could bring them back for others but somehow they end up at home #edtechchat
In reply to
@lisaannrisch, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason, @Qualtrics
Oh, this is a cool idea. I will keep it in mind.
Companies I've been involved with usually have focused on stickers. Seems like people of all ages love them, and take up very little space. #edtechchat
They're so guilt inducing too. You know you need time alone to regroup/recharge, and yet, you know *not* going out/staying out late means missing out. AHHH! I try to focus on small gatherings as much as possible. #edtechchat
Minimal lifestyle is tough. When you move around, you start thinking about if you want to pack that object with you for the next move. I hate moving! #edtechchat
In reply to
@MBM_Perry, @mrterborg, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
A1: I am so doing these out of order... #edtechchat I choose the ones where I feel like I can really connect with people. I am not a fan of huge conferences...I am more introverted and like smaller conversations. Our state conference is about 4,000 and that's plenty big for me!
I will also chime in as an introvert as well! That it is nice to meet people, but after a while, I begin to feel drained. At the end of the day, I'm left wanting to sit in the farthest corner and breathe. #edtechchat
In reply to
@MusingsOnEdTech, @s_bearden, @DrGodard
I meet new people at conferences by intentionally sitting next to other groups I don't know during sessions. Bouncing ideas off of someone new and asking questions about how they would use it at their school is great! In between sessions, too! #edtechchat
#EdTechChat.... A3: Find new people to follow. Read the links they post and tweet them to share ideas, connect, try to make them laugh/think. The latter will earn you a follower or two. @s_bearden
A4.1 For me, the best way to connect is face-to-face conversation. Listening to others' questions or comments during sessions helps. Following on Twitter is key as well. #edtechchat
Ah, yeah. I'm not moving, yet! But I have already decluttered a lot. I'm going to be going through my 3rd round again soon, but some stuff I realized that it doesn't have to be out on display in my room. I packed those items away. #edtechchat
In reply to
@mr_hayes, @mrterborg, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
A4 When I get home from a conference I try to use what I learned immediately. I would love to know that it personally worked so I can add some credibility to any pd I might help with to share out what I learned #edtechchat
A4.2 There is usually a long drive home so I revisit big ideas. When I arrive back to home I share my notes and sketches with peers and then find quiet. #edtechchat
This👇🏽 You can always sit next to people you know, and there is nothing wrong with that. You will learn more if you mingle and work up the courage to meet new people. #edtechchat
I meet new people at conferences by intentionally sitting next to other groups I don't know during sessions. Bouncing ideas off of someone new and asking questions about how they would use it at their school is great! In between sessions, too! #edtechchat
One thing that always impresses me are the Ts who find a way to give Ss an opportunity to participate in the conference too. Let's them see into the broader edu world/beyond their classroom.
#edtechchat
I have been in the stall and people are so careful not to get too close to the sales person like I’m going bit their hand or something. I USUALLY just say hello or ask if you have any questions. Occasionally they don’t have questions. Then I bite them! #edtechchat
A4: The best way to connect at a conference is set down my phone and actually talk to people. Happy hours, conversations while we wait for sessions to start, and following conference hashtag conversations. #edtechchat
Are there any applications that are safe and secure to hold review sessions with students at home? Like Q's and A's outside of Twitter. #sschat#edtechchat#edchat
That's a great question. Being familiar w/ someone's work/blog helps initiate a conversation. Say yes to social gatherings. Interacting on Twitter in advance can be a great way to make the F2F intro easier. Most people worth connecting w/ = receptive to a hello. #edtechchat
As a vendor, I loved talking with Ts about their needs. However, if a T ever said "I just want to play with your product on my own", I'd have no problem stepping aside. If they won't leave you alone when asked, what will their customer service be like?! #edtechchat
In reply to
@pNabbie, @juliedavisEDU, @sadieclorinda, @DennisDill, @Doceri_Jason
Yes! The best confs I’ve been to had student-led sessions. They were so powerful. Need more of that. It is important to have their voice as well. #edtechchat
A4: I don't connect because I'm too focused and too shy to just strike up a conversation with a person sitting there next to me. What I do is follow the presenters on SMS and stay update using the conf hashtags. When I get home I breathe, recoup, and go over my notes #edtechchat
Think it is a good idea to attend local/state conferences first. Also, put in to present (usually get free registration).
#edtechchat#PutYourselfOutThere
i like talking to the vendor ... sometimes get annoyed if they can't move beyond the generic sales pitch. I am Social Studies and most pitches got toward Math/Science/ELA ... #edtechchat
In reply to
@MusingsOnEdTech, @pNabbie, @juliedavisEDU, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
My goal was to always be honest - if the product wasn't a good fit for the T or I knew of something else I thought they should look at, I'd tell them. Ts know other Ts - you never know who will recommend you. #edtechchat
In reply to
@DennisDill, @pNabbie, @juliedavisEDU, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
Well #edtechchat please come by The @teamdoceri booth at #FETC this week. Booth #1716 Awesome chat! I’ll be here in CA teaching but say hi to Stephen and Gary.
Thanks!
A5 By sharing my conference notes with colleagues it opens the door to questions and conversations. Those conversations help lead to implementation so good ideas do not get buried in the day-to-day upon returning to school. #edtechchat
Some of my classmates from my last school's cohort live in my city, but I don't know if they went to that conference I went to or not. Definitely something to keep in mind next year! #edtechchat.
Stop your scroll ✋ 🛑 Why don’t you do something great for yourself, your career and others and check out @2Uinc’s careers page? There are some truly amazing positions out there just waiting for you to apply! #dcjobs#202Creates#jobsearch#edtech#edtechchat#hiring
Someone that blows smoke about what their product can do but it actually doesn’t do it loses my respect out of the gate, don’t assume- make sure before you promise. I appreciate your approach #edtechchat
In reply to
@MusingsOnEdTech, @DennisDill, @pNabbie, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
A5: I try it out first, because learning comes from doing rather than just taking in info. It's called experiential learning. From there, you evaluate and revise as necessary. #edtechchat
I am the only person from my school attending @FETC ... i am trying to absorb as much as possible for as many people as possible ... when they ask I want to be able to say ... "I saw something at FETC that could work" #edtechchat
In reply to
@MusingsOnEdTech, @pNabbie, @juliedavisEDU, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason, @fetc
A5: If I can immediately begin a plan & start tomorrow ensures that I will implement something new. Also, talking with other staff members & being held responsible to share the exciting new ideas. Also, if I have time to reflect & plan, I'm more likely to implement. #edtechchat
So how do we break down those barriers? @jmattmiller Ditch that conference we did the unusual - we took a hike with teachers. After we had real talk and time, we chatted thruout. Is that something other conferences are missing? The people element? #edtechchat#leadlap
They are awesome! In the conf I attended, the Ss talked about what they found engaging and shared their passions. I can try to dig up some notes or more info for you. Just DM me. #edtechchat
Flat Tire on the OH Turnpike -> no cell service -> lost my hotel room -> trouble settling in for class. Yes, I understand a bit about our Ss. #edtechchat
In reply to
@MBM_Perry, @mr_hayes, @sadieclorinda, @Doceri_Jason
a6: Duck and run! #edtechchat No, I try to go with actual needs and then seek out those who can give an answer or solve a problem. I avoid the noisy, hyped-up vendors as much as possible.
A6) Swing by when people are packing up. Ask how their day went. Remember they're people too. Often with interesting lives that led them there.
#edtechchat
Fav moment from #iste17 was a quick pd with @Taralson at Whattaburger at 1:00am. Never sleep, people! Best things happen when you least expect it!
#edtechchat
@adamburk and the rest of the producers for #DTFieldGuide did a great job of making sure there was real time to connect and discuss. Nature bathing, hikes, canoe trips, etc all were part of the three day conference. #edtechchat#EDUwin
A6: I use my mother's strategy for craft fairs for making the most out of the exhibit hall... walk the whole thing, just observing, figuring out what catches my eye. Then walk the whole thing again, this time stopping at ones that caught my eye. #edtechchat
A5: I find if I commit to putting to practice what I learn on Twitter with my PLN, it serves as motivation. Then, I’ll talk about it with colleagues. #edtechchat
