#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Hi #RuralEdChat and @TG_Neil Summer camp season means things are still rolling here, but it's a different game than being in the school year routine...for sure!
I'm Tammy. I am transitioning between schools at the moment. I will be teaching at Suwannee Middle School in the fall. Computer Science to grades 7 & 8.
#RuralEdChat
I'm Robin from WI. I'm a former classroom teacher & school librarian. I currently work in edu programming at a nature reserve & I'm in grad school for mental health counseling. #RuralEdChat
Ahhh, summer camp. I did not have that luxury when I was a child. However, I am thankful that so many do. It definitely lets them make their learning real. #RuralEdChat
One of the largest EdTech conferences is getting underway this week. ISTE brings thousands and thousands of educators together. This week they are all converging on Chicago. #RuralEdChat
The idea of thousands of edus learning together is exciting. ISTE is a huge destination for so many, and Chicago is a big part of my life. I look forward to hearing from those in attendance. #RuralEdChat
One of the largest EdTech conferences is getting underway this week. ISTE brings thousands and thousands of educators together. This week they are all converging on Chicago. #RuralEdChat
A1 I used to attend WEMTA (Wisconsin Education Media and Technology Association) on the regular. I went to our Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) conference a few times and the Wisconsin Title I conference. #ruraledchat
A2: I think it depends on the conference. Some are vital because they provide educators an opportunity to learn from each other. Some are more glorified "EduMalls" where vendors vie for our attention and money without regard to our students' success. #RuralEdChat
A2 I think conferences can add a sense of challenge and excitement around topics within our profession. They also bring folks together face to face which just feels like a connective element in so many ways. #ruraledchat
A2b They also provide a sense of community for educators who may experience some challenge sharing ideas within their own learning environments. #RuralEdChat
This is an important subtopic. I tend to avoid vendor halls even though I realize they support the conferences, but I want intellectual content and challenge more than any new products. It took me awhile to realize I didn't need to do that part of things. #RuralEdChat
A2: I think it depends on the conference. Some are vital because they provide educators an opportunity to learn from each other. Some are more glorified "EduMalls" where vendors vie for our attention and money without regard to our students' success. #RuralEdChat
I also know educators that only attend the vendor halls. They feel that by seeing what's new, they can stay on the cutting edge. I like conferences with a good balance. I don't really need another free t-shirt. #RuralEdChat
A3 I think paying attention to conference gems and critiques via social media has felt solid for me when I can't attend in person. I seek both for perspective, insight and growth. #RuralEdChat
That's a good point. And then we have that question about is "cutting edge" really cutting edge? We do an awful lot of repackaging in edu! And yes, no more t-shirts or totes! #RuralEdChat
yep. I've definitely experienced that. I have to keep reminding myself that just because I've experienced it, it may be new to someone else. Sometimes it's hard. #RuralEdChat
