Ed Tech Conferences

In a previous post, I talked in detail about Professional Learning Networks and the benefit that comes from collaborating with fellow teachers and lifelong learners who share a similar zest for maximizing their ability to reach each and every one of their students in a truly meaningful and technology-rich way. So the next logical step was to celebrate "Connected Educator Month" by attending an EdTech conference. I decided that the only way this would fit into my current schedule would be to utilize the awesome EdCamp Online event. In short, this event utilized Google Hangouts to herd together a bunch of online-using tech educators so that they could throw a bunch of collaborative ideas around at each other. Needless to say, this was an awesome event.
By attending this event, you get tips and tricks on everything from flipping a classroom, to using apps with 3rd graders, to talking with students about violent tragedies that have happened in schools over the last few weeks. The topics were all across the spectrum and the experience of the attendees was equally vast. By the time you are done jumping from room to room, you feel as though you've only just scratched the surface, even though you've been deeply impacted.
One attendee said that his only objection was that events like these don't happen more often. I know that at my school and in my Arts program, collaboration is my second favorite time of the week - first is my time with the kids! Every time I sit down and talk with a fellow colleague, I go away feeling humbled, educated, and recharged.
There's something about talking about education that makes you want to grow. There is something about technology that makes you want to gain knowledge, and there's something about an EdCamp conference that affects teachers in a very positive and lasting sort of way.