ISTE 2012- Final Thoughts

Okay, so I started writing this blog over a week ago.. and had SO many things go on (and tomorrow I leave for Podstock and DENSI) So, I have decided that this blog was going to be way to long... so I am just going to put in links.  Want to know more, let me know what questions you have!

ISTE- International Society for Technology in Education hosts a conference every year, and this year I had a chance to attend.  I was able to go because I was helping with the Great Thinkers hosted by Follett on Tuesday evening.

I arrived on Sunday afternoon and found myself in Blogger's Cafe for the keynote.  It was so nice to see some of my other friends. Monday I chose to find some of my favorite booths in the exhibit hall.  I didn't have to long because Lori and I had signed up for ISTE Unplugged at 10:30am!
Favorite Booths:
Follett
BrainPOP- did you know there is a new BrainPOPJr. app!
ESSDACK- I LOVED their booth! I had a chance to bling my badge.






I am usually all about the free tshirts, but I knew that my luggage was already heavy... so I actually walked away with NO t-shirts or other freebies!

After the quick trips to the booths I headed to meet my awesome partner in crime to get ready for ISTE Unplugged!  We did a short little presentation over digital storytelling in the multi-ability classroom.  You can find the video here  What a cool way to actually present at ISTE, but in a much more laid back atmosphere.

Have to be honest, do not remember much more of Monday afternoon... gotta love having allergic reactions!  Apparently a very common oil that is used in San Diego is soy oil.  Migraines are what I get for not asking! I do remember that I made my way to one session for Adobe Youth Voices  Although it was a vendor.. and they were promoting a product.. I did get some good ideas for editing, questioning, and creating videos.

Monday evening was FANTASTIC!  I had signed up for several events that evening.. migraine was finally gone.
First event: Start Up Party for Class Dojo, Educreations, Remind 101, and KidBlogs
I am a HUGE nerd and LOVE meeting people that think of these super cool things!  It was So awesome to meet the creators and minds behind these awesome websites.  It was even more fun to actually sit down and talk to them.
Class Dojo- I had already been using this in my classroom to work on appropriate learning behaviors.
"Class Dojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily.  It also captures and generates data on behavior that teachers can share with parents and administrators.  Better learning behaviors, smoother lessons and hassle-free data- and it's free!" From Class Dojo Website
I love it because it does keep track of data, but it also is a great way to help students self motivate by having them watch the point status.
Educreations-Create and share great video lessons with your iPad or browser.
Remind101- Super excited about using this!  A safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents. FREE!
Kidblog- This is a website that I have shared with other teachers, but haven't had a chance to use myself.  Excited about checking it out even more. Kidblog is designed for elementary and middle school teachers who want to provide each student with an individual blog.

Much like other ISTE goers, there were some awesome sessions, I really enjoyed the Poster Sessions and CONNECTING!

Tuesday was So cool! It gave me a chance to be behind the scenes on helping with an event. What an AWESOME opportunity!  Rebecca did an amazing job of getting some really cool panelists.  What was even better was that it was not just from the education world, so it was a different take.  I LOVED it!  The panelists that she found do some amazing things!

Leslie Fishlock, CEO and Founder, Geek Girl Corporation- Geekgirlcamp
Chance Roth, CEO/Chief Architect at Cloud Canvas
Joel Elad, Author LinkedIn for Dummies and Facebook Advertising for Dummies, So Cal Comic Con
Chris Corriveau, CTO of StockTwits
Rick Calvert, CEM, CEO and Co-Founder of Blogworld and New Media Expo

Of course a visit to San Diego would not be complete without having some adventures!  We did make it to the beach and we had the BEST cab driver!  Overall ISTE was an AMAZING experience! Thanks for all of the great friends that I met, the new things I learned, and the adventures that I was able to have!

Although ISTE was amazing, it was also tough.  I had applied for a job that would move me out of the classroom, and I didn't get it (and truthfully.. still don't understand the interview process and how people are chosen).  I was crushed!  After being down.. I know that this just means that next year is going to be a different kind of adventure in my classroom!  I look forward to it and to all the different things I am going to be able to share!  Tomorrow I leave for Podstock and DENSI! Follow me on twitter @akbusybee for all of the updates on the road!