ISTE 2010 is being held this year in my backyard. I'm from the western suburbs of Denver and my school district generously provided the funds for me to attend (except parking, of course!)
EduBloggerCon at ISTE 2010 was my first "unconference." I had no idea what to expect or even how things like this were organized. I came with an open mind, and a desire to meet many of my PLN from twitter, face-to-face. One thing that really impressed me was Steve Hargadon's statement was that newbies were not allowed to be "awed" by tech people such as David Warlick, Dean Shareski, and of course, himself. I know it sounds silly, but these people, and others like Lee Kolbert and Angela Maiers and Scott McLeod are little like rock stars to a tech newbie like me.
My favorite part of the day was the Web 2.0 Smackdown and I wondered if this would be an energizing part of the staff development days that we have at school. Or how could this be adapted somehow to the classroom. I think the kids would have fun with a forum like this.
For me, #ebc10, was as important for the affirmation as it was for the information. It's hard being the only teacher in a school who is trying to actively learn, use, and integrate Web 2.0 tools. I needed and used the energy of my first "unconference" to boost my tech ego. Thanks to all for such an opportunity.
Your last paragraph will resonate with so many teachers in the world! Hope you'll blog about the Smackdown.
ReplyDeleteHi Tami,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a good time at Edubloggercon. Hope the rest of the ISTE conference treated you well and that we'll see you again next year!