Educational Technology at IU13

It was amazing to experience the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference with 21,000 other participants this year in San Antonio, TX. While I am continually amazed at the passion, vigor, and energy levels of other ISTE members and participants, this year's conference did not disappoint. The keynotes inspired and challenges us to continue carrying the torch of making learning fun and interactive for today's students. Although there were many bells and whistles and "shiny new tools" to take a look at and review, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from other leaders and educators on how they are moving their classrooms, schools, and districts to deeper levels of personalized learning. The concentration was definitely how to make learning FUN, engaging, and motivating for students - all centered on student learning with the constant reminder of developing relationships and trust.  A good leader "trusts" and may I even say "loves" his/her team was another great reminder via Darryl Adams, Superintendent, Technology Evangelist, Thought Leader, and Edutrainer & CEO. 

One of the exciting announcements at this year's ISTE conference was the unveiling of the updated ISTE Standards for Educators. These standards are divided up into 2 buckets: Empowered Professional (Educator) and Learning Catalyst. Under those two buckets reside the specific standards sets: Learner, Leader, Citizen (all part of Empowered Professional) and Collaborator, Designer, Facilitator, and Analyst (all part of Learning Catalyst). What's most exciting about these newly updated standards is that they provide us with a road map to follow when building our (educator) expertise and professional learning.  I am often asked, "Where do I go from here" or "What's next" from educators no matter the skill/practice level and now we can refer to the ISTE Standards for Educators as a guide. These standards apply to not only the very novice but to the most proficient educator not just focusing on technology integration, but the life-long global connections and digital-age literacies. These standards are not meant to be other checkbox, but ways to reflect on our own learning progressions in our masterful craft and art of teaching. 

ISTE is so much more than presenting/attending sessions, it is a reminder of why we entered teaching from the beginning.  It is about the love and passion for teaching and the love and passion for learning! ISTE is a great reminder that educators can do amazing things with and without technology in order to maximize student learning when students & learning are our central focus on a daily basis. I think it is very appropriate to cite the You Matter Manifesto as provided via Angela Maiers reminding us the following:

The above image belongs to: https://www.angelamaiers.com/blog/2017/5/26/the-you-matter-manifesto 

Check out my #ISTE17 twitter journey.