This song refers to the great scientist, father of modern physics, astronomer and thinker, Galileo Galilei. Galileo's advocacy of heliocentrism was controversial within his lifetime, when most philosophers and astronomers still subscribed to the view that the Earth stood motionless at the center of the universe.
We, of course, many centuries later, know this to be correct and Galileo has been vindicated. No longer a heretic. No longer an outsider, but considered a genius and the father of modern science!
I hummed this song an awful lot as I traipsed through my days at #ISTE2015! There was so much to see, learn, experience, talk about, tweet, ...even for an avid learner and listener and teacher such as I am, it was completely exhausting and overwhelming and yet still somehow exhilarating and exciting! How would I make it through 4+ days of this and get it right?
My biggest fear, having to be there without anyone of my superiors who are allowed to make decisions, I had to meet people, and get information to bring back to the district... my first time doing something so responsible with people were relying solely on my ideas, and the getting and transmitting information on both ends. The district wants input into decisions about Ed Tech moving forward...Devices, Learning Management Software, emerging technology, Professional Development, and good, hardworking people in start-up companies and the tried and true are all clamoring for my attention, my time and our district's precious dollars. I'd need all the insight and intelligence I possessed. Pressure! Plus, there were about a hundred classes I wanted to attend (Simultaneously - for which I'd need Hermione Granger's Time Turner Necklace to handle it all!) However, I have gleaned some useful nuggets for everyone, not only our district!
Google Cardboard
Don't let the simplicity of its design fool you. Cardboard, Google's virtual reality viewer, has the potential to be a powerful educational tool. Get a viewer, fold it and look inside to enter the world of Cardboard. It’s a VR experience starting with a simple viewer anyone can build or buy. Once you have it, you can explore a variety of apps that unfold all around you. I'm pretty sure every teacher would like to to take students to see things like a museum's dinosaur exhibit or the Ford Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, but for most, the constraints of geography, budgets, or time stand in the way. With a smartphone and some cardboard folded into viewing goggles, however, Google has taken virtual field trips to the next level. And even if a school has easy access to these kinds of trips, it can also facilitate other immersive experiences, like flying through space.
It's basically like the Magic School Bus, but without the bus and you are your own Mr. or Ms. Frizzle. I already own a couple of these, thanks to something I learned at CELI this year from the incredible Kristina Holzweiss (@lieberrian)! (Whew! I got that right!)
We, of course, many centuries later, know this to be correct and Galileo has been vindicated. No longer a heretic. No longer an outsider, but considered a genius and the father of modern science!
I hummed this song an awful lot as I traipsed through my days at #ISTE2015! There was so much to see, learn, experience, talk about, tweet, ...even for an avid learner and listener and teacher such as I am, it was completely exhausting and overwhelming and yet still somehow exhilarating and exciting! How would I make it through 4+ days of this and get it right?
My biggest fear, having to be there without anyone of my superiors who are allowed to make decisions, I had to meet people, and get information to bring back to the district... my first time doing something so responsible with people were relying solely on my ideas, and the getting and transmitting information on both ends. The district wants input into decisions about Ed Tech moving forward...Devices, Learning Management Software, emerging technology, Professional Development, and good, hardworking people in start-up companies and the tried and true are all clamoring for my attention, my time and our district's precious dollars. I'd need all the insight and intelligence I possessed. Pressure! Plus, there were about a hundred classes I wanted to attend (Simultaneously - for which I'd need Hermione Granger's Time Turner Necklace to handle it all!) However, I have gleaned some useful nuggets for everyone, not only our district!
Google Cardboard
Don't let the simplicity of its design fool you. Cardboard, Google's virtual reality viewer, has the potential to be a powerful educational tool. Get a viewer, fold it and look inside to enter the world of Cardboard. It’s a VR experience starting with a simple viewer anyone can build or buy. Once you have it, you can explore a variety of apps that unfold all around you. I'm pretty sure every teacher would like to to take students to see things like a museum's dinosaur exhibit or the Ford Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, but for most, the constraints of geography, budgets, or time stand in the way. With a smartphone and some cardboard folded into viewing goggles, however, Google has taken virtual field trips to the next level. And even if a school has easy access to these kinds of trips, it can also facilitate other immersive experiences, like flying through space.
It's basically like the Magic School Bus, but without the bus and you are your own Mr. or Ms. Frizzle. I already own a couple of these, thanks to something I learned at CELI this year from the incredible Kristina Holzweiss (@lieberrian)! (Whew! I got that right!)
Shutterfly
You know that place you like to print your holiday cards, your pictures of your kids and pets and even those fancy photo books? They now have an award-winning iPad app that will motivate and empowers students to create self-published books that demonstrate their knowledge. The program leverages a school's technology investment, supports project-based learning and provides lesson plans that align with Common Core or State Standards for each grade level. With its Photo Story iPad app, Shutterfly provides a fun way to engage students in ELA, social studies, math, and science projects by providing the means for them to create a self-published book displaying what they've learned in any subject. The company also provides training for teachers, a selection of standards-aligned lesson plans developed by teachers from grades K-12, and additional professional development opportunities aligned to ISTE technology standards. The books can be published in an 8-inch by 8-inch paper format or digitally with 30-second audio clips on each page.
ZSpace
One of East Williston's Wish-List Favorites is on the rise and changing. This company's STEM Lab workstations utilize augmented reality and 3D technology, bringing easy-to-manipulate models out of the screen and in front of students wearing special glasses or clip-on lenses. A variety of applications allow students to do everything from dissecting models of various animals or objects to experimenting with the laws of physics. This year, zSpace revealed its new all-in-one workstation, created in collaboration with Foxconn Technology Group. The new model doesn't require a separate computer for the monitors and will make the workstations (typically purchased in groups of 12) available at a lower cost to schools.
You know that place you like to print your holiday cards, your pictures of your kids and pets and even those fancy photo books? They now have an award-winning iPad app that will motivate and empowers students to create self-published books that demonstrate their knowledge. The program leverages a school's technology investment, supports project-based learning and provides lesson plans that align with Common Core or State Standards for each grade level. With its Photo Story iPad app, Shutterfly provides a fun way to engage students in ELA, social studies, math, and science projects by providing the means for them to create a self-published book displaying what they've learned in any subject. The company also provides training for teachers, a selection of standards-aligned lesson plans developed by teachers from grades K-12, and additional professional development opportunities aligned to ISTE technology standards. The books can be published in an 8-inch by 8-inch paper format or digitally with 30-second audio clips on each page.
ZSpace
One of East Williston's Wish-List Favorites is on the rise and changing. This company's STEM Lab workstations utilize augmented reality and 3D technology, bringing easy-to-manipulate models out of the screen and in front of students wearing special glasses or clip-on lenses. A variety of applications allow students to do everything from dissecting models of various animals or objects to experimenting with the laws of physics. This year, zSpace revealed its new all-in-one workstation, created in collaboration with Foxconn Technology Group. The new model doesn't require a separate computer for the monitors and will make the workstations (typically purchased in groups of 12) available at a lower cost to schools.
Curation
ISTE 2015 was heavy on Curation.For example: As is the direction of life at East Williston, most educators accept and appreciate how technology is augmenting - if not revolutionizing - what they do. The challenge, which increases exponentially as new digital learning tools become available - is finding the right set of resources for their particular subjects and lessons. Storing and sharing digital resources is mostly done through inefficient means like email and spreadsheets. A lot gets lost in translation, and it's difficult to continually update lists as new apps, videos, websites etc. become available. So, teachers are definitely struggling to keep on top of information overload, and companies are presenting solutions to them. So, at a company such as appoLearning they just launched Collections. This is a free service that allows any teacher to create a list of apps (iOS and Android), videos (YouTube and Vimeo), websites and other digital resources around a specific subject or topic. They can choose from thousands of expert-vetted and standards-aligned resources found at appoLearning, and also add their own link and file. This is like social bookmarking from di.igo.us, and many others we've used in the past. Pinterest, Edmodo, and many other services can also be used as a curation tool.
Devices
From what I could see far and wide, the race between Chromebooks and the iPad (or any other classroom hardware) is over. Google is the long-term winner there (can't beat the lower price point). iPads, like Apple computers, will always have a huge place in schools and classrooms. But from a capital investment standpoint, it's akin to schools investing in Windows-powered cheaper computers 20 years ago. Not as flashy, but can do nearly everything an Apple device does but for a fraction of the cost. Expect a boom in agencies/consultancies/LMS services that help educators get up to speed on Google's wonky (but mostly free!) software. Somehow, once again, Microsoft is still the "Generic Cola" to the Pespi and Coke of Google and Apple in the app/education space.
EDIT ... 4 hours later So... I didn't get this blog post right!
I failed to mention...
Student Engagement as an underlying theme of the conference. Kahoot. Peardeck. The AnswerPad. And several other similar ideas and Apps (of which, I think these three are the best!) Getting students to enjoy learning and review with interactive engagement with both a piece of technology and curriculum. Big Shout outs to the AnswerPad peeps @theanswerpad who I finally met in person by coincidence and my new burger buddy Riley (@rileylark) of PearDeck. (@peardeck)
ISTE 2015 was heavy on Curation.For example: As is the direction of life at East Williston, most educators accept and appreciate how technology is augmenting - if not revolutionizing - what they do. The challenge, which increases exponentially as new digital learning tools become available - is finding the right set of resources for their particular subjects and lessons. Storing and sharing digital resources is mostly done through inefficient means like email and spreadsheets. A lot gets lost in translation, and it's difficult to continually update lists as new apps, videos, websites etc. become available. So, teachers are definitely struggling to keep on top of information overload, and companies are presenting solutions to them. So, at a company such as appoLearning they just launched Collections. This is a free service that allows any teacher to create a list of apps (iOS and Android), videos (YouTube and Vimeo), websites and other digital resources around a specific subject or topic. They can choose from thousands of expert-vetted and standards-aligned resources found at appoLearning, and also add their own link and file. This is like social bookmarking from di.igo.us, and many others we've used in the past. Pinterest, Edmodo, and many other services can also be used as a curation tool.
Devices
From what I could see far and wide, the race between Chromebooks and the iPad (or any other classroom hardware) is over. Google is the long-term winner there (can't beat the lower price point). iPads, like Apple computers, will always have a huge place in schools and classrooms. But from a capital investment standpoint, it's akin to schools investing in Windows-powered cheaper computers 20 years ago. Not as flashy, but can do nearly everything an Apple device does but for a fraction of the cost. Expect a boom in agencies/consultancies/LMS services that help educators get up to speed on Google's wonky (but mostly free!) software. Somehow, once again, Microsoft is still the "Generic Cola" to the Pespi and Coke of Google and Apple in the app/education space.
EDIT ... 4 hours later So... I didn't get this blog post right!
I failed to mention...
Student Engagement as an underlying theme of the conference. Kahoot. Peardeck. The AnswerPad. And several other similar ideas and Apps (of which, I think these three are the best!) Getting students to enjoy learning and review with interactive engagement with both a piece of technology and curriculum. Big Shout outs to the AnswerPad peeps @theanswerpad who I finally met in person by coincidence and my new burger buddy Riley (@rileylark) of PearDeck. (@peardeck)
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So did I "Get ISTE 2015 right?"
I don't really know the answer to that.
I do know, however, that the sun is the center of the universe, standing motionless and still (thanks, Galileo!) However, we as both learners and educators have the responsibility (and inertia like the Earth) to keep moving forward on our path and to never stand still for a moment.
I do know that I learned an amount so big I sent myself over 300 texts in 4 days. Not to mention the texts I sent others. (Thankfully I have Sprint Unlimited Texting!)
What did I see?
ISTE was definitely Empowering! I watched teachers walk away with new tools and ideas, as well as a deeper understanding of how to use them in the classroom. I also talked to them and listened to them talk to other teachers from around the world, and share their similar experiences as well as their unique ones. The networking that took place at ISTE won’t just benefit the teachers. Many of them talked about linking their classes and working on projects together through video conferencing. In fact, I spoke to a lovely rep from Greece about Skype in Education... now I have to find colleagues to join me in this new Skyping adventure!
ISTE was Rejuvenating! I had several teachers tell me that they were so excited, that they were already ready for the students to come back to school (and school had just ended a few days prior!) so they could implement what they learned. ISTE sparked a renewed sense of excitement among the attendees.(Okay, I still want a little vacation, but I am working on ideas that are exciting and I want to share them all NOW!)
ISTE was Unifying! One of the best things I saw was that the learning did not stop when the educators left the convention center. On shuttle rides, at dinner, in the Reading Market over lunch with STRANGERS, in hotel lobbies across Philly, at a street party hosted by Gaggle... they talked about what they saw, what they learned and how they can implement the ideas. If they had a badge you talked to them. It brought together teachers from different disciplines, states, countries... as they shared their thoughts, hopes, and plans with each other. I made new friends and found old friends. I even saw some of my favorite professors! (Shout out to Dr. Michael Uttendorfer from NYIT!)
ISTE was Challenging! Keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien talked about the importance of diversity in educational technology. Speaking to districts with particularly high poverty rates, O’Brien’s talk was relevant as she encouraged teachers to use technology to include those students, rather than to alienate them, and to use it to open more doors to them.
ISTE was Overwhelming! More than 22,000 people attended ISTE this year and the conference filled the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which encompasses three city blocks in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. The sheer size was overwhelming enough, but the amount of information shared was even more impressive. Every day, there were vendor booths to learn about new products, adult "playgrounds" to try new technology hands-on (or on your eyes or on your body or wherever it was meant for!), huge poster sessions to learn from fellow educators and their students, (yes, they brought kids - in summer - from as far away as Hawaii!!!) lectures and keynote sessions. There was always something going on. Literally - from around 7 am until 7 pm for 5 days.... I still have so much to learn (and always will) about the best practices of using technology in education, but I also have much more to offer my colleagues and my students today than I did two weeks ago. I think I got it right. I also think I'll try to get it right in Denver for ISTE 2016 next year!
I don't really know the answer to that.
I do know, however, that the sun is the center of the universe, standing motionless and still (thanks, Galileo!) However, we as both learners and educators have the responsibility (and inertia like the Earth) to keep moving forward on our path and to never stand still for a moment.
I do know that I learned an amount so big I sent myself over 300 texts in 4 days. Not to mention the texts I sent others. (Thankfully I have Sprint Unlimited Texting!)
What did I see?
ISTE was definitely Empowering! I watched teachers walk away with new tools and ideas, as well as a deeper understanding of how to use them in the classroom. I also talked to them and listened to them talk to other teachers from around the world, and share their similar experiences as well as their unique ones. The networking that took place at ISTE won’t just benefit the teachers. Many of them talked about linking their classes and working on projects together through video conferencing. In fact, I spoke to a lovely rep from Greece about Skype in Education... now I have to find colleagues to join me in this new Skyping adventure!
ISTE was Rejuvenating! I had several teachers tell me that they were so excited, that they were already ready for the students to come back to school (and school had just ended a few days prior!) so they could implement what they learned. ISTE sparked a renewed sense of excitement among the attendees.(Okay, I still want a little vacation, but I am working on ideas that are exciting and I want to share them all NOW!)
ISTE was Unifying! One of the best things I saw was that the learning did not stop when the educators left the convention center. On shuttle rides, at dinner, in the Reading Market over lunch with STRANGERS, in hotel lobbies across Philly, at a street party hosted by Gaggle... they talked about what they saw, what they learned and how they can implement the ideas. If they had a badge you talked to them. It brought together teachers from different disciplines, states, countries... as they shared their thoughts, hopes, and plans with each other. I made new friends and found old friends. I even saw some of my favorite professors! (Shout out to Dr. Michael Uttendorfer from NYIT!)
ISTE was Challenging! Keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien talked about the importance of diversity in educational technology. Speaking to districts with particularly high poverty rates, O’Brien’s talk was relevant as she encouraged teachers to use technology to include those students, rather than to alienate them, and to use it to open more doors to them.
ISTE was Overwhelming! More than 22,000 people attended ISTE this year and the conference filled the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which encompasses three city blocks in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. The sheer size was overwhelming enough, but the amount of information shared was even more impressive. Every day, there were vendor booths to learn about new products, adult "playgrounds" to try new technology hands-on (or on your eyes or on your body or wherever it was meant for!), huge poster sessions to learn from fellow educators and their students, (yes, they brought kids - in summer - from as far away as Hawaii!!!) lectures and keynote sessions. There was always something going on. Literally - from around 7 am until 7 pm for 5 days.... I still have so much to learn (and always will) about the best practices of using technology in education, but I also have much more to offer my colleagues and my students today than I did two weeks ago. I think I got it right. I also think I'll try to get it right in Denver for ISTE 2016 next year!