Today is the day!
I spent the morning gathering all my goodies as I packed my luggage for the annual International Society for Technology in Education Conference in Denver, CO. If you haven’t had an opportunity to participate in this amazing conference and you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow #iste2016 to learn the latest and greatest education practice for technology integration in and out of the classroom!
I have lots of exciting things planned for this trip. Tomorrow is National Day to Spread Summer Fun, promoted by Cathy O’Grady and Sophia’s Angels (www.facebook.com/sodiasangelsraok), so I plan to leave some jump ropes and toy cars around the city in hopes that someone might enjoy them. All 50 states will be represented in this event, leaving summer fun toys and playground equipment all across the US. Join with us and share your pictures on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #spreadsummerfun!
The official conference also begins tomorrow and I am giddy about learning from all the great presenters! Makerspaces, Breakout EDU, coding, and blogging are just a few of the topics I hope to learn more about. I’m also excited to reconnect with my PLN (personal learning network) – people I interact with through Twitter chats, but only see at conferences and state events.
I plan to leave little surprises throughout the conference, my own version of “techy RAKs” – free compliment tags, “You’re Worth a 100 Grand” treats and, of course, a plethora of Nerds candy. I’m encouraging anyone who finds my treats to tweet a picture with the hashtag #isterak so others can share in the fun of kindness all week!
Monday will also bring joy to my soul as I visit The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation which has an office in Denver. Several years ago I became a Raktivist, committing to lead by example with kindness for others. I never imagined that I would have an opportunity to visit the foundation in person, and meet the people behind the mission, so this is like a RAK for me!
On Tuesday I will present two back-to-back Poster sessions: Bring JOY to the classroom with Passion Projects (1:15-3:15, Table 24) and Twitter Party (4:00-6:00, Table 22). My first session will showcase passions projects created by Mrs. Bambi Feighner’s first grade students (that’s right – six year olds!); my second session is a joint venture with friends, Margaret and Sam, whom I met on Twitter. Tuesday will be a stellar day for sure!
I can’t wait to see how this upcoming week unfolds. I’m sure my brain will be overflowing with new ideas and my heart full with new friends!
If you are on Twitter, I would love for you to tweet out any random acts of kindness you see, do, or receive. With 15,000 attendees all in one place, we have the opportunity to bless SO many people! Let’s get this adventure started!
