Thing #22 Conference

August 8-9, 2012

OFFLINE-ON DEMAND videos can be found at: https://vts.inxpo.com/scripts/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:1;F:SF!42000&EventKey=72331

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In these past two days, I have attended several sessions at the WV Statewide Technology Conference. My brain feels overloaded and at the same time brimming with excitement for the upcoming year. They were scheduled for hourly sessions where the presenter spoke for approximately 35 minutes and then had Q&A afterwards, if there was time. 

Virtual vs F2F? Tough question! I enjoyed being virtual because I was able to explore at my own pace. There was three areas to "speak" with others instead of being F2F. This would be a similar conversation if one was asked would you rather talk to a person on the phone or send them a text. To me, I can get to the "content" or "meat" of the session much more quickly via texting or virtual meetings. I would enjoy F2F if I wanted a more personal and relaxed atmosphere, but I find myself "goofing-off" rather than working at times. I can multi-task much more quickly when I am focused and have an agenda to adhere too. Knowing what I have to do and doing it are two different things. The virtual world seems to help my focus by enabling me to see my final work in one area. 

I took part in the following sessions:

Day 1

1. eBook with Chrys Amy Dean (chrys.dean@mail.wvu.edu)
2. Samsung Galaxy Tablets for k12 with Bill Smith (bsmith@sea.samsung.com)
3. Personalized Learning for Every Student with Jim Snyder
4. Becoming Lead Learner with Steve Hargadon's Keynote Address
5. Tradigital History with James Beeghley (jamesbeeghley@centralpenn.edu)
6. Tech Tools for Blended Delivery with Diane Zinn (dzinn@access.k12.wv.us)
7. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Edline isn't just about posting grade with Cyndee Philyaw (cphilyaw@edline.com)
8. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Digital Citizenship and Cyber Bullying with Jan Sypnleski

Day 2

1. Global Projects with Karen Karr
2. Discovering Wonder: Using Tools for Engagement with Blanca Duarte
3. Take Your Classroom Global
4. XPOCAST Enterprise Resource for Planning Project
5. Skype and Prezzi: Bringing the world to your classroom with Leigh Ann Hood
6. Implementing the Common Core State Standards
7. Mobile Learning: iPad apps for Education with Yvonne Sloretz
8. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Technology of Anne Frank with Amy Smith
9. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Smithsonian History Explorer with Mark Moore
10. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Kids Love Math on Sumdog with Elaine Matheny
11. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) If It's Not Free It's Not For Me with Letia Cooper
12. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Organizing Your Digital Life with Mark Moore
13. (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) Using Technology to enhance LangArts Classroom with Ron Miles

After viewing these sessions, I can sit back and reflect on which ones had the biggest impact. Some were boring only because it felt as if there was a "sales pitch". Those, in my opinion, should be projected to the higher authorities above us since we have no buying power. As I was filling out the documentation form to be put into my ePortfolio, I noticed that the videos that I thought were boring were not in the video list. This makes me assume that they do not count for the 16 required sessions. So this is the reason why I have so many on my (OFFLINE-ON DEMAND) list. Another reason is that I wanted something new and materials that I could use this year not only in my classroom but to help other teachers in our educational system. 

My favorites:

1. Tradigital History with James Beeghley (jamesbeeghley@centralpenn.edu)
This session held my attention throughout the entire viewing. 
2. Tech Tools for Blended Delivery with Diane Zinn (dzinn@access.k12.wv.us)
3. Smithsonian History Explorer with Mark Moore
Mark Moore did a fantastic presentation of the Smithsonian Website. I watched him during the Beckley meeting while he was doing the Thinkfinity website and SAS Curriculum. He takes each part of the site and explains what it is and how it works. 
4. Technology of Anne Frank with Amy Smith
This was a great session to see how to incorporate new technology into an old lesson. I have been struggling with deciding on which platform to use as my blended delivery project. I am in between Edmodo and Schoology. After this session, I am leaning more along the lines of Schoology because I can create artifacts and they do not have to be shown until I am ready for them to be viewed. 

My "not-so-hot" list:
1. XPOCAST Enterprise Resource for Planning Project
2. Edline isn't just about posting grade with Cyndee Philyaw (cphilyaw@edline.com)