Over the last few days I've been tweaking my session: Curating the Conference: The Cure for Information Overload and I'm super excited to share the tools and tips I've learned over my last 7 trips to the ISTE conference. I've condensed the lecture piece of the session and built in some time to give participants a chance to put the tools to work and get themselves organized. So, if you are new to the conference or already overwhelmed by all the info flying around, come get 10+ takeaways to help you make the most of your ISTE experience on Sunday morning at 11. I'll also be bringing along a few "conference survival" treat bags for 15 of the attendees. 

Here's a quick newbie tip to use right now: Create a QR code that links to your contact info or website and make it your screensaver on your mobile devices. This will make it handy for people to scan. I've also read about people printing it and placing it in your badge holder for easy scanning. However you decide to give and collect contact info - be sure to keep it organized so it makes sense later. More on that Sunday...

Sunday's Session Info:
Curating the Conference: The Cure for Information Overload
Sunday, June 29, 11:00 am–12:00 pm
GWCC B309
Digital Age Teaching & Learning / Listen and Learn: Lecture

Free Tools I Like for QR Creation/Scanning:
I-nigma - for scanning
QR Code Generator: http://www.qrstuff.com 

The countdown is on. ISTE starts in less than a week! This year I am excited to have three classroom teachers coming with me - all are first-time ISTE attendees.  In an effort to help them get ready and anyone else that may want some packing tips, here goes...

1. Labels! As old school as it sounds, in years past, I wish I had printed a few sheets of labels with my contact info, etc. Business cards are great to have too, but labels are handy. When you arrive at ISTE and get your registration bag, you will find that it has lots of stuff to fill out - prize drawings, etc. There's usually an "Exhibit Hall Raffle Coupon Book" with about 100 coupons that require your contact info (if you choose to play). If you are into that kind of thing, save your cards and your time -  by affixing labels where contact info is needed. 

2. Water bottle. Your ISTE registration bag used to come with a water bottle. It didn't last year, so bring your own just in case. It is helpful to have throughout the day...especially in the southern heat. I always pack snacks too. 

3. Backpack. Unless you want to feel lopsided at the end of each day, bring a back pack. I find it much more comfortable than lugging my laptop, iPad and all that fun swag in a shoulder bag.

4. An Empty Suitcase or Duffle Bag. That fits inside your suitcase. This way, if you need to check an additional bag upon return home, you have one. There are MANY times I wished I had a better way to carry all my junk home. 

5. Comfortable shoes. Seriously. Your feet will thank you. 

Safe Travels! See you in Atlanta.

Our elementary school STEAM Team implemented an exciting Heat Transfer unit with our fifth grade students in May. Students investigated the topics of radiation, conduction and convection with a series of experiments and observations to help them gain a better understanding of heat transfer. Over three afternoons, students rotated through twelve stations designed to be hands-on investigative experiences and experiments. Each small group of students recorded their thinking and learning using an iPad as their Lab Notebook.  In it they documented the experiences with videos and photos and took notes using text, labels and voice recording.  One fifth grader commented that "I thought it was great because I am a hands-on learner and there was lots of that.  This lab idea really "up-ed" my learning!  It was a very fun experience to see science through all the stations and understand it better." 

I love creating videos to use as introductions for assignments and projects. They are a great way to get kids excited, and provide both teachers and students with instructions and guidelines that they can refer back to whenever they need to. This video did just that. The kids love seeing an avatar instead of their teachers. I created this video with Tellegami, iMovie and Book Creator for this video.