PLAN+HERE

--Kelli, 12/21/08
 * Summary of Events:**
 * We will have about 20 minutes max to present our impresssions/experiences of the conference, share stand-out information, what we have implemented and where our personal growth is because of attendance to this conference.
 * We can try to some information from David Warlick to share with the BOE or any other presenters. (his vision would help)
 * Application in the classroom is needed because, after all, this is the main reason for our trip.
 * We need to showcase technology talking about technology. Whether the expenses on technology are justified. We need to use it, show it being used and talk about the increased engagement of our students because of the technology.
 * POSSIBLE TECHNOLOGY TO USE: ActivPanel showcasing the software, digital video, wikispaces, etc.

When I think back on the trip in October, I barely remember the presenter's names, let alone what they said. However, like the vagueness of a dream, I do remember two things about the first and last presenter. Paul Sapho had incredible VISION. He inspired me to push myself to take risks with the technology, to ponder the infinite when designing lessons with technology, and to be fearless. This VISION has motivated me to be bold to the risk of silliness sometimes, but then, "play" is one of Daniel Pink's elements of the 21st century America. The last presenter Warlick or Warlock (no, I know that isn't right) demonstrated how VISION looks when the technology is understood. Hence, he gave me REALIZATION. These are the two main umbrellas I walked away with from the conference.

So. . . what does all this mean to me, the students, the school, and the district, AND the future of the world? Somehow, I have been given enough opportunity through the generosity of the Board to firmly establish a VISION, give birth to it through innovation in the classroom, make meaningful connections with my students, and through a system of technology and principles of application allow them to growand mulitply ideas, discover the truth, and gain a sense of fulfillment. I think it important to explain that these opportunities develop VISION and REALIZATION. Without VISION, nations perish. (Someone famous said this but I don't know who it was, research necessary here). And without VISION, REALIZATION is only REPETITION. My two cents worth is done. . . next? **Barbara**

Nicely worded Barb:)

I absolutely agree with Barb about the Vision and Realization. I would also have to add that the messages that were conveyed at the T & L Conferenced provided me the affirmation I needed to continue my pursuit of technology in the classroom. Every workshop/roundtable I went to directly impacted my teaching as soon as I came back. I have in one way or the other applied and adapted technology throughout me lessons to be more meaningful. Technology although once thought of as a tool is becoming it's own media. Laurie

I like the idea of "technology becoming its own media." Yes, it is no longer the "think" I add to my lessons, but it has a life of its own. It is always present in one form or another. AND, when it is absent, for whatever reason, the behavior of my students, i.e. their engagement, is readily apparent as off task. Immediately I realize how much of their "lifeblood" it is. Today, more than ever, we can ill afford to be in the classroom with it. So now we have three umbrellas: **vision, affirmation, and realization, all solid reasons why the Board must continue to value technology conferences for teachers.

As we think about a presentation to the board, what about an interview with our students. We could present a small video allowing the children to state the impact that technology has in their lives, what they think of it in the classroom and maybe even what their teachers brought back to the classroom after our conference. Laurie

Below are a couple of key points that I took away from the T & L conference.


 * John Dewey "If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our students of tomorrow."


 * We have 1,000,000 optical nerves to 30,000 auditory nerves. Visual imagery is a powerful medium.


 * We have recently left the consumer era to venture into the new, unknown era of interactive media.


 * David Warlick quoted "For the first time in history, our jobs as educators it to prepare our children for a future that we can not clearly describe."

What does it mean to be literate in this new overwhelming informational age. David Warlick expands the 3R's to meet a new generation of learners and the future workforce.

reading expands into "Exposing What is True" writing "Expressing ideas compellingly" arithematic "Expanding Information"


 * Technology is a natural motivator and children are very proficent using and learning technologies.


 * The experiences I had and the support that I have been given over the last couple of years has left a lasting impression on my professional and personal life. I look and see the change occuring all around me. Technology is constantly growing and changing the dynamics of everyday life.

Laurie**
 * Final thought for now...On our way home from Chicago at 3 something in the morning :) (good times) - I was watching the documentary that was showing on the plane. I found irony in the show they played. It was about a man who took a bet back in the early 1900's. I can't remember his name - but the message couldn't have been more appropriate to me at the time. He took a bet that he could make it cross country in one of those new automobiles. The other men didn't believe he could make it. The automobile would only every be useful for town driving. The horse was reliable and could make it on the hard journies across the country. The automobile would never replace the horse. I dozed off and missed the end...but we all now the real truth and the change that the automobile brough to our society. So we can deny the importance of technology...but we all know the real truth and the change that technology will continue to make.

12/18 I like the idea of interviewing some students. We could interview different grade levels and then put it together with some video of them working on projects, at the flipchart, etc. If the eyes are the medium to the soul, let's turn on the Board with the visual images. WE could create a movie to show on the big screen. I like this idea. **Barbara**