The countdown is on and I am working this week to start
preparing! Here is a list of my Top 5
Tips to Prepare for #FETC15! Can’t wait
to meet new tech friends and see past tech pals!
#1: Identify Your Goals
For each conference, I always try to clearly answer these
two questions:
“What do I hope to learn?” and “What can I look to
share?” This year I was able to answer
these questions pretty easily. My first
goal this year is to find out how universities are preparing preservice
teachers to integrate multimodal and digital literacies. I also am excited to see how teachers are
finding ways to empower students to guide their own learning through use of
technology. After my action research
this year, I am eager to share what I have discovered about learning space
design at my poster session on Thursday from 2:30-3:30. I am also setting out to find all teachers
that are interested in “Going Global” and connecting their students with
students from around the world!
#2: Plan Your Schedule
This year’s conference schedule is available and ready for
download at http://fetc.org/Events/Educational-Technology-Conference/Information/HOME.aspx. This year, I am trying to befriend my 3-hole
puncher! There is nothing like newly
printed papers, hole punched, and organized into a binder! Today, I took out my highlighter and started
selecting sessions. Since I work best
through brainstorming and collaborating, I always love attending session with
my colleagues and friends. Contact
friends this week to plan out must-attend sessions, workshops, and times to
meet at the exhibit hall, Makers’ Hub and STEM Demo Area. After presenting in an IGNITE session at
ISTE, I have a new obsession with these new, innovative, and fast-paced style
sessions. This year, I can’t wait to get
to all the ASPIRE sessions to get ready-to-implement ideas from
transformational leaders and experts in the field!
#3: Identify Your “Must-Meets” & Start the Conversation
At each conference, I always set out to meet three or four
change-agents that have inspired me to be a better teacher and leader. My “must-meets” always tend to include an
influential educator and also an organization or company that has made my
teaching practices better! Next, after I
find my “must-meets” and identifying their sessions, I start the
conversation. I reach out on Twitter and
through email and let my “must-meets” know I am looking forward to
connecting!
#4: Set Out to Share & Connect
I have seen first-hand the importance of connection and
collaboration and firmly believe that strong relationships and friendships are
key to happiness and success as a teacher.
So, for FETC, set out to share and connect! Print up some simple business cards or
contact cards with all your information including school, email, Twitter
handle, and research interests. A
headshot or QR code are also great add-ons.
Make sure to update all your social media accounts with your current
information and then start sharing! You
can use the hashtag #FETC to share your plans for the conference.
#5: Meet up with Your PLC & Celebrate!
FETC is a great time to celebrate your accomplishments and
share your goals for the future with members of your Professional Learning
Community. I love how hallways and
corridors of the conference center are alive with conversations and any moment
at FETC is a great time to develop relationships and meet new friends. Utilize the scheduled social events and lunch
and dinner hours to meet up with friends from the past!
Can’t wait to see you all next week! Let’s keep the conversation going! What are your goals for FETC 2015?
