Educational Technology for Authentic Lifelong Learning Conference

     Yesterday, I spent a rainy Saturday on campus learning a variety of ways to infuse technology to create a classroom that would facilitate authentic lifelong learning. The conference featured two keynote speakers plus to break away sessions in which choices were given for those sessions. Shelly Sanchez was the first keynote speaker while the second speaker was Susan Oxenvad. Going Google, Using iPads to Increase Student Engagement, ThingLink Wonders, Maker Space, From Imagination to Classroom using VR, and Cyber-Security, Copyright, & Fair Use were the break away sessions offered. I attended Going Google and From Imagination to Classroom using VR as my break away sessions. Since I struggle with using technology, I was hoping to become more comfortable with technology so it may be incorporated into my future classroom. I did take away some fantastic information and look forward to extending my knowledge through hands-on attempts and future conferences.

      Both of the keynote speakers presentation were from an online connection and recorded. This was a great way to illustrate how this technology could be used in the classrooms. I wish that the image of the first speaker was larger and that the volume of both speakers was increased since it was difficult to hear them in the back. That aside, the content of the speakers was very informative and engaging. Shelly discussed that classroom activities should move from project based to problem based learning.  An example she mentioned was about a boy who 3-D printed his own braces after  he extensively researched the topic. Another way Shelly suggested using technology is to incorporate blogs or Twitter since students are already involved in those types of apps in their free time. Safety was another point Shelly stressed. Protecting students form cyberbullies and learning not to do that to others is a key point she stressed. Susan spoke and presented wonderful tips for using technology for differentiated learning. She discussed in depth the ways to  present differentiated lessons by using ThingLink. These lessons were not only leveled but provided an engaging platform for students in which they could even contact the teacher and ask questions, if necessary. 

Going Google was the first break off session I attended. The videos she presented along with her descriptions of how tho use the program were enjoyable and allowed me to become more familiar with using this tool. My second break away class was focused on the use of  VR  headsets and how they can promote distance learning. For instance, if students were learning about China,  the headset could have a program in which students could virtually visit China. This type of learning could bring other countries to life by bringing them right to the classroom. Not many school districts have this technology yet but perhaps through grant money or donations, VR headsets will be infused into school curriculum soon. 

After yesterdays  conference, my unfamiliarity with technology is decreasing. I'm hopeful that through other conferences and hands-on practice, I will be able to use technology to create engaging lesson plans for my future classroom.