Technology Race

Ok, I know blogging is something I could have done sooner, but was so busy with the day-to-day management and planning that I really didn't think I would have anything of relevance to say on a regular basis.  The day-to-day tasks will never go away, and I am glad about that because I truly love what I do.   

I set out on this journey as a result of a summer where the project implementations are minimal and I have time to reflect on the group's major accomplishments from last year.  I recently attended the ISTE2013 conference for the first time, and it was a great experience.  I have been to major conventions many times before, but somehow this one was different.

I was completely overwhelmed by the end of the first day, and came to the realization, that I would have to make decisions about the topics that would be of the greatest benefit to me, and what I could share with others.  This was an interesting process for me,  I made a plan, then a backup, and was determined to follow it.  All was well until I saw the tables where you could talk with presenters/facilitators one-on-one, and watch the students showcase their accomplishments and ask them questions.  It was fabulous, awe inspiring, and one of the best things I have ever done.

I went to some awesome sessions, learned so much from some of the best educators in the world, and had many conversations with a variety of people.  Their passion for education, experience, knowledge, and willingness to share was inspiring.

Deciding what to do with the resources moving forward is the challenge.  A few weeks before the conference some research on devices started to reevaluate my views on the future of computing.  I started to recognize the shift in my thoughts then, and the conference only solidified my beliefs.

All of us are overwhelmed with compiling, curating, and creating.  At the end of the day, all I can do is take them one at a time, let them sink in, and realize that the other resources will still be there for me when I need them.  Having organized groups of resources allows me to return to them for review, or share them with others as needed.

It is a technology race, but I will not always be the winner, that is not my goal.  I realize I will likely not have something to say every day, but can share resources with others that I find are valuable, and continue to review the resources of others and share them with the goal of student success in mind.  So, the bottom line for today is to enjoy the race and make a difference when I can.