Create more than consume (AETC take-aways and more)

My heart's in ISTE right now, but my feet are not. I am anxiously awaiting for the time when ISTE comes back closer to home so I can drive there. It's not easy funding PD on your own (I gotta find a grant next year).  On to talking about AETC (Alabama Educational Technology Conference) from a couple of weeks ago.

Presentation link

Tech conferences in the summer are a time to connect with friends in my professional learning network from outside my system and meet new people to add to my network. We all have something to contribute and learning to share that is half the battle. (As Jennifer Hogan always reminds me, I have a voice). In the midst of a fast-paced conference, sometimes it's hard to truly see what the takeaways are, I have learned after ISTE to reflect a week or so later to truly glean from the learning that took place. My session at AETC was on using tech tools to differentiate instruction. (The link is included below the picture to the handout if you are interested). My heart when I present is that every educator present as something to take back to their classroom. I've learned a lot over the last seven years presenting and still continue to learn. There is something though about sharing your voice, your passion, your gifts....and empowering others to do the same. If you have any questions about any of the tools in the presentation feel free to reach out to me via email, Twitter, or comment here.

My biggest take-away was a reaffirmation, a challenge to create more instead of just consuming. So often we are consumers of technology, we are takers, but not givers. I want to always be someone that adds back and gives back, to add my piece to the digital puzzle as we all work together to do what is best for our students. I have slacked on creating and lived in the consumer zone for the last year or so, but through this conference and some wisdom shared from my PLN, I'm ready to get back to creating more. (I have a list ;-)) So keep a watch on my LiveBinder for updates as I add more resources etc and feel free to share it with others at your school! We are truly are better together!