Spice it Up!

It's been a week since our local Spice it Up! technology conference and I still feel a bit high/giddy.  It was a fantastic day of learning and networking, and so much worth all the time I put into the planning and preparation for it.  Over 300 educators attended and there were 50+ breakout sessions.  Kevin Honeycutt was our keynote speaker; his message and way of delivery was perfect for our crowd. 

Our Superintendent pulled out about 5 minutes of Kevin's keynote to include in his "back to school broadcast" that all district employees saw on Wednesday morning.  I didn't know  he was going to do this, but I am so glad!   Kevin explained that teachers don't have to know everything about a technology tool (software, online application) before using it with students.  If the teacher has a basic knowledge of a tool and knows what it does, they do not need to wait until they "know it all." The students can figure it out with the teacher and will appreciate having the opportunity.  Another point from this 5 min clip was that we worry too much about not having a computer for every student so that all students are working on the same project.  Instead, he suggests that we set up the expectation that students demonstrate their learning in a way that makes sense to them, with and without technology.  The students differentiate themselves.   "Empowerment comes from being trusted to attack learning according to your own strengths."

As the primary organizer of the conference, I so much appreciate the time and efforts of many people.  There were 50+ presenters who stepped up to offer their colleagues the opportunity to see how they use technology in their own classrooms; giving their colleagues the courage to try similar lessons with their own students.  Sarah Banks Middle School graciously hosts the conference, and the leadership of Brad Paddock, the principal, was invaluable.  The Banks custodians and secretaries helped to make the building look  inviting,  and the teachers seemed happy to prepare their classrsooms and share their equipment.  The entire IT department worked behind-the-scenes making sure the wireless network was working, sites were unblocked, etc.  Amy Stasak and Cheryl Roden provided tech support throughout the day.  My husband manned the registration desk and handled all the lunch orders.  I thank all of these people who helped to make the day a success. 

I'm thinking about ways to keep the m0mentum going and am considering trying to facilitate an unconference several times throughout the year.  When I was in Boston with the Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council, I experienced an unconference for the first time, and I think this format could work well for us. 

For those who were unable to attend, electronic handouts from breakout sessions are available on the Walled Lake Instructional Technology website.  Photos I took at the conference are here.