With ISTE being one of the largest educational technology conferences, this behemoth of an event brings together thousands of educators from throughout the world. With so much to see, and so many people to listen to, where do you begin? In “ISTE 2017: The Game Plan of What You Can’t Miss [1],” Bryan L. Miller, educator community manager for Wonder Workshop, presented tips for how conference attendees can make the most out of ISTE 2017 from his own personal experiences of attending the conference.
Go with Google
There are a variety of sessions for educators to attend at ISTE 2017, including the Listen and Learn, Participate and Share, Explore and Create, and Engage and Connect sessions. While there is something for everyone, it is necessary to have a game plan and stay organized to ensure you’re able to see all that interests you.
Miller suggested taking a few hours to review all the sessions beforehand, and then creating a Google calendar of the sessions you plan to attend. This way, you’ll receive reminders of the next event on your schedule, leaving enough time for distractions along the way. “It’s easy to become side tracked at this event because there is so much happening everywhere,” said Miller.
Be WiFi- and Food-Savvy
Plan to be prepared for long days, packed with many people and much to see. With thousands of people in one location, access to WiFi may be limited, so if possible use a hotspot. Driving around the conference area will be difficult. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Pack food for lunch, or you could end up wasting valuable time waiting in line for lunch during peak hours.
Leave Sessions if You Want
Miller also reminded attendees not to feel obligated to sit through entire sessions. “This is your time to learn, and presenters are well versed in knowing that people get up for various reasons,” he said. If you think you’ll need to leave a session early to get to another session, find a seat in the back of the room.
(Next page: Sessions not-to-miss at ISTE 2017)
Must-See Sessions
Poster sessions give attendees the opportunity to walk around and hear about many different topics within just a few hours. Miller’s must-see poster sessions include Using Coding to Enhance Literacy [2], Integrating MakerSpace Technology into Library Programming [3], and Empowering Student Voice & Narratives through Space, Digital Stories, & Innovative Practice [4].
He is also looking forward to Online Professional Learning: Meet the Webinators [5] with edWeb.net. During this session, conference attendees can learn about edWeb professional learning, watch popular edWebinar clips, and connect with edWebinar presenters, or “webinators.”
Last, attendees shouldn’t miss keynote speakers [6] Jad Abumrad, host and creator of public radio’s Radiolab; Jenny Magiera, Chief Innovation Officer of Des Plaines Public Schools; and Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code.
Maximize Floor Time
The exhibit hall will be full of things to see, so use your time here efficiently. Spend time reviewing the floor plan [7] before you arrive so you know where your must-sees are. Come prepared with a bag to collect any swag that booths will be giving away.
Miller recommended pre-printing labels with your information to hand to booths that are doing giveaways, saving you time and ensuring your information is always legible. Keep in mind, some exhibitors give sessions right at their booths, which will be a perfect opportunity to connect with experts.
Make the most out of your time at ISTE by planning ahead for your must-sees and knowing your game plan.
About the Presenter
Bryan Miller, Educator Community Manager at Wonder Workshop, has been in education for 15 years and has worked in higher education, has been a kindergarten teacher, K-5 computer teacher, and director of educational technology at one of the largest private schools in the United States. He is an international keynoter and presenter and travels the world speaking to schools about the importance of, and how to integrate computer science and robotics into the core curriculum for K-8. Bryan currently leads the educational outreach team at Wonder Workshop.
Join the Community
Coding & Robotics K-8 [8] is a free professional learning community that supports teachers, administrators, and all educators to help students explore coding and robotics and develop math, logic, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and challenges them to think creatively.
This broadcast was hosted by edWeb.net [9] and sponsored by Wonder Workshop [10].
The recording of the edWebinar can be viewed by anyone here [1].
[Editor’s note: This piece is original content produced by edWeb.net. View more edWeb.net events here [11].]