Find your niche!

We have had some great PD opportunities the last couple of weeks.  We had a group of staff attend ITEC in Des Moines where Chris Like and LeAnne Wagner presented Mission Possible.  This conference is always a solid event with a lot of sharing from others across the state.  Later that week a group of staff attended EdCamp in Chicago.  Ed Camp is not a typical conference, rather it is an unconference where the agenda is determined by those in attendance.  Our staff went and stepped right in and facilitated some sessions.  We will be hosting something similar in February. Please stay tuned if you are interested.  Following that Jimmy and I had the chance to attend the ISTE Leadership Forum in Indianapolis.  I was very proud of Iowa and our district.  I felt like we had as much insight to offer as many other districts.   This is a great organization to stretch your learning if you are passionate about technology as a driver of change.  Additionally, check out what it takes to be a Google Certified Teacher and an Apple Distinguished Educator if this is where you find yourself gravitating.  These are two great programs! 

With all of this being said, I think the coolest thing that I heard by far this week came from Mrs. Ahrens' classroom. She was circling around to groups in her room and noticed that one of her students that was sick for the day had Skyped into her group's conversation.  The student then asked Mrs. Ahrens's a question and was able to have it answered right there. Talk about anytime anywhere learning!  I would encourage each of you to find something you want to do different in your classroom and see how the technology can help with that. Remember, the primary concern for all of us is teaching and learning, not the tech.

Wednesday after Mr. Raso's presentation we will be discussing a few iPads specific topics and giving you some time to work on missions in Mission Possible.  Colin Wikan will be holding Thursday After Class starting this week in his room D308 to host conversations centered around teaching with technology be sure to attend!    

Please let us know of any concerns you are commonly seeing or dealing with in your classrooms.  I think the more conversations we have about this together the better.