Post-KySTE 2017 Reflection and Upcoming PD Opportunities

Last week was the biggest edtech annual conference in our region, KySTE 2017.  I presented on the SAMR model as well as game-based learning, and participated in the demo slam.  But I wasn't the only Shelby County staff member to attend and present!

• Sloan Burroughs presented on how her students videotape and share their ukelele performances through a Schoology Group.
• James Wampler discussed various strategies for using tech to engage with students.
• Caytie Burgin talked about being an instructor via Shelby County's Virtual Learning Academy.

While my own presentations created scheduling conflicts and I couldn't see everyone, I know from others and from Twitter that they did great:  

Proud of the great representation Shelby County showed at the @kystetech conference. pic.twitter.com/jNwCmRsFSN

— Shelby Co Schools Ky (@shelbycountysch) March 10, 2017

Here with Sloan Burroughs learning about Ukelele (Super) Heroes, utilizing @Schoology and YouTube! #kyste17 pic.twitter.com/u3wbERTBwe

— Adam Watson (@watsonedtech) March 9, 2017

Best 🏆 #KySTE17 presentation with Mr Wampler

— P.Forbes (@PForbes81) March 10, 2017

One example of an attendee coming back and being a leader in her building is Amy Frederick-Cooper, a science teacher at East Middle School.  During yesterday's faculty's learning time, Amy used a tool she just discovered, Classkick, to share some edtech tools she discovered at KySTE.  It was a wonderful "meta" and inquiry-based way for her fellow teachers to explore edtech and gain from her experience.

Here learning w/@EastMSMissiles faculty. @amyfredcoop is sharing what she learned from #KySTE17. In love now with @Classkick! #shelbyedchat

— Adam Watson (@watsonedtech) March 14, 2017

It was, as always, great to talk at KySTE with my non-Shelby colleagues that I unfortunately see much more often in Twitter chats and Google Hangout rather than in person.  And . . . as always . . . I brought home intriguing and useful tidbits, tools, strategies and information.

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The Edtech Share Fair is rapidly approaching next week on Wednesday, March 22!  If you haven't gotten your FREE tickets, be sure to visit our Eventbrite site to get yours.   More information on the Share Fair and its presenters below.  Remember, the event is open to Shelby parents and community members, as well as educators outside our district.

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Last, but not least, I have previously tweeted about Innovations for Learning, another great local learning conference in Lexington I have attended and presented at for the last few years.  It's free and open to all.  The conference itself is on June 1, and registration will begin next month for those who want to attend; however, the window is currently open for presentation proposals.   I highly encourage both my Shelby peeps and other readers of my blog to consider submitting your presentation ideas.   The deadline is April 18.

Looking for inspiring sessions for the IFL Conference. Apply now! https://t.co/MhvAAUYzQm. #KySTE17 @ItsAboutKidsFC pic.twitter.com/NFd5qsb565

— FCPS Inst Tech (@fcpsoit) March 10, 2017