No ISTE Attendee Left Behind

If you're like me and unable to attend ISTE, EBC11 and TEDxPhilly this year, don't worry. There's still lots of learning to be had, if you don't mind spending some time in front of your computer. Here's some ways you can still participate in some of the excellent conversations going on in Philadelphia over the next few days:

• Follow these hashtags on Twitter: #ISTE11, #EBC11, #TEDxPhiladelphiaEd and #TEDxPhillyEd (If you use Tweetdeck, it's a little easier to create columns and follow the streams well into the next few weeks as people continue to mull over their thoughts and the resources)
• Watch a few presentations as they happen LIVE! 
• TEDxPhilly is streaming live here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tedxphiladelphiaed
• ISTE Unplugged: http://www.isteunplugged.com/ for the schedule
• Check out the EBC11 (EdubloggerCon) schedule and don't miss the energizing, head-spinning Web 2.0 Smackdown at 2:00 EST that will be streamed AND the keynote smackdown and 4:00 EST. Also, follow the Twitter streams because lots of the other sessions are frequently streamed informally and spontaneously. Watch for uStream URLs flowing through the Twitterverse.
• Follow these folks on Twitter (to name just a few). They don't know it but will be your Learning Docents over the next few days:
• Steve Dembo
• Dean Shareski
• Teryl Magee
• Angela Maiers
• Jen Wagner (not attending, but don't let that fool you)
• Scott Meech
• Kristin Hokanson
• Beth Still
• Ryan Bretag
• Ken Shelton
• Wes Fryer
• Shannon Miller
• Most importantly, watch who the above folks interact with and follow those people, too. That's where the "network" part of "social network" comes into play.

Not attending, like me? Sure we lose out on seeing our virtual friends in person, and joining in on those valuable face to face conversations, and experiencing those presentations that won't be streamed, but here's my Top Ten reasons why attending virtually can be EVEN BETTER!

Top Ten Reasons Why Attending Virtually Can Be Even Better!

Photo Credit: Beth Still (Flickr:beth69358)

10. No blisters on your feet from excessive walking as a matter of fact, you can feel free to walk around in shoes much like Angela Maiers or Carol Anne McGuire do. 

9. No maps needed. You know exactly which room in your house to go to find your computer.

8. If someone chats with you and you're not interested, you can simply click the "unfollow" button. Try that in real life!

7. No long flights but feel free to sleep sitting up the night before anyway. 

6. No need to plan your meals around evening vendor presentations; however go ahead and make just a few cold sweet and sour meatballs and 2 chicken wings just for kicks.

5. No need to say "wid" or "widdout." Just no need.

4. No need to wear a nametag, unless you're like me and never home, in which case you may want to because it may help your family avoid embarrassment when addressing you.

3. By following the Twitter stream, you'll find a new addiction. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

2. While your ISTE-attending friends may be golfing or attending baseball games (yes, you know who you are), you can be sure to share your 2-cents by leaving snarky comments when they post those photos online. This will ensure an invite for you next time.

And the NUMBER ONE REASON why attending from home can be EVEN BETTER:

1. Think of all the money you are saving. With the money you are NOT spending this year and a few dollars you can start putting aside every week now, you can start making plans to attend with me next year!

Where Has Chivalry Gone?

Boys, here's how to treat a lady:

Continue Your Learning This Summer - A Guest Post by Mike Soskil

Mike Soskil is a fifth grade teacher, has presented many professional development sessions on educational technology and mathematical concept development, and is the writer of A Teacher’s Life for Me, a blog focused on improving educational practices.

When summer comes, many of the sources of stress that drain your physical and emotional energy during the school year disappear.  Along with having some extra time to do some of the things you love other than teaching, it’s a fantastic time to learn, share, and find new inspiration that will make your classroom more enjoyable for yourself and your students.  So, when you are not taking a little time to enjoy camping in the woods, lounging on a beach somewhere, or whatever it is that you do to relax, here are five ways to continue your learning during the summer:

1. Participate in a Professional Learning Network (PLN) – Nothing that I have experienced in my career has taught me more or inspired me as much as my PLN.  Whether through collaboration using social networks like Facebook, Plurk, and Twitter, seeing different points of view on the blogs that I follow, interacting with those that follow my blog, or learning through my membership in professional organizations, I am constantly gaining insight as to how to better do my job.  During the summer, all of those resources are still available.  
2. Read a Book – It’s often hard to find the time to read during the school year.  During the summer, though, I’ve been able to read some great books that helped me grow as a teacher.  If you’re not sure what to read, ask your PLN. I’m sure they’ll have great ideas.  Another option is to join a book group on a site like Goodreads.  Two of the more influential books on education I’ve read are The Element by Sir Ken Robinson and Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen.
3. Attend and/or Present at a Conference – Educational conferences are fantastic places to both pick up new ideas for your classroom and network with other professionals.  Many take place during the summer months to make it easier for educators to attend.  Presenting is an extremely rewarding experience that often comes with the benefit of a free or reduced registration fee.
4. Browse Through Bookmarks - During the school year I am flooded with great new websites and web 2.0 tools that are shared by my PLN.  Many I save in my Delicious account and never get the chance to play around with to see if they are useful in my 5th grade classroom.  There’s just not enough time.  Summer is a perfect opportunity to spend some time playing with these tools.  You might discover something you love.
5. Download Content from iTunes U - Many people don’t realize how much free content is available on iTunes for teachers.  There are over 350,000 free lectures, videos, and films available covering just about every possible topic.  The best part is that you can listen or watch them while you go for a run, garden, lounge by the pool, or even while you stick your feet in the sand on the beach.  

Photo Credit:  www.freedigitalphotos.net / graur razvan ionut