Snapshots of Technology

UTC 2009 Keynote, Sessions, and Tweet Up

Today was the official kick-off of the Upstate Technology Conference in Greenville, SC. Chris Craft was the keynote speaker for the conference. I was so excited for Chris to get the keynote. Chris has been a friend for a few years and I have seen him grow in to an amazing presenter.

The keynote entitled, Superpowers for Everyday Heros was a exciting journey in to the life and classroom of Chris Craft. He shared many stories of how to get students engaged in his class. In class 326, he incorporates technology in all aspects of learning from settling the class with his gcast of what is happening in the class and the daily riddle to the opportunity for students to create video to show others how to speak spanish, specifically Jeff Corwin. Chris also shared his newest venture is SpanTube, a YouTube for teaching foreign languages. This was an idea that spawned from a class discussion with his sixth grade students.

Chris creatively incorporated his computer’s alter ego, Maria, and video of students to help him through the presentation. It was evident that the man standing on the stage was full of life and passion for kids. We need more Chris Crafts in education.

I enjoyed the Twitter dialogue throughout the day. Besure to search Twitter #UTC2009 and #UTC2009craft to catch up on the conversation. It was great to see the social side of technology so alive in a South Carolina conference. It shows a change is a comin’ to educators in the state. People are starting to connect across the state and world.

The coolest part of the day is I was able to meet up with about 20 tweeps from South Carolina at the Wild WIngs Cafe. The opportunity to sit and talk over a meal allowed for so much sharing and learning. As the conversations flowed across the table it was as if the Twitter feed was speaking outloud. Changes in topics, movement to listen more carefully to what was being said, and laughter. It was great to meet so many of the Twitter folks in person and I hope these relationships continue to develop a collaborative tight network in the state. We need to unite and move forward with technology integration!

Well, I am excited to see what tomorrow holds… Can you believe it TWO blog posts in TWO days?!? WhaHoo! Being around people who are as excited about technology education as I am inspires me to share. I wish every day were like today.

6 comments June 24th, 2009

Upstate Technology Conference 2009

Its that time again! UTC is officially here. I arrived in Greenville, SC today. The official kick-off for the conference is tomorrow morning. Of course I have spent the evening prepping for my presentation tomorrow – Building a Classroom without Walls.

But the evening started with a little socializing with people from my Twitter Personal Learning Network. I met up with @crafty184 – Chris Craft, @cathyjo – Cathy Nelson, @Shirley8153 – Shirley Smith, @jmccotgcs – Jeff McCoy and met a new PLN member @sraweltz – Stephanie Weltz. I must say this is the best thing about attending conferences. The opportunity to talk and share with people who know your struggles and successes is refreshing.

One of the topics we discussed tonight was blogging. I haven’t blogged in months. Not because I haven’t had ideas but because I just haven’t had the time or should I say made it a priority. Being around these folks makes me want to make it a priority. Funny thing is… I have been carrying around hand written notes (who does that anymore) of a blog post on transparency that I have not written yet. So take this as my word, I will write the post… soon.

1 comment June 23rd, 2009