After attending the FETC 2013 conference in Orlando, Florida, I returned to DC filled to the brim with new ideas and technologies to share with my colleagues and try out with students. When reflecting on my time at FETC I came up with my top 5 takeaways that I'd like to share.
Top Takeaways:
1. Simplify: One thing FETC made clear...there is NO shortage of new and truly awesome technologies. It's hard not to want to use them all. However, in several of sessions and workshops, the K.I.S.S. (Google it if you don't know) method was emphasized. The need to simplify is even more important when working with adult ESL students who more often than not, have little experience using technology. The best approach is to focus on a few technologies that have the most relevance to the student's life and to choose technologies that work across platforms and devices. For this reason, my focus for our new semester will be on using gmail and Google+. I also will be using mobile devices to carry out instructional activities that are not app focused.
2. It's not about expensive tech tools: In Jackie Gerstein's awesome workshop Experiential Mobile Learning: Students Authentic Learning she emphasized using technology to enhance the activities you are already using. There is no need to "reinvent the wheel". Good luck finding a teacher who is not already putting in loads of extra hours planning lessons and managing their own personal learning. We don't have time to learn how to use a bunch of new tech tools like interactive white boards or computerized pens. Then consider the "app gap". Not all students have access to super smart phones or iPads. Integrating technology to enhance student learning is as simple as sending a text or taking a photo with your mobile device. For a list of really great ideas, check out Jackie Gerstein's weebly here .
3. Consider your environment: In order to broaden my horizons, I attended a session titled Linking Architecture and Education: Sustainable Design of Learning Environments. In all of the PD I've attended and personal learning I've done, the topic of classroom design was never broached. However classroom design and school architecture is extremely important to student learning (see scientific study here ). Colors, light, noise, and furniture arrangement are just a few factors that need to be deliberately considered. The design of a learning environment needs to reflect Maslow's hierarchy of needs according to presenter Anne Taylor. The habitability of a classroom is directly related to how nurturing the environment is to the learner's body, mind, and creative spirit. Also, I may have raised my hand when asked how many architects were in the room...I wanted to see what it felt like just for a day :)
4. Involve your educators: Schools must involve teachers in new technology testing, selection, and adoption because after all, aren't we the ones' using it? Far too often there is a disconnect between the IT folks and the teachers. We both should be in the business of education. IT does not exist in a bubble and in fact permeates all activities in a school, especially those in the classroom. When new technology is selected for a school, there must be an effort to include a diverse group of people in the selection process (including those that may not be so "tech savy"). The best decisions are informed and not one sided.
5. Final lesson learned: January in Orlando is MUCH more pleasant than January in Washington, DC
