The ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the realm of education technology. If you work in education, the chances are high that you have attended or want to attend! So let’s get into it!
What is the ISTE conference all about?
Each year, educators, thought leaders, and industry experts gather to explore the intersection of technology and learning, sharing insights and best practices that shape the future of education. Attendees engage in dynamic hands-on learning experiences, gaining invaluable knowledge and skills to enhance teaching and learning in the digital age. Attendees delve into the latest trends, tools, and resources in the expansive exhibit hall, while also discovering innovative teaching strategies ready for immediate implementation. It is THE place to be to get inspired for the next school year!
Where is ISTE this year?
This year, ISTELive is on June 23-26 in Denver. Colorado here we come! Beyond the enriching sessions and workshops, the conference always seems to foster a vibrant community where educators from around the globe connect, collaborate, and build lasting professional relationships. Whether earning professional development credits or simply seeking inspiration, the ISTE conference serves as a catalyst for educators to propel their careers forward and make a meaningful impact.
Whether you are attending for the first time or you are an ISTELive pro, now is a good time to prepare for the conference. As educators and former ISTE attendees, we’ve compiled our top 5 tips to make the most out of your ISTE experience.
Top 5 Must-Read Tips for Educators Attending:
1. Start with WHY
You might be attending the conference to explore certain topics or to find a new digital tool for your class. Perhaps you’re looking to make new meaningful connections in the field. Maybe it’s all of the above! In any case, focusing your attention on certain goals and your overall “why” for attending will help make your experience more meaningful. Here are some examples of what your goals might be for attending ISTE this year:
- Uncover inventive teaching methods and effective strategies ready for immediate implementation.
- Gain insights from forward-thinking speakers who are influencing the direction of education.
- Navigate through a vast exhibit hall to discover cutting-edge edtech tools and resources to bring to your class.
- Forge connections with educators worldwide to expand your professional circle.
- Accrue professional development credits to propel your career and showcase your mastery.
2. Know before you GO
Although wandering can be enjoyable, compiling a list of intriguing exhibitors and sessions in advance can prevent you from overlooking anything you’re eager to discover. With 900+ sessions available, you’re going to need to take out your planner and start recording your daily conference activities!
You can search online for sessions that align with your professional goals and favorite them now and save important ones to your calendar with the room/location. Then, fill in any gaps in your schedule by setting up meetings or browsing the booths. By planning in advance, you can make the most of your time while at the conference. Of course, uncovering your WHY for attending first, will help you decide where to start.
3. Bring home something NEW
If there’s any conference to learn what the future holds for education – it’s ISTE! Challenge yourself to come home learning something new. Attending Poster Sessions and Playgrounds at ISTE are where some of the most innovative and tangible ideas seem to live. Poster sessions allow you to walk through many educator’s presentations in a science-fair style. Playgrounds are where you can play with interactive technology in real-time.
How will AI impact classrooms next year? What role does VR play in college exploration? What new tools are transforming education that you might not have heard about yet? Walk through the exhibit hall with your list of targets, but be open to what else you might unexpectedly come across.
If you’re looking to crush your school’s reading goals and learn about the newest technology impacting student’s reading success, come on by the ReadTheory booth #751 and fuel up with a complementary coffee. Book a meeting time in advance to ensure you snag a time that fits in your schedule!
4. Look UP
Don’t forget to look UP. Who is in front of you in the coffee line? Who is sitting next to you when you arrive early for a session? The best ideas and conversations often come from other conference attendees. By looking UP, engaging, smiling, and being open, you will draw in other attendees who are also looking to connect.
In advance of the conference, if you’re looking to network, or are attending solo and want to find a crew to hang with, it’s a good idea to do some connecting ahead of time. Search for “#ISTELive” on social media to find others who are attending.
If growing your PLN is a part of your WHY for attending. Be sure to also consider attending networking events, mixers, or social gatherings organized as part of the conference program. These provide structured environments conducive to introductions and conversations.
5. Don’t FORGET
At the ISTE conference, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, but with some organization, you can effectively capture and retain valuable insights. Start by utilizing digital tools such as note-taking apps or productivity platforms to jot down key points, memorable quotes, and innovative ideas shared during sessions.
Our favorite top 3 free note-taking apps are:
- Microsoft OneNote
- Google Keep
- EverNote
Don’t underestimate the importance of personal reflection. Whether this is on your flight home, or the day you get back, try to set aside time to identify key takeaways, and contemplate how you can apply newfound knowledge. Reflect on how you can use any new ideas in your own classroom and who else you should share your ideas with.
You could even consider sharing your notes with colleagues and administrators during a post-conference professional development presentation!
We hope you found these suggestions helpful. From real-world lessons that empower students, to groundbreaking ways to collaborate, to leading-edge edtech tools, you’ll find out how to lead next-gen learning during! Hope to see you in Denver!
Please comment below with any ideas of your own. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, @ReadTheory, for more tips and updates.
