I am so thrilled and excited to be at the KySTE Conference this year! I was unable to attend last summer and have missed the networking of any kind of conference where the folks who attend are on a similar path as me. I am a lover of learning and bringing the most cutting edge style of engagement and learning to our students. Here we go!
Session #1: Texting to the Extreme-Sexting
This was a great session that focussed on the latest trend with our "customers" also known as our students. Taking explicit pictures with the cell phone and sending or texting them to other people. I found it very interesting and sad that our society has become so desensitized to knowing right from wrong. When I was young, I was taught the difference between right and wrong--NEVER in a million, gazillion years would I have ever thought that our kids wouldn't understand the consequences of such a decision. Because of this session, I feel compelled to share what I know with my faculty and students--the important question is HOW and WHEN? I will let you know when I come up with the answer :-) If you are interested in learning more about this new frontier--check out the Kentucky Center for School Safety website.
This is different--an Apple computer at a technology conference. No-it isn't the new iPad--it is a laptop. But still, in a world where K-12 education relies solely on the PC, I am here using a MAC, blogging in real time about my experiences. So cool!! The presenter is discussing how it really doesn't matter the platform with which we use the technology--what matters is the ability to be connected. Does the Learning Style match the Digital Lifestyle of our prime customers--our students? From here, I am just going to take some notes...
She is talking about the MAC books--$999 for Kentucky Educators--WOW that is a GREAT price!! She is going through the various "hardware" pieces for K-12 including the iTouch. My own personal experience with the iTouch capability has come through my iPhone. My iPhone--how did I ever get along without it? This is what I do on a regular basis with my iPhone:
- check my email,
- the weather
- text my mom to check on my son
- read the latest blog posts by Dr. Holiday regarding Race to the Top Funding, new standards, etc.
- listen to music
- read various blogs by other administrator folks who have been at this WAY longer than me and are willing to share their celebrations, struggles, ideas, etc.
- buy movie tickets in advance
- listen to the calming sounds of the ocean
- view the latest Target ad :-)
- find out what happened in history on any given day.
- facebook (not at work, of course)
The list goes on and on--but what really amazes me is how this can all be done from my phone? How amazing is that? So, now she is talking about how Apple is collaborating with K-12 institutions in KY to Collaborate, Create, Distribute and Access--what does this really mean in the classroom? I will be back to discuss more on that one...
Stay tuned...
So I am back--tomorrow this session we will be looking at how Apple and the iPod Touch is being used to meet the needs of Diverse Learners. I will be back for that one for sure...
