1. Good Teaching is Good Teaching
Instructional strategies that work in the math classroom are applicable to any classroom, including professional development. You can always take something away from any conference. I may not have gotten something from every session but I did get something from every conversation I had with fellow participants.
Instructional strategies that work in the math classroom are applicable to any classroom, including professional development. You can always take something away from any conference. I may not have gotten something from every session but I did get something from every conversation I had with fellow participants.
2. The amazing lack of technology in the teachers hands and heads
The majority of participants were taking notes the old school way (with pencil and paper). There were sessions being offered about Web 2.0 tools, Twitter and Facebook, yet none of that was accessible during the conference. Many teachers had never even heard of these 21st Century tools and were intrigued by the possibilities but were unable to fully understand their potential without the ability to connect. I personally attended several sessions only because the presenters are part of my PLN on Twitter.
The majority of participants were taking notes the old school way (with pencil and paper). There were sessions being offered about Web 2.0 tools, Twitter and Facebook, yet none of that was accessible during the conference. Many teachers had never even heard of these 21st Century tools and were intrigued by the possibilities but were unable to fully understand their potential without the ability to connect. I personally attended several sessions only because the presenters are part of my PLN on Twitter.
3. So many teachers willingly give everything away
In many other professions people do not give away for free everything they have created. I'm happy to say that is not in most teachers nature. Some of the presenters had a website or a blog with even more free stuff. I noticed in the conference app there was a place for the presenters to upload their handouts, but sadly there were only 2 there.
In many other professions people do not give away for free everything they have created. I'm happy to say that is not in most teachers nature. Some of the presenters had a website or a blog with even more free stuff. I noticed in the conference app there was a place for the presenters to upload their handouts, but sadly there were only 2 there.
All in all, it was a great time of learning. I had enlightening conversations with teachers from my district. It was also amazing to see so many teachers giving up their "vacation" time to become better teachers.
