Today was the first day of #ISTE11 – the International Society of Technology in Education conference in Philadelphia.  ISTE is a professional organization for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. As I work with K-12 teachers and have undergraduate students develop materials to be used in the K-12 classroom, I knew this would be a valuable conference to attend and present.

It’s hard to formulate all my thoughts into a coherent statement, so I’m listing random phrases, statements, and organizations that struck me as something on which to reflect, and something to investigate further.

• “Unlocking potential” (theme of conference, but worth reflecting upon)
• Joining forces as a community to unlock potential
• Avoid the dreamkillers
• Pursue your passion with a purpose, to make a difference
• Embrace your own global journey Research Journalism Initiative (LINK)
• SHOUT (I’ve participated in these online seminars by Smithsonian scientists before)
• ePals – global electronic pen-pals
• The MY HERO Project
• Recommended book: Story Circle: Digital Storytelling Around the World, by John Hartley and Kelly McWilliam

And now for some of my favorite tweets…

I have a feeling the phrase “unlocking potential” also refers to the potential I still have to make a difference on students and teachers.  More to come in Day Two…