ISTE Conference

Something else I've become involved in! Last year I was very lucky to be able to be one of the team who worked on the proposals for this conference. I learned so much and was amazed at the depth of talent and knowledge out there. This was another of the factors that made me want to take my education and knowledge further.

2011 Challenges

Off to a great start today with our session with Mark, our new ICT facilitator. Started off with a bit of a challenge - The Marshmallow Challenge!

Loved hearing everyone's thoughts about what they got out of the activity. Some of us are going

to attempt the challenge with our new students this week. They will no doubt be very creative!

It's such a great activity to remind you to listen to the ideas of others and to think about the framework needed in order to achieve the big picture goals - the 'marshmallow'.

Thanks for a brilliant and inspiring session.

Check out the link below if you would like a challenge for any age group.

The Marshmallow Challenge

Youtube and Quietube

During one of the online presentations on the UNconference, one of the speakers talked about how to share Youtube videos without all the ads and comments, which are sometimes inappropriate for some age levels.
Go to Quietube where you can drag the icon to your bookmark / toolbar and then click on this when you want to view the video without all the extras. You can also add the video to your blogs, etc without all the ads and comments.
Lots of other tools shared during the presentation, including one where you can edit a Youtube video so that you just have the section you want to use. It doesn't alter the original. The site for this is called TubeChop.

Interesting thoughts on what motivates us

GEDCON

Being involved in this has been a real eye-opener! I have learned a lot in terms of how to help run a conference on this scale
and also about the use of technology that means that you are able to reach a global audience without the constraints of travel and cost and, in some cases, language barriers.
The potential for this type of conference and learning in the future is huge.
Everything is recorded on line and I'm really looking forward to having time in the holidays to be able to enjoy listening to more
of the speakers.

Some Fabulous Books

I've just bought The Treasure Tree - recommended by Jan - and Growing Up Global - the book written by one of the Keynote Speakers at the GEDCON. They are bot amazing. One gives you the tools to help children explore, respect and nurture each other's personalities and the other gives amazing ideas for promoting global links in the classroom. Can't wait to get started.

If anyone else is interested, the links for Growing up Global are here:

http://growingupglobal.net/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Growing-Up-Global-Raising-Children-to-Be-At-Home-in-the-World/113288945831

GEDCON

Only a few days to go until the conference. One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference is that I have been able to connect with like minds.

There are some amazing opportunities for collaboration out there.