Well, I'm back home. So, now what?
I've spent some of my most amazing days as an educator at #ISTE10. So, now what?
I talked to some amazing people and shared ideas about education and technology. So, now what?
I'm filled to the brim with ideas to change the education world. So, now what?
I've been inspired to look at my own practices in my classroom regarding IWB's, Tech integration and teaching in general. So, now what?
I've seen what a conference and an unconference can be. So, now what?
I know not what to do with Power Point. So, now what? (Still too soon?)
I realized that I'm not alone in the edtech world. So, now what?
It's now July and I have a couple of months before I will be able to get back to school and talk about these ideas with the powers that be. So, now what?
I'm not sure where this blog post is going to be honest. Probably going to lose a few readers for that sentence, but it needs to be said because I think it sums up where I am after the conference. I feel that there is so much to be done and I have no idea where to start. In my "Man in the Mirror" post, I stated that the change that we want has to start with yourself. I still believe that MJ's song still applies here, but I'm worried trying tackle all of these issues at once will force the situation to turn into "Beat It" or possibly "Thriller". So, now what?
After my mini freak out, I realized that it is going to be just fine. I don't have to change everyone in my district tomorrow or the next day. I don't have to rewrite all of my lessons by September. I don't need to contact every person I met and follow up with conversations we had. I don't need to reinvent my teaching style overnight. I don't need to do it all. I don't need to do it alone. So, now what?
Changing education is not an uphill battle, it's an all out war. People are on their side and will continue to fight for what they think is best for students and teachers. The battles is where the teachers can start to make a difference. The battles take place in the classrooms, the schools and the districts. If you can win those battles, we can start to win the war. So, now what?
I need to pick my battles. I'm not sure which one those are going to be, but that's OK for now. Take a few days and relax as you think about the battles you are going to choose. Know that we are all on the same team and will provide support for all of the battles you choose to face. If we all choose our battles carefully, we will win the war and change the educational landscape. Do you feel better? Calm? Relaxed? Have you picked your first battle? Good. So, now what?
P.S.
I've opened up my Facebook account for a limited time to connect with my new friends. I'm the Nicholas Provenzano with the ISTE Bear in my Profile picture.
- @TheNerdyTeacher
It's an overwhelming situation at times. So many ideas, tools, tasks and as you stay connected and further connect, they just keep coming! I have spent the better part of June trying to get a handle on all the notes I took throughout the year in class and while discussing ideas online. I attended ISTE10 virtually and still picked up many things.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion would be to prioritize those ideas you have right now. What do you REALLY want to accomplish before school begins and during the year? As new ideas continue to form and develop, add them to the appropriate list. Keep trying to tackle those things you find most important to you and your students.
As far as the battle goes, you just spent the last few days building your own personal army. Sure they are gathered throughout the world and have their own personal "battles" to attend to, but they are certainly kindred spirits and have your back.
Good luck and have fun!
Big events like #iste10 are just that, events. I feel like each time I attend a conference, I get all fired up and come home and crash. I think you have it right, take small steps and go from there. You know you have people to bounce ideas off of and back you up. It just feels so much better having met them in person. I think it really solidifies the connection!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I feel the same way
ReplyDeleteAllen in Canada
I couldn't attend iste10 but planning to attend iste11. I am curious about IWB ideas.....got one & taught a PD on SmartBoards. I would like to improve my daily use.
ReplyDeleteI felt this way after a conference recently too. I think it is essential to keep the conversations going with the participants that you shared the 'journey' with.
ReplyDeleteNick, remember, change is a process, not an event. :) You may be interested in reading the work of Hall & Hord et al and Concerns Based Adoption Model. Message me on fb if you want more specific refs. :)
ReplyDelete