Connections #ISTE12 #EdChat

Well, here is the first of many #ISTE12 posts that will be coming from me and many other people over the course of the next few weeks. My first post is going to be about making connections and how they can change the way your think and teach.

ISTE12 was a very busy conference for me. I did 1 workshop and 2 panel presentations. On top of that, I hosted (the best) party at ISTE with my fellow #EduBro Tim. I had meetings with vendors and an impromptu session in the newbie lounge. I'm not sure I would have been able to do any or all of this without the support of my friends. The people I have grown to know and love have been side by side with me during this week and I can never repay that.

All of the work for these various sessions and vendors was completed online and touched up in person before each session. These connections made it possible to get this work done in our busy schedules. We respect and care for each other so much, we work hard to support everyone hover we can. This is something that is hard to truly explain to people who do not get it.

I had a chance to grow this group of friends this week meeting some awesome people from Australia, Louisiana, Massachusetts and other states looking to learn, share and grow. My only fear is that there is not enough time to collaborate with all of them. I will make the time somehow.

I wish people in my district could feel the feels I have or experience the events and see the value. I wish I could transfer all of this to some teachers Vulcan Mind Meld style to get them to understand the power of being a connected educator.

As Tim and I start planning for the #EduBros Big Adventure in San Antonio for #ISTE13, I'm already excited about the prospect of picking up where we left off and meeting more people to learn from.

I hope those of you that are hesitant to reach out and connect will take the next step and engage those educators around you and try and find a way to make it to #ISTE13.