When ISTE Doesn't Offer the Session, Go Find It

I quickly realized, after looking at the ISTE app, that the conference tended to cater toward a broad audience and toward those who are new to technology. They also tended to focus less on the context and more on the platforms being used (tons of app-tastic stuff). I have experience with blogging, podcasting and multimedia design. I know how to use apps.  

Initially, I wanted to criticize the conference. I wanted to make big, bold statements about the focus of educators. I wanted to stand on a pedestal and judge. But then something snapped in me. I realized that I was at a booth next to someone who was doing amazing things in her school. 

So, I asked questions. I crafted my own sessions uses a much more human search engine of "Does anyone know anyone who does programming with middle school kids?" 

I found someone who taught design and computer code and he brought me over to someone else who shared a ton of resources with me. We talked about the possibilities and limitations of Raspberry Pi and he shared some ideas about robotics and Python. I met up, yet again, with Gregory Hill, to talk about how we navigate the chaos of maker spaces in low-SES contexts. 

I met up with Lisa Dabbs and Jeremy Macdonald and talked about ELL strategies. It wasn't just a sharing of ideas. It was also a sharing of our own shared experience in teaching that subject. 

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the sessions I went to. I enjoyed the experience of getting to know people in person that I already know online. I enjoyed hearing about people's passions for things outside of education (photography, ultimate frisbee, etc.). However, I also enjoyed having one-on-one conversations about people who have the wisdom, expertise and experience in areas where I am just beginning to explore.  

I still attended ISTE. I still went to the formal, prepared sessions. However, when they didn't have what I was looking for, I found people and asked questions.