So much to learn, so little time. How does a person even begin to whittle down a selection of more than 900 sessions and activities into a mere four-day schedule?
Every educator approaches the ISTE Conference and Expo differently. Some like to dive deep into a particular model or strategy they want to learn how to implement. Others elect to get a broad sampling of the latest ed tech developments.
Whatever your preference, we thought we’d help you get started by highlighting the most exciting, talked-about topics you’ll see featured at ISTE 2014.
1. Maker movement
Tinkering not only engages students’ creativity, but it can be a powerful gateway to STEM subjects. Educators across the world are bringing the maker movement into their classrooms to empower students to become creators and self-directed learners. Discover how they’re doing it from maker education’s top pioneers.
- Top 10 classroom tools of the maker movement
Explore the latest tools that bring learning to life — from wearable computing to conductive paint — with Sylvia Martinez, co-author of Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom. - Designing your makerspace
Learn the basics of creating a maker environment in your school to encourage collaboration and creativity. - Build your world: Mobile makerspace at the Mobile Learning Playground
What happens when students build, play and learn using mobile devices? Experience it for yourself in this interactive playground.
2. Augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) combines real-world environments with computer-generated sensory input, allowing students to explore and create with objects that previously would have been unavailable. Some educators have declared AR to be the future of ed tech. Discover tools and strategies for using augmented reality in the classroom.
- Better than real: Launching augmented reality in the classroom
See what it’s like to learn with augmented reality in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll try out the latest AR apps and sites for the classroom. - Use augmented reality to design brain-friendly classroom environments
Find out how three teachers — elementary, middle and high school — use AR to enhance their physical classrooms. - Aurasma: Augmented reality for the classroom
Dive into Aurasma, one of the hottest tools for teaching with AR, and learn how to develop lessons and activities using this groundbreaking app.
3. Mobile learning, 1:1 and BYOD
Internet access through mobile apps exceeded desktop access for the first time this year, and 70 percent of parents say they want teachers to help their kids explore the learning opportunities educational apps offer. Examine the ramifications of starting a systemwide 1:1 or BYOD program and find ideas for integrating mobile learning into your curriculum. Choose from a wide range of mobile learning sessions tailored for every type of educator, from administrators to classroom teachers.
- The 3 biggest mistakes in 1:1 implementations
Learn from the successes and failures of other administrators and gain valuable insights into planning a 1:1 initiative. - Apptastic standards: Using mobile devices to meet the Common Core
Explore best practices for using mobile apps to deepen learning and meet the Common Core in this hands-on session. - Are you ready for BYOD?
Learn about classroom management tips, helpful tech tools and best practices for effective BYOD implementation.
4. Gaming and gamification
Worldwide, we spend 3 billion hours each week playing digital games. What motivates us to keep playing? Educators have discovered that harnessing gaming’s most engaging elements in the classroom can deepen students’ engagement and kindle their passion for learning. Get a taste of how games are transforming the learning process and learn what you need to get started.
- Gamification in education
Experience gamification’s tremendous potential and learn how it works in this unique, highly interactive session. - Gamification and flipped instruction: A winning combination
Learn how to leverage gamification along with flipped learning to encourage collaboration, inquiry and learner independence. - Portal2: Gaming as a process for cross-age collaborative learning
Explore the power of Portal2, a free resource that helps kids collaborate, communicate and design games.
5. Project-based learning and the flipped classroom
Educators are developing new pedagogies around project-based learning, inquiry-based learning and the flipped classroom — all aimed at encouraging students to follow their curiosity and take ownership of what and how they learn. Find out how these models can lead students to the deep understanding needed to meet the Common Core.
- Flip your learning: The intersection of content, curiosity, and relationships
Rethink the way students learn and take your flipped classroom to the next level with insights from flipped learning pioneer Jonathan Bergmann. - The PBL and flipped learning connection
Find out how combining project-based learning with the flipped classroom creates authentic, student-centered learning experiences. - The reflective teacher’s tips and tools for guiding PBL
Develop projects that will meet rigorous learning goals using the right tools and a roadmap for formative assessment from project-based learning expert Suzie Boss.
What are you excited about learning at ISTE 2014?