My Top Ten Takeaways from iSummit 2013

There were so many fabulous presenters at the iSummit 2013 Conference. 
Unfortunately I could not attend every session . . .
Fortunately there is a wiki for the conference and I can check out all the wonderful resources.  You can too!!  What I can do however, is highlight what resonated with me. 

The iPad is not:

• for everything in the classroom
• the driver of instruction
• a device for practicing basic skills. . . if that's all you do with it
• a reward for completing classroom instruction

iPads are:

• tools
• used to meet goals when appropriate
• useful when you begin with the goal in mind (iPad + IPedagogy = iLearn, Julia Osteen)

  Here are my Top Ten Takeaways from the conference (in no particular order):

10. Private schools have a lot more money to spend on technology.

 9.  Are students spending time engaged in investigating "Googleable" or "Un-Googleable" questions? (Keynote Speaker, Ewan McIntosh)

 8.  The most important predictor of student success IS NOT their socioeconomic level nor their parent's education or school involvement;  It is their teacher.  (I already knew that but it was nice to hear someone else say it!) Neurons GROW as we work.  The more we work them, the stronger they get! What a student thinks their teacher thinks about them influences their performance.(Technology Meets the Brain, Connie White)

 7.  FAIL= First Attempt In Learning  (Ewan McIntosh)

 6.  Include the 3 Cs and 3 Rs (Challenge, Collaborate, Responsibility, Respect, Real things, Choice) in everything you do.  (Ewan McIntosh)

 5.  Children should compose, edit, revise, and publish using technology.  (Toss Out the Pen - Pick up the Apple, Lisa Kelly)

 4.  In writing, "don't count off for things you have not specifically taught!"  Correct them but don't count off for them. (Toss Out the Pen - Pick up the Apple, Lisa Kelly) Kind of like: "if you consequate you must educate".

 3. When using Evernote, the teacher should set up the notebooks and share with students.  That way you retain control. (Evernote in Education, Mark Labourchere)

 2. Showbie or ebackpack?? I'm still trying to decide. Click here to read my post.

 1.  "It's a behavior problem, not a technology problem!" Actually I was reflecting on this when I decided to write this post and I can't for the life of me remember who said it. (If I find it in my notes, I will post later) Basically, would you take away a child's pencil and paper or textbook if they were using it improperly?  Probably not.  So then why would you even consider taking away technology  an appropriate consequence?  *I believe this was from the Keynote speaker, Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach. 

There were so many other great things I learned I couldn't possible include them all.  I will leave you with this funny.


"Real Question:  Are we willing to change - to risk change - to meet the needs of the precious folks we serve?"  (8 Steps to Do-It-Yourself PD, Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach)  
The dates for iSummit 2014 are June 10-12.