Page 129 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

VR field trips, and scanned original documents that have added authen-
ticity and engagement to our learning.

Conventions, Conferences, and
Symposiums

Professional organizations offer conventions for every subject taught,
but I find the best conferences mix different subjects and focus on bigger
issues. ISTE hosts several gatherings, including the Creative Constructor
Lab, and its annual national conference is an amazing place to connect to
like-minded educators. Groups such as the Association for Supervision
and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Future of Education Technology
Conference (FETC), and CUE also run focused conventions as well as large
national conferences.
Smaller conferences have their place too. Those that focus on STEAM
might offer fewer connections than the big events, but those highly special-
ized contacts may be even more helpful. Regional gatherings are important
for educators who have financial or geographic limitations. Even uncon-
ferences and college symposiums can be great places to get and share
information and make lasting connections.

Technology is an ally for educators with limitations because even if you
can’t attend a conference, you can follow those who do through hashtags on
social media. Another increasingly available option is virtual attendance at
conferences; technology-aware associations such as ISTE now allow partic-
ipants to watch presentations and interact from home.

Navigating the World of Educational
Technology

Trying to figure out which educational technology works best for you and
your learners can be overwhelming. The world of technology moves quickly,
and new tools come out all the time. Keeping up can be stressful, especially

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