parents, or to have some hands-on instruction on
a new piece of technology that I've never seen
before. Meeting up with my colleagues from all
over the country and sharing a dinner, a drink,
and a conversation is always the highlight of attending a conference. Some of my best ideas for
articles, research studies, and collaborations with
my colleagues have come from this type of meeting.
Perusing a conference brochure is always an adventure. My mind spins with the choices... do I go
to support my friends and colleagues in their
presentation (hoping they will return the favor and
attend mine - there's nothing worse than a nearlyempty room), or do I go to learn about things I
never even knew existed? Keeping up with the
new technology is a daunting task. Yet it is fascinating to see the future tools that await our students. I promise myself to try to keep up with the
constant flow of accessible technology.
Another favorite type of session is the one that
shares immediately useful methods and strategies for teaching our students. Gee, I wish I had
thought of those, but I'm glad that someone did
and was willing to share them. Some of these
sessions include "make and take" items. I try to
make small items that I can easily transport
home, but I do take digital pictures of others to try
with my students and to share with my colleagues.
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Research sessions often validate what we are trying to do or offer documentation as to WHY and
HOW we could use specific strategies with our
students. I never leave a research session without being eager to get back into the classroom on
Monday and try some of them out with my students (and of course keep data on my efforts).
