Travel time to Philly from NJ - 20 minutes! I had time for  another cup of coffee while I enjoyed this video being shown on the 40 foot screen in the atrium; genius way to inspire the start of anyone's day, especially a teacher.

Day Two started with a keynote speech, delivered by Will Richardson: This is Not a Unit: Eight Shifts for Every Curriculum. His message focused on how differently teachers need to think when considering how students learn best. Will talked about using devices in the classroom and how we use them to connect to learning - "Two billion people will be connected to the Web by 2011 - 2 billion predictors? OR 2 billion potential teachers from around the world?" He spoke about eight shifts - Shift #1 - DO talk to strangers! This is what I've believed for the past 10 years and I've spent a career defending it. Share your work and self with the world, invite advice and feedback! Teach our students about ethics and safety - embrace new ways of learning. I am ready to have more conversations about these shifts. Our kids are worth it!

Great sessions today around creativity and engaging students in authentic projects. I know I will continue learning and being inspired; passion is overflowing.

Here it is - our last day celebration! Enjoy the gifts of song and unicycles! The power of social media (blogging) gives our students an audience that welcomes your praise and questions! Your comments encourage our kids to do their best. Many of the sessions I am attending while at ISTE are delivering the same message - feedback and advice is a huge way students learn, it's inspiring and motivating. Tell them what you think, they're looking.

ISTE – International Society of Technology Education is holding their annual national conference in Philadelphia. Last year, QAE teachers (5 of us!) attended the conference in Denver. It was the perfect way for a bunch of strangers to connect and share our selves with one another. It worked! This year is kind of bitter sweet on two levels: First, my daughter who is now three REALLY understands when daddy is absent. Our departure was like out of the movies – lots of tears, “just one more hug” and a car slowly pulling away with screams in the distant – end scene.  On a happy note, we were able to Face Time this morning and share little videos here and there. She is being strong for her daddy! Second, I am without my QAE friends. I am attending the conference solo style. While I will miss my partners, I will find time to blog and take healthy notes, only to bring back and share. I also have the option of making a friend or two from the predicted 7,000 attendees.

To save the school funds and add to my adventure, I decided to stay out of the city and drive in from New Jersey. It was the difference between $350 and $140 – and since I was staying four nights, I decided that the 20-minute drive (that was today, wonder what Monday morning will be like?) would be worth it. When asked a few times today where I was staying – I enjoyed replying in my best accent, “New Jewsey”.

Getting to the conference early this morning allowed me time to get a lay of the land (Philadelphia Convention Center is HUGE) and prepare my schedule for the next few days. There are 13 sessions I will be attending, along with two panel discussions and student exhibits.

After finding a large comfy chair to settle into and begin organizing, a stranger asked if she could sit down next to my chair. We immediately began talking. Her name was Rowena and she teaches Environmental Science at Miami Country Day School. Soon, she whipped out her MacBook and started slide shows of her students and school. I quickly started asking questions about the amazing green house and garden (totally edible). We then started talking about some of the projects she develops with her students – that lead to us to defining what makes a project. “Anything that engages, invites students to work independently or in groups with clear guidelines and finishes with a unique product is a project”, says Rowena. An organization that guides her planning is iEARN, (International Education and Resource Network) the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world. Score! This could be a starting place for us as we begin developing project ideas for QAE students.

My first session was actually a “stumble into” – I liked the name of the product, Safari Montage, and was intrigued by tag line – Total Solution for K-12 Digital Media Management and Distribution. Safari Montage has access to thousands of video clips (National Geographic, Scholastic, PBS, Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street, School House Rock, etc…) and allows teachers to create playlists and modules for their lessons/projects. Modules can include video clips, web links, images, PDF attachments, quizzes, and state standard connections. The Internet allows us to bring “experts” into the classroom and teach concepts and ideas using a wide variety of multimedia. Safari Montage packages project resources in an organized way – it also runs on devises such as iPhone and iPads.

My lunchtime score was from a new friend, Todd, who asked if he could join me.  We talked a lot about his school in Maryland and his technology integration as a reading specialist. He shared interesting stories about his son (fourth grade) who is super bright, but has difficulties staying on task and following directions. Basically, his son doesn’t like what his teachers are asking of him (he has an IEP for emotional and social issues). The only time he’s on task is when he’s engaged and learning. Todd shared a great iPad app that keeps his son interested.  Toontastic allows the user to create animation with sound. Way cool!

So the stage is set for the next three days of learning! Future blogs will be shorter and hopefully include great learning apps and resources, as well as interesting ideas and things to think about. Let me know if there is something you'd like more information.

Outdoors, swimming, hiking, heat (ready now!), camps and NO SCHOOL, all wonderful pleasures of summer vacation! While we do love summer (most of us), it would benefit many kids to continue with somewhat of a schedule. Reading everyday and visits to the public library will continue to encourage the love of reading. As new readers, our children need to see us read as well as hear us talking about books. Below are a few links below that will support you in keeping reading alive in your home and with your children.

Seattle Public Library Recommended Reading List

Yes, reading outsides or on a boat or near the campfire is fun, but using technology (computer, iPad, tablet, smart phone) can also enrich the reading experience. Below is a list of my five top reading Internet site that will sharpen reading skills with fun stories and games. (Like any book or movie, it's important to preview before introducing to your child. It makes a difference when you know what's coming!)

1. Starfall - I love this site, my daughter and I enjoy sharing this experience together. Check out More Star Fall for complete stories and activities. Here there is also math enrichment games. This site requires a small fee to use.
2. Gamegoo - Kids love the excitement of this site.
3. Childtopia- Busy site, but some great gems!
4. Super Why - Another favorite of my daughter. Many interactive learning games with catchy tunes!
5. Book Adventure - This data base of 7,000 books will motivate kids to read and take a quiz! Lots of prizes can be won with points earned from correct quiz answers. Check out the "Book Finder" and "Make a list" feature - way too cool for kids to take charge of the reading.

Please visit the Lost and Found Couture Collection and claim items that belong to your family. Next Wednesday (the first official day of summer vacation) all items left on the rack will be donated to Goodwill. There are some treasures that I know you are missing. Have a great summer!