Learning Doesn't Stop for Those #NOTATISTE14

Last summer, I hopped aboard the Twitter train just as ISTE13 (the International Society for Technology in Education big summer conference) was wrapping up in San Antonio.  I didn't really think any more about ISTE until late last fall when I asked my budding PLN to name the ONE conference or PD opportunity they would attend if limited to only ONE such event.   While a few others were mentioned, by far ISTE was the conference of choice among educators interesting in 21st Century Learning.  


Although funds didn't permit anyone from my district to attend, not to be deterred, I decided I'd go on my own IF I could find a colleague to accompany me.  Sadly, my Come-with-Me-to-ISTE campaign didn't net any results, and for totally understandable reasons:  between babies, family weddings, summer camps, and  a family vacation to Disney - no one could go.   


I mean, okay - a trip with me to ISTE vs. going on a family va-cay to see Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse , and explore Epcot - I get it...I really do.  (I'm secretly hoping for a Vine or a Snapchat from Mickey?)

Fast forward to late June and the wonderful folks in my PLN have stepped up to see that the many educators "not at ISTE" are still a part of the excitement and hullabaloo happening in Atlanta!  Those of us #notatiste14 have found ways to learn!!  Here are only a FEW - and these will undoubtedly lead you to others!  Check them out! 

• Twitter - follow the #ISTE14 and the #notatiste14 hashtag for great resources from THOUSANDS of educators! 
• Google+ community started by Jennifer Wagner (@jenwagner) - now 300+ strong and still growing - is linked here:  http://goo.gl/LF6UZF  This community even had a Google Hangout featuring a #notatiste14 Karaoke Night!!
• Craig Yen (@craigyen) teaches us to use Voxer to connect voice to voice here:  http://yen4teaching.blogspot.com  Honestly, Craig is a force in and of himself!  Throw out a tech problem or question for him and he will help you explore the resources to solve it!
• Google doc with tons of links to session resources and notes shared by both #notatiste14 folks and those at ISTE.
  
• Google presentation slides for the Google+ Community #NOTATISTE14 can show you the scope of this powerful group!  (Tiny little shameless plug:  I'm number 137 - but you will find scores of others to add to your PLN!)
• This Flipboard by Sue Waters (@suewaters) and Jeffrey See (@JeffreyASee) is completely interactive with links to people and resources!!  If you don't use Flipboard already, prepare to be amazed.  I've use it for about 3 years and love the customization and interactivity!
• TeacherCast's Jeffrey Bradbury (@TeacherCast) broadcasts live each morning.
• Finally, 20+ connected educators tell their ONE take-away from ISTE in this four minute interactive TouchCast video from Brad Gustafson.

If you are #notatiste14, jump in - pick one or try them all - I promise you won't be disappointed!  A HUGE thank you goes out to all those in the #notatiste14 Community for curating these resources - and those at ISTE taking the time to share with us!

My ONE take-away would be the myriad of incredible CONNECTIONS that branch out to support LEARNING (okay, that is two, not one) and ENGAGEMENT (whoa, that's three, better wrap it up!) for our students as we provide for 21st Century Learning in our schools!

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