So my four-in-a-row at MACUL was just too much fun, highlighted by a really whacky Skype call with Dave Cormier of Worldbridges.com during the Podcast, Vodcast, Screencast Nation session and some just really great comments and discussions by people in the audience. But I gotta say that I am tapped out, and am not thrilled about the fact that my flight home just got pushed back two hours (though there is free wi-fi goodness at the Grand Rapids airport.) Surprisingly, the podcast session was the most well-attended, probably about 300 people, but Iād say it was also probably the best. One of the worldbridges regulars, Jeff Flynn, was in attendance, and unbeknownst to me was Skyping my whole presentation to Dave who was waiting in the wings. Iād mentioned that Matthew Bischoff, the first kid podcaster I remember, used to podcast from his bedroom, so the first thing Dave assured us when I called him was that he was definitely not in his bedroom. The whole place cracked up. Good, fun stuff.
There seemed to be a real buzz this year about these technologies, more of an openness. The questions were better, less about what, more about how. People seemed genuinely eager to learn and think and talk as opposed to being overwhelmed by the prospect. The level of that acceptance was definitely a first, and very welcomed. It just raised the whole level on the discussion, and maybe it’s a sign that this discussion can move into a different phase. We’ll see.
The other good news? They sold out 50 copies of my book before noon. Very cool.
I thought about the comment regarding changing teachers who have been in the field for 20+ years. While many “mature” teachers may less enthusiastic re change, I am also seeing younger teachers who are equally reluctant/untrained (?) to integrate technology into the curriculum. Our teaching day doesn’t allow much wiggle room for projects that don’t have direct coorelation to curriculum-standards-tests scores. Getting the right student scores is unfortunately the primary focus. I know many teachers (young and old) who are interested in new ideas but just TIRED from their many add-on responsibilities. Everyone should have a few days at a get-away conference to reenergize and expand their perspective.
Not only did I stay through all your sessions…on the way home, I found the nearest wireless coffee shop and logged on to your weblog. As a high school Librarian Media Specialist, I am always looking for ways to connect teachers and students to the best resources for learning. This year’s MACUL provided a wealth of new ideas. You have opened new worlds for me…of course, I may never have time to sleep again. š
Thanks for coming to MACUL again – I really enjoyed what you had to say and appreciated your endurance š
You mentioned the writely word processor –
Are you familiar with the Think Free Office Online project?
http://www.thinkfree.com/
Wow! What a great day. I stopped in to see your second presentation and decided to stay for the rest of them. Good stuff! I now have a Bloglines page set up and have 19 RSS feeds ready to go. Thanks for the insightful presentations, I can’t wait to help some teachers get started with this!
Will,
Chris and I enjoyed getting a chance to visit with you at MACUL. I hope you get a chance to relax this weekend and re-charge your batteries. We did get a chance to sit in on part of your presentations. As always you did an excellent job. I’m sure we will see more bloggers and podcasters as a result of your work.
I’m looking forward to reading your book and will let you know when I post a review on my blog.
Good luck in your new career.
Jim
Will,
I sat through three of your presentations yesterday at MACUL. You were great! I learned quite a few things I wasn’t familiar with. I teach 5th grade and my class just finished their first podcast last week and it is posted on our school website. They had a great time doing it and can’t wait to start the next one. I see great potential in my classroom for podcasts and blogs. It doesn’t seem like too many in my district are in to this or are familair with this area of technology. I unfortunately didn’t your book yesterday but I ordered it this morning. I hope to be able to take this technology as far as I can with my class. This is definitely their future and I want to be a part of this. I can’t wait to share your info with the rest of my colleagues. Hopefully I can get some more on board with me.
Will: Thanks for all the inspiration. Like Mary, I was urgently trying to get home to experiment with all the wonderful ideas you gave us at MACUL. Thanks for coming. I was, however, mildly disappointed. It turns out my local Barnes&Noble store doesn’t have your book yet. Oh, well. I guess I’ll wait. I’m a former high school science teacher turned technology PD coordinator and I share you vision of a transformed classroom. Like you, I understand the reluctance to participate in new things, especially when folks have been teaching for 25-30 years in the same way. I’m curious to have a discussion with you and others on just how one goes about selling these ideas to techno-phobic districts, curriculum directors and local techies. It has been my experience that all technologies will, inevitably, filter down to the students, but how does one accellerate the process without shedding the passengers?