I have decided that, rather than follow my usual modis operandi [i.e. make myself crazy] and attempt to complete all the #youredustory prompts that I have missed, I am going to try something new. I am going to follow Elsa’s advice and Let It Go. I am getting back into the challenge starting with week 18, even though this is week 19, because it is an integral part of who I am as an educator. The prompt: What is your favorite education conference you’ve attended? Why should others attend?
I have been to many conferences (and unconferences) over the past few years. Some were larger, some were smaller, and all but one (which shall remain nameless) yielded valuable new knowledge, ideas, and connections, yet I have to say that the annual CUE conference in Palm Springs is my favorite. It has a special place in my heart because it was at the 2013 conference that my journey as a connected educator began. It opened my eyes to what was possible in the world of education. You can read more about that in this post.
Why should others attend the Annual CUE Conference? Because it is a wild and crazy ride, but if you are open to new experiences and willing to put yourself out there, you will learn a lot and have a great time doing it.
Before they fade completely from memory, here are some thoughts on the 2015 event.
- What makes this event special is the people. Many of the best conversations this year took place in the hallway, where Lisa Nowakowski (someone I met at CUE 13) and I were finalizing our presentation on Google Sites.
- When the presenters let you edit their slides, hilarity may ensue. Thank you to Brent Coley, Tim Bedley, and Scott Bedley. (And, yes, that’s me on slide 24.)
- When someone special like Ryan Archer creates a shared folder for conference notes, good things happen.
- Speakers who are passionate about their topics are the most engaging, whether they are in a big room or a small one. Besides the digital storytelling session hosted by the Bedley Brothers and Brent Coley mentioned above, I especially enjoyed hearing Mari Venturino and Alicia Johal, Victoria Olson and Sara Boucher, David Theriault and Sean Ziebarth, Jon Corippo, and Jennie Magiera, not just because I wanted to hear what they had to say or because I learned a lot, although I did, but because I loved the way they presented it.
- I can’t wait until CUE 16!
