The biggest EdTech conference in the nation just happened, and we asked educators and EdTech professionals who we connected with at #ISTELive about their biggest takeaways, best tips to make the most of the conference, and overall EdTech trends and insights as we look towards the future.
Overall Trends
We knew that artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT would be a hot topic, especially at a tech conference. Educators seem to be in different camps when it comes to AI. Some seek out all of the sessions and tools to explore how they might use AI in the classroom, while others cautiously approach it and ask critical questions about data privacy and student misuse, warning other educators about “shiny object syndrome” (using tech for tech's sake). In addition to AI, many ISTE attendees express excitement about hands-on learning and immersive learning, including VR, MR, and AR (XR). The expo hall gives educators the opportunity to try out and play with all of the tools to bring it to life. Our team played with Meta’s Quest headsets and Zspace’s AR/VR tools. Here’s what we heard from some of the educators we spoke with about AI and XR.
“We have no idea what AI is going to do yet.” - Chris Lehmann, Founding Principal, and CEO of SLA Schools
“Go exploring and consider all the possibilities, whether it's high-tech AI, fancy new things, or even something that’s technique or pedagogical. It's not always about the bright, shiny, new toy.” - Kate Baker, Book Widgets
“Don’t fall for the shiny objects.” - Mary Beth Hertz, Educator, PA
“There's a lot of excitement about VR in the classroom. And there's a lot of cool new apps that can support standards-aligned content and creativity that I'm excited to learn more about and the days ahead.” - Taylor Nelson Temkar, Meta for Education
“Hands-on learning is where it's at.” - John Thomas, Elementary Teacher, NH
“There is a growing excitement for immersive learning in VR.” - Jonathan Teske, Reframe XR
Some educators focus their takeaways on less technology-centered topics such as social-emotional learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), wellness, teacher support, and school culture.
“I am happy with the diversity, equity, and inclusion that ISTE has put to the forefront. You can't really tell by the energy of the people that there's a teacher shortage. So I'm very happy about that.” - William Jeffery, Chief Innovation Officer in CBISD, TX
“It's my first ISTE, and I love the fact that so many sessions were about SEL and actually taking care of staff.” - Heidi Shorter, Technology Teacher, MD
“It's all about your community and loving kids.” - Heather Brantley, Teacher, TX
“It's time to focus on supporting teachers. That's why we're losing them.” - Don Rescigno, Managing Director, Teaching Channel
Many educators affirm the powerful role of technology to give students a voice and its ability to help students become creators and not just consumers.
“Tech gives the quietest student a voice.” - Jerry Blumengarten, Educator, FL
“Students need to be creative in order to remember.” - Danielle Abernethy, Tech4Learning
Some educators have specific EdTech tools they find exciting. On the expo hall floor, educators buzz about Microsoft’s free reflect tool, Blooket, and Curipod.
“I'm not getting the most out of the website Tinkercad in terms of design. It has way more than just 3D design and I need to spend the summer looking at it a little bit more and how I can use it with my students.” - Nicholas Provenzano, Makerspace Director, MI
“I have one new thing that I am crazy about, FigJam, an online whiteboard.” - Lisa Highfill, Teacher and Tech Integration Specialist, CA
Many educators take the time to provide tips for educators attending future ISTE conferences, including the importance of connecting with other educators at the conference, how to best learn, and ways to thrive as a human.
ISTE’s annual conference provides one of the best ways to connect with your professional learning network (PLN). For me, ISTE is the one time of the year that I get to meet many educators and EdTech folk that I learn from throughout the year. As an advocate for unconferences, such as EdCamps and TeachMeets, forming and strengthening relationships with those you learn from is the best way to learn. Many times, you’ll find me in lounges asking educators what they are learning, find exciting, or are sharing in presentations. Educators overwhelmingly agree about the importance of connection.
“Focus on people, not sessions.” - Shawn McCusker, Sr. Dir. of Professional Learning - EdTechTeacher, IL
“Talk to as many other educators as you can, pick their brains, and then take it home. But make sure to give back.” - Kathy Schrock, Education Technologist, MA (Shrock Guide)
“Find friends or go with friends, divide, conquer, and share.” - Jessie Erickson, District Assessment Coordinator, ND
“Seek out the Learning Journey Design desk. I volunteer there, and our job is to help people get the most from the conference and reduce overwhelm.” - Lynn Herr, Educator, NE
“It's all about connections and seeing people in person. CoffeeEdu is a must every year, and I hope to see you there next year in Denver.” - Alice Keeler, Educator, KS (Teacher Tech)
“Keep your eyes open because you never know who you're gonna run into but the conversations are gonna be.” - Jeff Bradbury, Administrator, CT & TeacherCast
“Make friends in the hallways. You’re passing thousands of people that have great opportunities and suggestions, so get to know people.” - Sheryl Place, Educational Technology Specialist, Book Widgets
“Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. We put ourselves out there and did a photo walk and I met so many amazing people.” - Rita Mortenson, Educational Technology Coordinator, WI
While we all may learn differently, especially at busy conferences with a TON of stuff to do, ISTE’s annual conference is a great place to excite and satiate lifelong learners and demonstrate what we all would like our students to do.
“One of the things that's really important is the things that you learn. You need to start planning on how you're going to use them right away, or else it'll go a whole other year and you'll not have done anything.” - Adina Sullivan Marlow, Educator, CA
“My tip for vendors at ISTE is to learn. Treat it as a learning experience rather than a selling experience because you will make better stuff if you listen to teachers.” - Vlad Gutkovich, CEO, Diffit
“It is all about the process, not the final product, and I am really looking forward to not finishing anything but continuing the conversation.” - Barton Keeler, Educator, KS
And while it’s always a goal to learn as much as possible, it’s also equally important to understand that three-day conferences like ISTE are a marathon and not a sprint. These teachers provide helpful conference tips to ensure you take the time you need to thrive.
“A wonderful tip for ISTE is to make sure that you spend time eating and taking a rest.” - Rodney Turner, ClassLink
“Make sure you have comfy shoes and a water bottle.” - Billy Krakower, STEM educator, NJ
“Always wear tennis shoes.” - Sarah Bucciero, Educator, St. Jude Children’s Hospital
“Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you're going to do the walking tours.” - Debbie Bohanan, Educator, FL
“Make sure that you get plenty of drinking water.” - Holly Clark, Educator, CA
“Always have purse snacks.” - Monica Burns, Class Tech Tips
“Balance your time.” - Jaime Donally, Educator, TX
“Make a plan and know you're not going to see everything. So don't try.” - Laura Thomas, Core Faculty, Antioch University Education New England
What were your ISTE tips or takeaways this year? Share with us on Twitter @LeoniGroup.
This post was written in collaboration with Porter Palmer, Director of Joy, LCG.
