Day one of ULearn07 was such a buzz. A day full of new adventures, experiences and things to challenge and ponder in the mind.Meeting several NZ bloggers has GOT to be one of the highlights.... you converse, share ideas, skype chat, email, read blogs etc etc with these people and it is such a great experience to finally meet them f2f.
Ewan had hinted in his keynote that f2f conferences aren't needed so much anymore (and I agree that this should not be our sole PD)but these experiences have been gold for me; nothing like finally meeting someone in the flesh, after ever only seen one headshot photo of them in your entire life (or for people like Teaching Sagittarian, having NEVER seen a photo of her at all!)
Derek gave the welcome message on behalf of Nick from CORE and Allanah and I even got an anonymous mention each with stories from our Twitter... now we KNOW you read your twitters Derek! (even if you are somethimes very quiet)
What a fun experience just a little later to have twittered away and then got into a several way skype chat in the middle of Steve Maharey's talk... a little naughty but skyping with Jane, Chrissy, Simon and Allanah (later also with Durff) ... we had LOTS of jokes and were able to 'further discuss' the 'pertinent points' Steve was making to the audience on a much 'deeper level'... ok, well that's not quite true, but that IS my story and I'm sticking to it!
Finally it was time for Ewan's keynote, and luckily Chrissy and Jane's batteries died and so we soaked up all Ewan had to offer. His keynote was great, inspiring but also challenging... and the wonderful Scottish accent only added to the charm.My notes from Ewan's keynote can be read here; I shared them on twitter too and got a couple of replies from people like Lenva (who is over presenting @ Navcon) and Simon May (in China). Glad they found them useful.
During Ewan's keynote I skyped in Sue Waters (Sydney, Australia) who listened as best she could for about 15 minutes, before Ewan's accent was just too difficult to follow ;) and later Durff (America) joined us briefly via Skype
..... with the powers of wireless internet what a connected world we live in!
Image Credits:
NZ Minister of Education - Uploaded on October 2, 2007 by Edublogger
ulearn07 001 - Uploaded on October 2, 2007 by teachingsagittarian
Rachel- Thank you so much for sharing your learning experience in ULearn 07. I'm on the other side of the world (U.S.) but feel like I'm getting to attend through your notes and fun twits (you crack me up). I am already bugging my principal about letting me go to a conference and do the same for my faculty!
ReplyDelete:) Melanie
Sound like great fun Rachel. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteBattery life at conferences huh? I always pack a spare powerboard and long extension cable when I go.
Its amazing how many ppl you can meet when the venue has limited powerpoints (the ones in the wall, not the other powerpoints...always plenty of those), and you are the one that has the 6 plug powerboard. :-)
Hey Rachel,
ReplyDeleteYes, the first day was great. It was awesome meeting you in person along with others I have gotten to know online. Your enthusiasm is infectious, I have enjoyed following your journey. Thanks for everything you share, Awesome Stuff Girl!
Hey Rachel
ReplyDeleteIt was great meeting you and others in person. Thanks for you enthusiasm and drive, it has been great following your journey. Great stuff!
Well you know I am happy to finally meet you as I have told you f2f!!! Good drinking tonight too!
ReplyDeleteGreat to catch up Rachel- look forward to seeing you in your "natural environment" when we visit Nelson next term!
ReplyDeleteGood to finally meet you today.
ReplyDeleteLoved the T-shirt.
;)
Rachel - would have loved to have been at ULearn. Pleased to be able to live it vicariously through you though! Thanks for sharing your notes.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Fran
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great experience! It is truly amazing the connecting ability of the internet. I recently became aware of how useful tools like skype can be. I see developments such as this providing endless possibility for the education realm. Instructors are able to gain not only networking opportunities, but also insight into others teaching techniques, share lesson plans, or discus changes that are and need to be implemented. The students are also at a wonderful advantage by being able to classroom skype chat other classes around the globe!
It’s also quite remarkable how close people can become through written expression. After meeting individuals face to face that I have been conversing with online, the connection seems to strengthen immediately as well as become a bit more personable. Communication is not only key, but endless through the advancements of technology.
Bianca Brown
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great experience! It is truly amazing the connecting ability of the internet. I recently became aware of how useful tools like skype can be. I see developments such as this providing endless possibility for the education realm. Instructors are able to gain not only networking opportunities, but also insight into others teaching techniques, share lesson plans, or discus changes that are and need to be implemented. The students are also at a wonderful advantage by being able to classroom skype chat other classes around the globe!
It’s also quite remarkable how close people can become through written expression. After meeting individuals face to face that I have been conversing with online, the connection seems to strengthen immediately as well as become a bit more personable. Communication is not only key, but endless through the advancements of technology.
Bianca Brown