Last week was the annual eMINTS conference. Each year I get completely energized by the camaraderie amongst the teachers, presenters, and eMINTS staff. Our organization has been exploring our purpose, who we are, why we do what we do. Each year, when conference time rolls around it is clear, the people who attend the eMINTS conference are student-centered, top-notch educators. The people in attendance want students to have authentic, exciting learning experiences. Stand and deliver lecture isn't enough to engage and challenge our learners. eMINTS helps teachers explore what they know about education, refresh teaching strategies, and think through the perspective of a 21st century learner. eMINTS teachers are lifelong learners, their lesson plan books are never the same. They are dedicated professionals who strive to make a difference for their students. Their classrooms focus on the four pillars of the eMINTS Instructional Model-High Quality Lesson Design, Inquiry-Based Learning, Community of Learners, all Powered by Technology.
The eMINTS conference is a small, cozy conference. There are usually around 200 attendees each day. For years we have been wondering should we try to make it bigger? I think a big strength of our conference is the size. The smaller size allows for hands-on, interactive presentations. Conversations emerge and a session is facilitated vs presented. This helps attendees make their own meaning of content and challenge each other's thinking. The presenters at the conference are unpaid. They are typically district level teachers and trainers. The topics they present on are real! The sessions are based on true classroom and district experiences. This makes the sessions authentic and genuine.
So one thing I learned is our conference though small, is mighty! I love attending larger conferences, but I truly appreciate the professional conversations and learning which takes place in Columbia, MO each February.
Here are some great links I learned about at the conference. I can't wait to share these with my teachers and others!
What do you love? from Google-Type in a topic and one site gives you a mashup on your topic.
Dr. Howie-If you are bored or are looking for something new, check out this website. Howie Diblasi has an amazing amount of resources on his website. He publishes all of his presentations. You could be lost in this site for weeks, months, or maybe even a year!
Collaborative Planning-This is a hilarious spoof on principal teacher relationships and educational jargon! It was shared by a principal at the conference who at first did not embrace eMINTS. She came around after some great conversations with her teachers and now shares her story of turning Gulf Shores Elementary into a 21st Century School.
Free Teaching Resources from Intel-I enjoyed the presentation Falling, Falling, Falling (Check out the LiveBinder from the presentation) which was a model lesson using dominoes to learn about gravity. It was fun to be a participant in the lesson. At the end of the lesson, the curtain was pulled back to reveal the strategies and tools which were used. Intel tools are awesome, but sometimes I forget about them. It was great to experience them being used in an authentic way. It was also good to know they work well on mobile devices.
So one thing I learned is our conference though small, is mighty! I love attending larger conferences, but I truly appreciate the professional conversations and learning which takes place in Columbia, MO each February.
Here are some great links I learned about at the conference. I can't wait to share these with my teachers and others!
What do you love? from Google-Type in a topic and one site gives you a mashup on your topic.
Dr. Howie-If you are bored or are looking for something new, check out this website. Howie Diblasi has an amazing amount of resources on his website. He publishes all of his presentations. You could be lost in this site for weeks, months, or maybe even a year!
Collaborative Planning-This is a hilarious spoof on principal teacher relationships and educational jargon! It was shared by a principal at the conference who at first did not embrace eMINTS. She came around after some great conversations with her teachers and now shares her story of turning Gulf Shores Elementary into a 21st Century School.
Free Teaching Resources from Intel-I enjoyed the presentation Falling, Falling, Falling (Check out the LiveBinder from the presentation) which was a model lesson using dominoes to learn about gravity. It was fun to be a participant in the lesson. At the end of the lesson, the curtain was pulled back to reveal the strategies and tools which were used. Intel tools are awesome, but sometimes I forget about them. It was great to experience them being used in an authentic way. It was also good to know they work well on mobile devices.
After Conference Community Building...
The eMINTS Conference is all about community! After the conference day was over, community building and fun took place! Check out video of our Alabama friends sled riding.
|
There was a crazy game of Reverse Charades check it out in the app store! A download guaranteed to bring lots of laughter to a group!
As I wrap up this reflection, I encourage everyone to get out there and participate in some community of learners! Share, laugh, and learn and when you return to your classroom, your students will benefit from your time away!
To learn more about the eMINTS Conference check out the conference Storify or visit the eMINTS website. The conference is open to everyone. We would love to have you sharing, learning, and laughing at the 2014 Conference~Mark your calendars!
To learn more about the eMINTS Conference check out the conference Storify or visit the eMINTS website. The conference is open to everyone. We would love to have you sharing, learning, and laughing at the 2014 Conference~Mark your calendars!