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How Can it be Better?
Filed Under (Uncategorized) by Beth Still on 03-07-2010
Another ISTE has wrapped up. It seems like for the most part everyone had an amazing experience. Most of us attended great sessions, met fantastic new friends, and caught up with old friends. We taught each other and we learned from each other. Even though things were nearly perfect how many times did you catch yourself either thinking “If I were in charge of this event I would…..?”
A couple of months ago I was invited to serve a two year term on the ISTE conference committee. This committee provides suggestions on how the conference can be improved to make it the best conference it can be. I would like to get your feedback on the conference so I can take it to them. Please share what went right and what you would like to see improved.
22 Responses to “How Can it be Better?”
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July 3rd, 2010 at 9:01 p
Beth
I brought it up on twitter and so I get to share with you. =) I think adding the twitter hashtag to our badges will help avoid confusion. Also if possible, having our contact information on a QR code so we can eliminate the need for business cards at the conference. There are lots of free code makers available and almost every smartphone (iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, etc.) has a free app that will read the code. Just a few suggestions.
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:36 p
Ken,
Along those same lines it would be nice if our badges could be scanned when we walked into a session and immediately we would get an email sent to us with the session links, backchannel address, etc. ISTE could use the stats to track the popularity of the sessions and of course, there would need to be an agreement to NOT share information with vendors. I see this as more of a way to help the attendees, not the vendors. This technology could even go as far as to recommend sessions at either the same conference later in the day or week or at future conferences down the road.
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:12 p
I agree with Ken… also add room for Twitter username on badges. Perhaps badges that don’t hang at stomach level would be good, as well.
Steven (@web20classroom) blogged here: http://web20classroom.blogspot.com/2010/07/final-reflections-from-denver-and.html about some of his post-conference reactions. One point he made is one we have been discussing a lot in regard to ISTE conference– there are a lot of sessions that center around how to use a specific tech tool. I would much rather be a part of a session where teaching and learning are stressed, and by the way, “here are the tools we used to help us transform student learning.” Too much emphasis on tools and not enough on purpose of assignment/lesson.
I also get so much from the Unplugged sessions and time in Bloggers’ Cafe. I wish they would expand that area (physical size) so that more people can take advantage.
Thanks for providing this opportunity for feedback!
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:29 p
I saw that some of the Second Life people had custom badges made by their SIGS. I would love for everyone to have the opportunity to customize with their profile pic, Twitter ID, etc. Having that as part of the registration would probably not be too difficult.
The physical size of the Bloggers’ Cafe was sufficient, but what it lacked was an adequate amount of furniture. We need more tables, chairs, and sofas. Lots more. I’m putting this at the top of my list.
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:20 p
Hi Beth,
I think ISTE should have three types of sessions for us to attend
1. sessions on the latest and greatest tools or technologies (like iPad, mobile learning, Edmodo)
2. sessions on best practices and lesson learned about integrating technology into classroom lessons
3. sessions where discussons take place (no person is presentng but someone is facilitating).
I agree with so many others who are saying that the Bloggers’ Cafe needs more furniture. It is the place where I spent much of my conference time and had to sit on the floor at times. The same is true for the Learning Unplugged area. There were a lot of great presentations offered in this area, but almost no seating except for the floor. Please ISTE give us more seating in these two areas.
I would love to have my Twitter ID on my ISTE badge also.
July 4th, 2010 at 7:40 p
Beth,
Thanks for a great conference! And thanks to Michelle for mentioning my post. Shelly (@teachpaperless) mentioned that there had to be a better way than all that paper we get at registration. Everywhere where you went there was paper and more paper. The Conference Session book, the Daily Leader. All that has to add up. Why not a flash drive. We know how many people are registered. Get a flash drive with all the manuals, ads, etc on them at registration. If there is a change have stations set up to download the changes. Then each day the Daily Leader could be emailed or again, there could be stations around the conference to download it. Then after the conference is over, the user can wipe the drive and that could be the prize or just an extra goodie. Think about ISTE being the first paperless conference of its size. I would assume all of those papers have digital copies so it shouldn’t be that hard.
What Michelle mentioned is important to me. ISTE has to realize that there are many people at many skill levels and professions that attend that conference. There were lots of tool sessions but very few on moving beyond the tools and doing actual learning. Look at the poster sessions. I saw dozens that would have been great sessions. I know not everything can be a session but there has to be some balance between the beginner and the advanced learner.
Thanks again for all your hard work. Looking forward to next years conference!
July 4th, 2010 at 7:51 p
Hi Beth,
I loved the ISTE conference but I had some complaints about how “green” it was, which I’ve written here:
http://davidwees.com/content/waste-iste-2010
David
July 4th, 2010 at 8:42 p
Beth,
Since this was my first ISTE I didn’t know quite what to expect. I prefer to do things digitally, but was completely overwhelmed by the lack of organization in the online program. I thought I had things planned out, but then I would see a whole other section that was for the same time, just a different type of session.
I agree with Michelle as far as the tech tool stuff. I know that I play with new tools more than the average teacher (even in my own building), but I felt there were too many sessions on how to use a tool. I was anxious to learn more about how to apply project-based learning in the classroom with the help of technology. Because that is a new concept still, and I haven’t seen it applied other than a Montessori setting really. So I was left wanting to know HOW to implement it and what it will look like in a 2nd grade classroom.
The nametag changes definitely need to happen as well. The QR code would be amazing!
The live feeds of sessions that were on the televisions needed some sort of speaker system. Even when the TV was turned up to it’s highest point, it was extremely difficult to hear.
The ISTE Unplugged was another great resource, but if people were unaware of the Wiki/site for it, they didn’t know anything about it. I think that the sessions should somehow be more publicized to allow people to see the value in an un-conference session.
Thanks for letting us give some feedback Beth!
July 4th, 2010 at 9:16 p
Just my thoughts — since you asked.
1. If they are going to promote ISTEVISION — all the shows need to be streamed LIVE. There is no reason they cannot stream at 1 session in each time frame. Or at least choose 4 or 5 a day to stream. Of create a virtual conference where we pay a percentage of the cost to get 10 sessions or so.
2. If they are going to promote that they are ISTE, then they need to start planning for an International Venue. I would suggest they look at Montreal or Vancouver first.
3. Please do not host a “choose the keynote” again unless you totally think through all the circumstances and possibilities. And also work through the options. What started out as a good idea, we FIRST pick the person, THEN we picked a topic…..was excellent. It would have been GRAND to have seen that really work. Unfortunately, the good idea got squashed with not sticking to the rules, lack of authority, and politics. If we do it again, really truly think it through.
4. Student voices need to be heard much more. The closing keynote really needs to be by students who have been impacted by teachers who have attended ISTE.
5. Getting an award from ISTE is quite admirable and something to be proud of. Giving the award winners 10 seconds on stage is unfortunate. Make more time for this or move it to another session time.
6. I have to agree with David on being an example by going MUCH MORE GREEN.
7. You have between 15,000 – 20,000 people who will be hitting the internet with 2 to 3 mobile devices. This needs to be remembered and be prepared for.
8. Bloggers cafe needs to have a DESIGNATED BLOGGER each hour who is truly blogging LIVE for others to see.
9. A Newbie Location should be quite near the Bloggers cafe or the Social Lounge….both BC and SC can be intimidating and unapproachable (for some). Having a safe (manned) area near by to welcome and then introduce would be helpful.
10. I like the newspaper but think you should have reflections (not just comments) or articles from attendees and not just your reporters.
All in all — I like the conference, both virtually present and actually there…but since you asked, these are my thoughts.
Jen
July 4th, 2010 at 10:02 p
I loved the ISTE conference and I plan to go next year. How about more time for pedagogy and classroom organisation dealing with expensive tools?
July 4th, 2010 at 10:14 p
Jen-
You make some great points for me to take back to ISTE. I can say that the main conference will not be leaving the United States anytime in the near future. The cities have already been selected through at least 2021.
The bandwidth was doubled from 2009 to 2010 and it seemed sufficient most of the time. It is cost prohibitive to allow each person to use 3 to 4 devices simultaneously. In order for any of us to have internet access we are going to have to be proactive and conserve bandwidth by not connecting when we don’t have to be. So many of us are guilty of hooking up to the wifi when we are not actually using it. As more and more people bring multiple devices this issue is going to become very apparent.
One of my concerns this year was the the Bloggers’ cafe was full of people who had no interest in blogging or networking. They parked themselves there to recharge their computers and play solitaire. While it would come at a cost I would like to see recharge stations throughout the conference venue. It might be more of a place where you could pay a very small fee to have your devices plugged in and you could come back later to get them.
I also like the idea of a Newbie Hall. Paula Naugle tried to start a program this year where she would have a veteran pair up with a newbie during the conference. I would like to see ISTE do this officially and possibly provide a way to help people make these connections well ahead of the conference. I think there are many amongst our ranks (veterans) who would be very open to the idea of mentoring, but the problem is making the match. The logistics is where we are getting tripped up. Paula’s idea is fabulous, but how many newbies are familiar with her (or any other) blog? To make these ideas come to fruition we must have the blessing and backing of ISTE. I will do my best to make sure we have this in place for next year.
July 4th, 2010 at 10:15 p
Like Kristina, this was my first time at an ISTE conference. I’m still processing all the information that was shared, and marveling at all the people from my PLN that I was able to meet for the first time in person (f2f, as it were).
Before leaving for Denver, I asked myself the following questions: What are my goals for this conference? What do I hope to get out of it? The answers: (1) to meet the people I’ve grown to know and love online and, hopefully, foster an even more rewarding relationship offline [done!], (2) to find teachers that might like to collaborate with my seventh or eighth grade classes [done!], (3) to learn some new ways to not only integrate technology into my curriculum, but to also learn how to better organize my use of technology so that it doesn’t overwhelm me [um...].
For goal #3, I did get some great ideas from one of the Vicki Davis sessions I attended (Wonderful World of Wikis) on how to keep track of student work online. But most of what I learned in regards to this goal happened outside of any formal sessions. So, even though it wasn’t a goal I accomplished sitting in a session, I guess I can still consider it…done!
You’re probably wondering when I’ll get to my suggestion, right? Sorry. I’m still processing everything from ISTE.
Most of the sessions I sat in had people who were brand new to technology. They asked questions like, “What’s RSS?” “Where should I go to set up a wiki?” or “How do I get the pictures off my cellphone?” Ok, that last one was from me…the point is…we need to help all of the newbies! Why not have something like a newbie room where people can go and get their questions answered. They can get some one-on-one help and hopefully leave the conference not feeling quite so overwhelmed by everything in edtech.
Yes, I know that questions can always be asked of other attendees, especially those sitting in the bloggers’ cafe, but I can guarantee you that if it had been me who was looking for tech answers the last place I would have stopped to ask them would be bloggers’ cafe. I can’t begin to explain how uncomfortable I would have been to interrupt people who were already deep in edtech conversations to say, “Excuse me, can you help me not feel quite so stupid?”
As for the people who would be working in the room, I’m sure we could get volunteers. I know I’d be happy to help…I’ve certainly been there!
July 4th, 2010 at 10:25 p
YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I think ISTE took a huge leap this year when they set up the social media cafe, but there is still a huge group that is being overlooked and those are the newbies who possess a very limited knowledge of how to use technology. I have told everyone who is new to the conference that they would be shocked by where everyone is on the technology continuum. We assume since it is a technology conference that we are all starting from the same place, but this is simply not true. I would be willing to bet that the majority of the 12,000+ attendees are not comfortable with doing things such as moving images from their phone, setting up and RSS reader, or starting a blog. It would be fantastic to have a “Newbie Hall” where there would be stations where we could showcase these basics. Having a positive first experience with learning tools might mean the next year these teachers would be more willing and able to move to the next step of implementing these tools in their curriculum. (Hopefully able to see beyond the tool as well, but that is not how people who are new to this think.)
Karen I could go on forever, but thank you for your insightful comments.
July 4th, 2010 at 10:34 p
How about an “I’m glad you asked” area — where people can come with the simplest or even tricky questions.
The question asked, and the answer given could be created into a google doc or a wiki which could be displayed for all to see.
We would be generating a usable document, search-able document, to be used both at the conference and after as well.
Filled with questions people are really wanting to know yet afraid to ask.
Plus, there could be a “add your question” box for those people who might have a question but are hesitant to ask.
Jen
July 4th, 2010 at 11:03 p
Looks like its all been said already so I won’t repeat but keep in mind that some of those people who were just charging their laptops in the Bloggers Cafe, may have actually been trying to spend time there, just listening and not quite sure how to engage. Their “charging” time may have been more purposeful. Also, there were areas for tech support; ISTE had booths near the BYOL hall maybe it needs to be better publicized? But truth is, you’re at a TECH conference, you should be able to turn to someone next to you and ask for help.
I keep hearing over and over again that the Bloggers Cafe is an intimidating area yet I just don’t get it. Even at my first NECC, I knew nobody except very few people and just found my way over there and sat down and listened and joined in some conversations. The area was the warmest and most welcoming area of the entire conference hall. Maybe it LOOKS like we all know each other, but we don’t. Has anyone actually had a bad experience there where someone was rude to them?
Recharging stations is a great idea. We incorporated those into our conference this past year, but we couldn’t let people walk away from their devices. It’s a huge undertaking to meet everyone’s device (and all other) needs. I commend ISTE for doing it as well as they do.
Beth, you’re awesome for all you do for everyone to make our conference experiences so much richer! Thanks!
July 4th, 2010 at 1:13 p
Hi Beth,
It was nice to meet you at ISTE, even if it was at the closing keynote!
I’d like to chime in in support of a Newbie Area.
Also, I would love to have more session reservation options. There seemed to be a disconnect between the size of the rooms and the number of people who wanted to attend a session. Could the conference planner set up be tweaked to give an estimate on the size of the crowd for a particular session?
July 4th, 2010 at 1:25 p
Many times, I stood in line for a session with well over 150 people in line. This is my third ISTE. When a session has so much interest, there needs to be a solution put in place to address the needs of the attendees that are unable to attend a session because there is not enough room. Many of us attended ISTE this year using our own funds. This situation happens every year with out being addressed. Isn’t it possible to have a mobile recording unit available to go to a session without preplanning and record it so we as attendees can get the content that we came for? Surely, there is a technological solution.
July 4th, 2010 at 3:19 p
I just wanted to offer a quick response (well, it might be “quick”) to Lee in regards to Bloggers’ Cafe. For me, not being comfortable asking questions of the kind folks in Bloggers’ Cafe was more about being painfully shy and not wanting to admit my stupidity to other human beings. This being my first trip to ISTE I was nervous at the thought of walking into the Bloggers’ Cafe only because I am shy and still have this fear that gnaws at the back of my brain that if I walked into a room full of people I would still wind up sitting by myself.
Yes, yes, I know…I have issues.
I mention this to give more impact to the next statement. Not once while I was in Denver did I ever feel the least bit unwanted or rejected or even intimidated. Quite the contrary! Everywhere I went I felt like I was surrounded by family. I was able to strike up conversations with everyone…even the people I would have thought I’d feel mighty intimidated by.
They’re all just regular people…no matter where they were sitting.
July 4th, 2010 at 7:55 p
I will concur with others on the need for a newbie area. Something as simple as how to read the program and what is the difference between the obvious BYOL sessions versus showcase versus student presentations versus everything else that goes on at the conference.
It was Monday evening when I finally figured out what ‘I’ needed to do with the program booklet to make it work for me and whether that would help others, I don’t know.
I would also like to see some of the dependency on getting the word out through twitter. No offense to those who have it figured out, but I have yet figured out how to get any personal value out of twitter. It’s just a reminder to use all the tools to get the word out and maybe twitter is part of that.
I think the conference can go the right direction going green such as the attempt at the iphone app but this years version was really slow and not really worthwhile. i.e. you had to put in all your sessions and find them, why can’t the just link to the ISTE registration and become interactive.
I will concur with the idea of scanning codes on badges as you walk into sessions with links going to e-mail, text message, (OK twitter), etc. I have sessions I’m still trying to figure out where items for those preso’s are stored at. Yep, this weeks project to figure that out.
Exposition times: I would have liked to seen the hours for the expo hall expanded. I was trying to maximize my time in the expo hall and the sessions and it was discouraging to know you were finishing a session in the afternoon w/ only a few minutes to take in a bit more of the hall. And going back to scheduling – it would be nice to learn the schedule of the vendors ‘mini-sessions’. It seemed you already had to go through the hall to learn the times and then figure out how to schedule that in too.
YES: more of how to apply the methodologies into the classroom and less of the mechanics. Maybe in the call for proposals something like pre-requisites: “You should already be comfortable posting and editing a wiki” You should already have a blog setup and made a few posts, etc. then the session could dive right into some best practice models instead of the mechanics.
Lot’s of different thoughts and I’m still decompressing from the conference so I help a few thoughts help. I’m already planning on attending next years ISTE conference and with one under the belt I anticipate a much more efficient experience. I had a great experience and time this year and I know it will be better next year because I hope to have figured it out.
July 5th, 2010 at 6:18 p
Great job all the way around with all you were involved in and so wonderful to spend time with you in Estes with all your peeps. One suggestion for a keynoter would be Michael Wesch. Many in the Ed Tech world have used many of his videos why not have him speak to us? Could very well be someone we would be more than willing to stand behind and truly listen to as he also gets it and would probably know where we need to head and why.
Paul
July 5th, 2010 at 10:16 p
I am so glad I put this post up yesterday. ALL of the comments have been meaningful and relevant. If you have anything else to add over the next two weeks or so send it my way. I will take all of these ideas to ISTE and I think many of them may be able to be implemented in 2011.
July 5th, 2010 at 5:47 p
I attended ISTE again this year. I was not as motivated as I have been in years past. I prefer small conferences, that are not overwhelming. I think maybe every other year would be better. Also as our population ages and goes back to school that is an area that is not addressed. I would like to see a virtual ISTE conference like FETC does. Maybe regional ISTE conferences also.