A few thoughts about the K12 Online Conference 2006….
My mind is filled with so many thoughts that it is close to total anarchy! Overload, but oh what a good overload! Are many of you feeling the same? I have hardly begun to scratch the surface of all the great presentations.
I am also totally immersed in my research which requires constant attention and care. The kids are amazing and we are beginning to take off in ways that are really, really good. But I can’t stay away from the great conversations going on about the conference.
I’ll think…… I have to post about this, this is incredible. Then I’lll think……. this is top notch. I need to share with others what I learned here. I love reading the comments about what people have thought about as a result of reflecting about a particular part in this conference. but each time I start to blog I am pulled away to read more and learn more and my brain has way too much in it right now that I have to just pause….
I also know that Darren, Sheryl, Wes and Lani must be close to total exhaustion because they have been going non-stop and they are not at the finish line yet. But they are due first class accolades because this conference is going to have such lasting effects. The quality, the authenticity, and well it really is of, by, and for the people who are truly trying to make a difference in the lives of their students. Wow!
I thought I would post a few thoughts and please know I’m going to miss some important parts because I have not been able to enjoy each piece in the manner it deserves but I will post more later so here goes……
- It is much too early to really see the conversations that will continue as a result of this conference. It really has just begun…..
- If you have not listened to the K12online Shanghai LAN party podcast #5, put it on your list. Here’s a comment I made about it on Jeff’s blog:
These conversations are outstanding and I really am impressed with your total honesty and your willingness to share your thoughts, ideas and your fears. I still have many of those fears to this day but I can tell you that the rewards for myself personally and professionally make me push those fears to the side. You all have captured some conversations that will be so meaningful to others. Yes Jeff, as you say there is great professional power in this social network and you know I think we are just at the threshold of the power to come. I am so thankful to be a part of this community. I so hope all of you will keep your voices in the mix. We need them. - Julie Lindsay is doing a great job giving us summaries of various presentations and that has been so very, very helpful. Her observations and thoughts are so thorough and meaningful. It is great to have these snapshots that let you get there through another’s eyes. Thanks, Julie!
- I’ve wondered if you can get a cold from someone online. I think I have Bud to blame for a non-stop cold and hacking cough that has knocked me for a loop. Just kidding Bud, but you have to read his Friday Night Twilight where he talks about not being able to sleep because he can’t stop thinking about ways to tell the new story in school. I know a lot of us are doing that now.
- That leads me to my next observation that all of this good stuff is going to take some time to digest, assimilate, and then discuss. We really are on the edge, I think, of some good changes. Yes, we are going to continue having our ups and downs but we are making progress and this conference is going to make a big difference.
- I am fascinated by all that is going on with this conference. It does not fit into a neat little box that we are accustomed to. It is much too early to truly evaluate it. I know we will try but for myself I need more time to sift through all that has been presented, conversations that occur as a result, and then I need to step back and do some more thinking.
- We’re in a new arena, a new spot where all the traditional rules don’t necessarily apply.
- I find early criticism of this puzzling because we haven’t even had the time to step back, take a look, and learn.
- I again want to thank all the conference organizers who are the trail blazers in a new journey that is going to bring forth much thinking and learning. My hat is off to you all. Talk about making a difference……..
More later!
November 3rd, 2006 at 2:13 pm
I find the criticism also puzzling-it’s just people getting together to help others-nothing more, nothing less. Perhaps the people doing the criticizing are the people who want to be the voice, and are therefore criticizing the very thing they want to be.
November 3rd, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Anne,
Ditto to everything you said in your post regarding the value of the online conference! It has been an awesome experience for me. And what is probably of the greatest value is that I can go BACK to read, watch, and listen again and again and absorb this information more fully (is that a word?)! My deepest thanks to the conference organizers, keynotes, and presenters. And, yes, Lani has been stretched as she is also doing a project for me. Thanks, Lani.
David, I totally agree with you…….Why did the critizers not jump in and share their expertise? I am sure they would have been welcomed.
Anne, I look forward to seeing you at the Georgia Educational Technology conference in a few days. Your workshop on Improving Instruction Through the Use of Weblogs will be awesome. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to observe for a portion of your presentation. Thanks.
Jerrie
November 5th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Thanks for all the value you added to this conference Anne. I look forward to working together in the future on our various adventures. I want to second the “atta girl” to Lani. While Darren, Wes and I knew what we were getting into (for the most part), I think Lani came in to do a few posts and instead graciously agreed to take on an equal work load to the three conveners. She is amazing. Her flexibilty, can do attitude, and having another girl on the team in my time zone made having her aboard a pure joy. I count working with Lani and meeting Anne as two of my top highlights from the conference.
Thanks again to all who attended and gave this event such energy. I look forward to working with many of you next year.
June 25th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Anne,
Thank you for the keynote address. I just listened to and feel the call to action in overcoming the obstacles. I feel like the most important obstacle to tackle is the need to seize the time. Everyone has excuses but our children deserve it!
June 28th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Thank you Michael for the very nice comment. I agree - seizing the time is most important!