CUE 2017 Conference: A brief recap

It was my first time at the CUE National Conference in Palm Springs! Once I got past my initial feelings of overwhelm, I found the conference a great space to gather new ideas, feed off the energy of 6,500+ Computer Using Educators, and revisit why I became an educator in the first place.

Overall Message:  Technology can transform the way we gather information and express ourselves at any age, as well as make the school environment more personalized, adaptable, and accessible. But it's not enough to recreate analog teaching methods in digital environments, or throw neat apps at students. Teachers must rethink the way they teach and examine their ideas about how students learn so that they can capitalize on technology's biggest benefits in the classroom.

Resources: Yes, the overall message of the conference seemed to be that some cool websites/apps do not instantly guarantee great learning experiences. However, I did run in to some useful sites and apps that I couldn't help but share:

• George Couros - His keynote speech was incredibly well-done and motivating. He is a Canadian educator and education advocate who wrote a book called Innovator's Mindset, which I immediately put on my To Read list.

• GoNoodle - This website provides a collection of videos to get kids (probably grades K-5) moving. This is great resource for brain breaks, indoor recess, advisory & morning meeting activities.

• Wonderopolis - A database for random questions and wonders. Probably best for grades 3-8. 

• Actively Learn - Using Actively Learn, teachers can embed comprehension questions, notes, and quizzes into reading passages. Access to 3 articles/month is free.

• ThingLink - Using ThingLink, teachers and students can annotate images and videos with other media (web links, videos, pictures, text, audio, maps, etc.) to easily create a sort of multi-media "poster" online.

• TES Teach with blendspace - A place to create interactive lessons and presentations.

• Smithsonian TweenTribune - Kind of like Newsela - a site with leveled nonfiction articles. Unlike Newsela, you don't need to sign up for an account and there aren't paid features. It does contain ads though.

• Chatterpix Kids - An iPad app where students can animate photos to "talk" and then record the audio so a still photo looks like it has come to life. Could be great for mini-reports or creative formative assessments.

• Screencasting - Screencasting is a great tool for teachers and students alike to show learning and teach others. There's screencasting sites like Screencastify for Chrome or Screencast-o-Matic. On iPads, students (and teachers) can use apps like Explain Everything, ShowMe, and Educreations (see my previous post about these apps!).