WV Technology Conference

West Virginia Technology conferences are places where among the laptops, document cameras, and  projectors you find lego bricks, chart paper, and markers! Educators today definitely use technology but we also value more traditional learning tools as well. Everyone was tweeting and adding thoughts and ideas on many social media platforms, but discussion about the sessions were also held in the rooms, halls, and meal halls  of the conference center. Some of the discussions which caught my eyes and ears were about creating opportunities for our students to think, collaborate, and build new additions to their world. 

We must enable them to learn by  providing  them with the tools they need. Booker Watson, III pointed out that having a tool available is pointless if there is no access. Our students deserve to have these resources whether it's internet resources without service, crayons, or a new book. We must use every avenue available to secure them! 

  

We must encourage our students by listening to what they are  thinking and discover their passions. The teachers from Spring Mills High School made me rethink data. They weren't talking about test results  but the data we get when we build relationships with our students by talking with them and watching how they interact with others. At times students need grouped using test scores but many times they thrive by using valid relationship data.

We must empower our students by always be prepared for class and challenging them to think as they create authentic projects to positively change our world. Shannon Miller and Derek Oldfield gave examples of how this can be accomplished. Every program and resource we have isn't always necessary as educators we must decide which tool to use with today's lessons and bring it on with our passion!