Innovation 4 Everyone

Well, I'm back after a full week in Austin, TX. What a way to spend some summer time! I have come back inspired, empowered, and engaged in learning! I was at the Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) Institute 2013 North America.  W-h-a-t  a  b-l-a-s-t! An intense week of professional development hosted by Apple. This institute represents for me an opportunity to meet new people, make new connections, learn from awesome teachers, attend workshops, and very importantly, reunite with my old and new friends! This has been the best PD I have had yet. The Apple folks have a way to make each and every one of us feel special. I am very grateful for this opportunity to attend as alumna of the ADE program and together welcome the new ADE class of 2013. Around 400 educators coming from different places from Canada, United States and Mexico, attended engaging, fast-paced, hands-on conference sessions led by ADEs for ADEs.  A plus in this year's institute was the

My tech colleagues and I came back from an intense week of learning and sharing. I'm talking about the ISTE 2013 Conference . I haven't been able to attend these conferences every year, but rather when they are hosted in San Antonio, TX, which is just a 6 hour drive away from home. Perhaps that's the reason why I am more than amazed by everything I saw!   To me there are five main areas to explore at the conference. They are: The workshops and concurrent sessions, the playgrounds and posters, the keynotes, the exhibit hall, and the professional learning network. You can't miss anything! From what I saw, my feeling of what are the hot topics today is: Problem-based learning Augmented reality Gamification (huge!) Mobile devices QR Codes e-Portfolios Integrating the arts Collaboration Professional development Google Apps Professional learning network Create vs. Consume
 Flipping the classroom What's new? This is the first time I att