For me, professional development is most meaningful when it really addresses what I can and want to do as an educator. Whether I’m learning a new tool for improving projects with my students or better understanding the learning styles of my students or better managing resources or time to improve my instruction doesn’t matter. I get more out of what I’m doing when I choose what I’m learning and not just sitting in the auditorium listening to a speaker whose job it is to inspire several hundred teachers when they would much rather be prepping their classrooms. Even more meaningful for me is being able to seek professional development at a time when I can truly focus on what is being shared. When my classroom needs to be set up, when I have grades due, when my kids are seeking attention I can’t pay attention no matter how interesting the presentation. For all of these reasons, the K12 Online Conference is so meaningful and powerful. This great collaboration of educators is available live and asynchronously as a learning opportunity for teachers and administrators. Workshops, talks, fireside chats, discussions and presentations will begin the week of November 30 and will continue for the two subsequent weeks. Join in when you can – even after the event, since all presentations are archived. Come join me and educators from around the world for this on-line professional development opportunity.
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I am a preservice teacher and I follow your Blog and Twitter because I am an aspiring Latin teacher who wants to incorporate technology into the classroom. I just looked at the website for the K12 conference and it looks great. In my technology class we are discussing the Digital Divide and ways to close it. My questions is: What is your personal strategy for bridging the digital divide in your classroom or community? It would be great to hear from someone who is clearly dedicated to incorporating technology in the classroom. Thanks!