Conference Reflections

Insomnia gives you time to reflect. I just got back from HSTI 2011. It was great. I learned alot, but perhaps learned more from people's reactions to the conference than at the actual conference itself. I presented at the pre-conference for the first time ever. I thought it was a success. I discovered that many just want to come, get their toys, and leave. I hope that my group was glad they stayed for the instruction as much as the toys. Although, I want to enrich my instruction with some toys that they can go back and use.

I didn't have alot of time for breakout sessions during the conference itself as I was presenting four breakout sessions of my own. I had standing room only and was thanked many times as people exited the room. Many stayed for the last session of the day both days, so I was thankful I could make it worth their stay. The breakout sessions I did attend had valuable information. I learn both from the information and from how the presenter presents to determine if I need to change my presentation style. I'm constantly learning and evolving as a presenter to make it informative and interesting.

I stayed an extra day this year for the coming out of Schools Without Walls and their presentation on ipad apps. Boy, did we hit the ground running. Even with my professed technological expertise, I felt challenged and out of my element, but quickly learned to work within the group and depend on others if necessary. It was fun and interesting and the day flew by.

The most interesting part of what I have learned is the reflections and how people's reactions are different. I thought HSTI2011 pre-conference, conference, and post-conference were all great. However, there have been some people that felt it necessary to post their unhappiness with the conferences. The most awesome part of that has been the reaction of the hosts of the conference. You know they had to be let down. They had worked their tails off for months planning and preparing and hoping to make it the best ever. But even with some negative responses, they still followed through in a positive manner. They addressed the questions raised and problems mentioned and used the criticism in a constructive way to help move things forward.

I'm blessed. Truly blessed to be surrounded by technology people who always raise the bar to new levels on how to present, how to graciously accept and handle criticism, and how to constantly be searching for the best for Arkansas students.