ISTE Conference 3 Days
(2 Hours first day)
What a first day! Had some a Capello group start us off. A fantastic intro video that I still have stuck in my head. Mario Armstrong in his true fashion led us to the theme. Theme was Mission Impossible we had to decode some clues to give us our response which was "Educator". There were awards given in many categories dealing with technology. Inspiring. It would be nice to strive to be one of the ones they give an award. Remember this International. Of course they gave out prizes non of I won but there is still plenty to win. Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow. That is not what I am here for but let's face it it would be nice.
The opening keynote speaker was Dr. John J. Medina. He wrote the book BRain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School. He is a doctor of the brain more specific on the neurology of the brain. I enjoyed it because it had to do with science and knew what he was talking about. One of topics he started to talk about was first the idea of what our brain was wired to do. The biggest thing was " problem solving for survival while in motion". (Fly or Fight). Basically our brain was hard wired for surviving not learning. Imagine now how a classroom is set up. Imagine the way we teach. It does not have anything to do with survival.
He then talked about how each brain is wired differently from the wiring of other brains. He mentions different wiring in the brain and compares them highways and interstates. These are parts that are similar in everyone but it is when you get to the "alleys and boulevards" this is where everyone is different in their cognitive learning. People have a two step learning first step is to create a database. This is where you memorize concepts. The next is important and that is to improvise. Improvise in using what is in the database in order to retain it.
Dr. Medina also started mentioning about the "Theory of the Mind" or TOM. Once again everyone has a different TOM. As teachers we need to seek this out and do what we can to nurture it in all our students.
They asked him question at the end. I really enjoyed his answers. One of the questions pertain to the "teaching to the test" . He mentioned that it was an "Artificial Constraint" The teacher feels the need to survive causing the classroom to then learn well for the score.
Another question dealt with "Academic Success" . In order for this to occur there need to be "Emotionally Stability of the Home", need I say more, along with "Regular Aerobic Exercise" at least 3x's a week. Where has the recess and PE programs gone? There has been a lost of executive function in the students today. Last was about technology. He mentions that of course technology is changing the brain. studies are being conduct on the protein cryptochrome that is affected by the blue light that is given off from computers and how it disrupts the sleep cycle.
Did leave with an enthusiasm for this week's event here at ISTE. Got a some of the spotlights I want to check out. I am going to try and tweet any cool quick things I learn at these sessions. You can follow at RA26Chica, or jsut check back here. This is a great opportunity for anyone. I hope that you will be able to attend one in your future. Next year's its in San Diego. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Maybe this should be part of the semester class in the Summer?
Ok it is late and I got a long day of learning tomorrow. Need my rest (I don't know how my sleep is going to be b/c of the cryptochrome I was staring at blue light)
I'll keep blogging.
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