Back from MACUL

What an awesome experience! I just returned home from 2 days in Grand Rapids after attending the MACUL Technology Conference. I am so lucky to have had an opportunity to attend this professional development meant for educators. After taking an educational technology course, I have found a deep interest in technology uses in the elementary and middle school classroom. While I am seeing the importance in knowing how to implement the devices students already use on a daily basis, I am honest enough to admit I struggle with the new technologies; it takes me a while to catch on. Not only did I get to further my knowledge and add to ideas that I want to use next year during my student teaching, I also got to spend 2 days rubbing shoulders with local teachers, administrators, and members of higher education. (YEAH!)

I wish I could find a more eloquent way to put these realizations I had stemming from the conference, but instead words fail me and I will make a list instead. It's easier, c'mon.

1. Older people know a lot more about new technologies than I do. For some reason, I went into this thing thinking I would be surrounded by 20 and 30 somethings...
2. Digital Storytelling is SO cool and I plan to implement this next year.
3. I really, really, like playing with new gadgets.
4. I realized that I have been lacking ambition and excitement for my student teaching next year; this re-energized me and reminded me that I may be able to change the way classes are typically taught.
5. Free food is good.
6. There is an abundance of resources (teachers, materials, gadgets) that are open to my disposal. If I have enough drive, I know I can learn to stay current (to the best of my ability) with the literacies of tomorrow's students.

The conference, while educational, was also such a boost to my energy and opinion of my future profession. Being an undergraduate (5th year, nuts.) can wear you out. The time spent here was nearly priceless and I look forward to returning to these conferences and others like them in the future.