Blogs The Teaching Channel team is back from ISTE Live 23 where we connected with fellow educators, explored exciting new products, and engaged in conversations about the future of technology in education. The conference is a whirlwind event that we look forward to every year, and this year did not disappoint!
The team was thrilled to present multiple sessions, including a scavenger hunt for nearly 100 attendees to explore sites around Philadelphia using the Goosechase app. Teams traveled around the city earning points by completing missions, visiting historical landmarks, and moving to the top of the leaderboard. Congratulations to the ‘Bourbon Belles’ on an impressive first place finish!
In addition to hosting events, the Teaching Channel team jumped at the chance to sit in on some innovative sessions, gather inspiration from edtech experts, and explore the Expo Hall to learn about new products. We gathered our favorite ideas here just for you! Read on to find out about an amazing new, versatile, and FREE tech tool, strategies for using AI in the classroom, and more!
Figjam’s Debut
Prepare to be blown away! The most talked about booth at ISTE was Figma which offers Figjam– a next-level collaborative whiteboard tool with an infinite canvas. That means your class of 32 students will find all the space they need to brainstorm, draw, share links, make comments, add video, and more. Visit Figma to create your free educator account, then grab a template to modify or start from scratch. For an overview of some of the basics, click on the resources linked below.
- How to Use Figjam in the Classroom (article)
- Figjam for Teachers (video)
All Things AI
Another topic on educators’ minds lately is AI. Whether learning about the latest tools to support more efficient lesson planning, finding innovative ways to integrate (or block) AI in the classroom, or engaging in discussion about its impact on the future of education, AI was everywhere! One of my favorite sessions was the “EdTech Throwdown” where @guisegotteched and @nickgotteched, hosts of GotTechEd the Podcast, went head-to-head in a battle to determine the best AI tools. Grab a copy of their presentation with links and help videos embedded.
The Library Like You’ve Never Seen It
One thing that is made very clear at every ISTE conference is that when it comes to edtech innovation, librarians and media specialists are leading the pack. These essential educators are redefining their learning spaces and creating forward-thinking programming to support the needs of their schools. Whether you are a librarian/media specialist or not, these resources we gathered at ISTELive 23 will inspire you to think outside the box!
- Use the library/media center to create a soft landing for students as they transition from home to school in the morning. Click through the presentation from the amazing educators at Milton School District to learn more.
- Move beyond traditional book displays to create a more interactive approach that highlights topics and texts your students will love! This Wakelet collection from librarian Cheyenne Sons includes examples that you can replicate.
Magical Movie Making
Stories are powerful tools for learning! Many popular sessions at ISTE this year were focused on using storytelling with digital media to make curricular connections that solidify understanding. The challenge for many educators is helping students create a high-quality end product that really showcases their learning. Author educators Jessica Pack and Georgia Terlaje led an amazing session focused on building the necessary visual and audio skills students need to tell impactful stories. If you are intrigued by the idea of storytelling and lifting student video products to new levels, set some time aside to explore the Padlet of resources from this session: Moviemaking in the Classroom. You’ll find lesson plans, templates, student examples, and a list of recommended tools to get you started.
The Secret Sauce: EdTech + Science of Learning by Marcee HarrisTeach So Students Remember
We may be biased, but there were also some great resources shared at the Teaching Channel poster session, “The Secret Sauce: Mixing EdTech + the Science of Learning.” If you weren’t at ISTE, you’re in luck. Our Wakelet collection of resources is accessible to all. Within the collection, you’ll find resources and ready-to-use templates with practical strategies and digital tools to support learning that sticks.
