Talk nerdy to me!
Nov 4th, 2008 by Cathy Nelson
Well, our annual state technology conference is here. SC Edtech has been very instrumental in pulling me forward in my way of thinking. I remember that first one so long ago in Greenville, SC. I only went for a single day if the conference, but I was hooked then, and have never missed another one since. I’ve presented at most of them–there have not been many years that I have skipped–maybe one or two. I serve on the planning board for the conference now, and can say the planning side of a conference looks very different from the attending side, or even presenting side. (I know my friends can’t wait to see me sport my conference shirts, which are always GREAT for the guys but less than great for the gals. I’ll try to post a picture for yall.)
A 2.0 Playground
I have another presentation tomorrow, and this time it is a playground of sorts instead of me “presenting.” I have a few friends coming along who will help, and we plan to immerse the attendees into a 2.0 playground for 2 and a half hours. I’m worried b/c I’ve NEVER done a presentation like this before. I am not even sure how to prepare. My plan is to make a pitch fr 21st century learning (isn’t that beginning to be “the” overused word of the year?) and then help attendees jump right into some tools. Am I nervous? uh, YEAH! The best part though is that I am up FIRST and barring any no-shows for volunteer helpers at the conference, I am free as a bird to network, attend sessions, and shmooze with vendors. I don’t even remember the last vendor hall I went to at a conference—isn’t that sad? (Actually I have a grant with money to spend, so I’m hoping to get a GREAT deal on a couple of items.) I wish i could Ustream my session, but it is going to be FAR too long to even consider it. (Plus I’m not sure anyone would be interested or even if I have the “goods” to draw a viewing audience.) Okay I must stop procrastinating and actually GET to work on my preso stuff.
The nerds have it
But I cannot WAIT to have these upcoming “nerdy” conversations with all my network that come to the beach this week! Come on guys, “talk nerdy to me!”
Enjoy the conference. I hope you write about how your session went. I think it should be a great session for the attendees.
I’m always fascinated by the friend wheel – just look at all those connections!
I wish I could be there because I bet your preso is going to be wonderful!! Hope you enjoy yourself there and blog about all the neat stuff you learned about!
Cathy,
Sitting in your session right now. It has been great! I love that you have a WIDE range of attendees – newbies as well as very experienced (I am in the middle).
Love the Friend Wheel – and wish I was there to “Talk Nerdy to You!”
Good luck with your presentations.
Lisa