Presentation Moderator @GetSchoolAI Space Template #EdChat #FETC #TCEA #ISTE25

Hi! It's been a while. I've been super busy with SchoolAI creating some content and running trainings. I have not forgotten about where all of this EdTech stuff started. I built something that I think is awesome to use in presentations to help answer questions people might have and to also see what people are asking about in your sessions to better help inform future presentations. 

A Space from SchoolAI can be prompted to do just about anything. It can act as a tutor, be a Bellringer or Exit Ticket, or story teller, an essay feedback bot, and so much more. Last year, I had the idea to build a Space that people could access while I presented to ask questions about my content and work through ideas. Some people will never be comfortable asking a question in a conference session, so using the Space is a step toward more inclusivity. Using the Space for yourself is simple. 

1. Click the link

2. Click Remix

3. Change the prompt by adding your session's information

4. Click Start Preview and test it out

5. Click Launch

6. Click Use a Space Code 

7. Copy QR Code and link and share at the start of the presentation

Things to Note:

Free Account users are limited to 75 users in a Space for 24 hours. If you are having a small workshop or a smaller session, this is perfect for you. 

Pro Users have unlimited Space access. 

If you want to know more about Pro Access as a individual teacher or an institution, follow this link. 

This worked really well at my sessions at ISTE last year and I will be using this again for my upcoming sessions at FETC, MACUL, and ISTE 2025! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on the socials @TheNerdyTeacher and I can help you!

Hugs and High Fives, 

NP

When Are You No Longer Innovative? #EdChat

I've been thinking about the concept of innovation and being innovative as an educator. At times, I think I have been innovative in different approaches to teaching and helping students learn. Whether that is through large projects like 20 Time that led to hosting TEDx Events or The Epic Romeo and Juliet Project or smaller changes to my every day instruction like increased wait time and how I ask questions. These big or little changes can have an impact on the students in class and pushes me to continually evolve as an educator. Despite these changes, and others over the years, I started to wonder at what point does an innovative strategy cross into the realm of traditional and no longer innovative. 

Right now, there is great work being done around brain science and what it can do to help teachers. An article from ASCD, Every Educator Needs to Know How The Brain Learns, does a wonderful job explaining the why of brain science for teachers. SEL is also very important in the classroom. I would argue that teachers have been concerned about Social Emotional Learning long before it was a buzzword in education. Where those teachers innovative in the fact that they were addressing something that was not considered mainstream yet? Once it became mainstream, is it no longer innovative?

Using a television in the classroom was considered extremely innovative at one time. Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street were considered so far ahead of their time. Using television, and visual media in general, was considered cutting edge. Those two programs were instrumental in educating tens of thousands of children around the country. It was innovative and impactful. Would you still call those programs innovative today? (Note: This dyslexic child learned to read because of LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow. Watching that cart with the TV wheel into class gave me so much hope that I would be able to read and be awesome like the kids featured on the show. I was able to meet Mr. Burton in person years ago and thank him with tears in my eyes. I know I wasn't the first or the last person to do that.)

June 2014 ISTE Conference

I have fully embraced Project Based Learning and Maker Education as a way to engage students in the learning process. I want to help students be creators and not just consumers of content. Project Based Learning has been around for a very l long time. Is it really still innovative to allow students to explore topics that are meaningful to them and let them learn through the process of discovery? I don't have the answer to that, but if PBL and MakerEd have transitioned into the realm of traditional pedagogy, does that mean it is time to find the next innovative approach?

I think the scary thing with being innovative as a teacher is the fact that failure is part of the process. Lessons are going to be bad or simply not work out. Being innovative is not easy and it is not something everyone is comfortable being in the classroom. It takes educators who are in the right environment to try the new ideas and see how they go. They document and share and hopefully their innovative idea grows and expands to classrooms all over. However, it is not easy. I imagine so many innovative ideas shrivel on the vine because education is not set up to support innovative teaching. 

As a teacher who advocates for teachers to try the big crazy idea, yells from the rooftop that mental health needs to be talked about for teachers and students, that wants nothing more to find a way to support and nurture other educators looking to take their innovative idea to the next level, I want all educators out there to think about how they can be supportive of innovation in the classroom. Innovation will constantly evolve as technology and research provides more options and answers. My goal moving forward is to continue to support innovative practices, raise up voices that are trying to make education better for everyone, and not give up on finding the best thing for teachers and students, I just hope that every teacher feels that they have the option to try that idea because it could be the one that changes a generation of learners.  

First-Time #ISTELive Attendees: Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Conference

Are you ready for an exciting, inspiring, and jam-packed week at ISTE in Denver? As a first-time attendee, you might feel a mix of excitement and a bit of overwhelm. Fear not! Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your ISTE experience.

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes

ISTE is a massive event, spread out across multiple venues. You'll be on your feet a lot, walking from session to session, exploring the expo hall, and networking with fellow educators. Comfortable shoes are a must! Leave the fancy footwear at home and opt for something supportive and broken-in to keep your feet happy all day long.

2. Stay Hydrated

Denver's altitude can be a bit of a shock to the system if you're not used to it. Combine that with the hustle and bustle of the conference, and staying hydrated becomes crucial. Carry a refillable water bottle with you and take advantage of water stations throughout the venue. Your body (and mind) will thank you.

3. Plan Your Sessions in Advance

The ISTE schedule is packed with incredible sessions, workshops, and keynotes. Take some time before the conference to review the schedule and select the sessions you don't want to miss. Note the locations of these sessions to avoid any last-minute scrambles. Having a game plan will help you make the most of your time and ensure you catch the presentations most relevant to your interests. Check out this AI Tool created by SchoolAI that can help plan your schedule for you!

4. Explore the Expo Hall

The vendor expo is a treasure trove of the latest educational technology and resources. Make it a point to visit the vendors, learn about new products, and collect information that could benefit your school or classroom. It is sometimes nice to take this as an opportunity to chat with a friend and see what is out there in the tech world. 

5. Engage with Presenters

Presenters at ISTE are passionate about their topics and love engaging with attendees. Don’t be shy about asking questions during sessions or approaching presenters afterward. We genuinely enjoy interacting with attendees and hearing your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Your curiosity could spark an interesting conversation and lead to valuable connections. Do not be afraid to tag presenters in posts during the session. Just at @TheNerdyTeacher to anything you find interesting during a session and share it out. 

6. Check for Vendor Booth Sessions

Many vendors host special sessions right at their booths, offering deep dives into their products and how they can be used in the classroom. These sessions can be incredibly informative and often provide a more intimate setting for learning. Keep an eye on the vendor booth schedules for any sessions that pique your interest.

7. Pace Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and try to do everything. Remember, it’s okay to take breaks and recharge. Find a quiet spot to sit for a few minutes, grab a coffee, or simply take a walk outside for some fresh air. Pacing yourself ensures you’ll stay energized and make the most of the entire conference.

8. Have Fun!

ISTE is not just about learning—it's also about having fun and building connections. Attend the social events, parties, and informal gatherings. These are fantastic opportunities to meet new people, share experiences, and make lasting memories. Embrace the camaraderie, enjoy the atmosphere, and make the most of every moment.

Final Thoughts

Attending ISTE in Denver for the first time is an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow as an educator. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the conference, make meaningful connections, and have an unforgettable experience. See you in Denver!

Rocking ISTE in Philly: 5 Game-Changing Tips (Including Self-Care!) @ISTEofficial #ISTE23 #ISTELive

I'm excited to be heading to ISTELive next week and to share some invaluable tips for conquering the ISTE conference in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia! Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned ISTE-goer, these strategies will help you make the most of this epic edtech extravaganza. So, let's dive in!

Plan Your Sessions Strategically:

ISTE is a cornucopia of sessions, workshops, and presentations. But let's face it, you can't attend them all. Take some time before the conference to explore the schedule and identify the sessions that align with your professional goals. Don't be afraid to try something new and step outside your comfort zone. Create a personalized schedule that strikes a balance between inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to network with like-minded educators. You will never feel like there is enough time and you have to be ok with a little FOMO if you want to have a good time. 

Pace Yourself and Network:

Philly cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell aren't the only highlights of this conference. The real magic lies in the connections you make. Strike up conversations with fellow educators during breaks, meals, and social events. It's an incredible chance to expand your professional network, share ideas, and collaborate on future projects. Remember, it's not about collecting business cards but building meaningful relationships that last beyond the conference. Being an introvert can be tough at a conference, but as someone with strong introvert tendencies, I encourage you to engage other educators around you. Some of my closest friends are educators I said hello to at ISTE!

Embrace the Expo Hall:

The ISTE Expo Hall is like an edtech playground filled with innovative tools, cutting-edge tech, and game-changing resources. Make time to wander around and discover new tools that could transform your teaching. Engage with the exhibitors, ask questions, and try out demos. But remember, balance is key. It's easy to get lost in the mesmerizing displays, so be sure to allocate time wisely and prioritize the sessions and keynotes that resonate with your goals. I love jumping down for 30 minutes to an hour a couple of times a day to connect with companies I have used in the past and discover some new ones that friends have mentioned. Have a bag ready for all of the free swag!

Document and Share Your Experience:

You're about to embark on an edtech adventure that will leave you brimming with inspiration. Don't let that energy fade away after the conference ends. Take notes during sessions, snap photos of inspiring moments, and jot down ideas. After the event, leverage social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram to share your key takeaways. Engage in discussions, connect with other educators, and keep the momentum going. This way, you'll amplify the ISTE magic and inspire fellow educators who couldn't attend. #ISTELive #ISTE23 are a couple of hashtags you can use if you are going to share on social. I also recommend you use the tags to find fun things going on during the conference. 

Prioritize Self-Care:

Amidst the excitement and non-stop learning, it's easy to neglect self-care. But trust me, rejuvenating yourself is crucial for maximizing your ISTE experience. Remember to hydrate, take breaks, and fuel up with nutritious food. Schedule some downtime to explore Philly's vibrant cityscape, indulge in a good book, or simply rest and recharge. Give yourself permission to step away from the conference buzz when you need it, so you can return refreshed and ready to absorb more knowledge. This is one of the most important parts of any large gathering of people. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and I highly recommend that you make time for you so you do not fry out halfway through. 

Check the Weather!

It looks like rain during ISTE, so make sure you pack accordingly. I have already packed a poncho and I will have my umbrella ready just in case. It has been a while since we have had a rainy ISTE, so make sure you bring an extra set of shoes and socks in case yours get drenched while walking from the convention center to your hotel room or to places to eat.

Bonus Tip: Don't forget the Power of Reflection!

In the midst of all the sessions and networking, take a few moments each day to reflect on what you've learned. Whether it's jotting down a quick reflection in a notebook or recording a voice memo on your phone, capturing your thoughts will help solidify your takeaways. Plus, it'll be an invaluable resource for later when you're implementing new ideas in your classroom.

So, there you have it, my edtech friends! These tips will set you up for success at ISTE in Philly. Remember, it's not just about the incredible sessions and cutting-edge tech, but also about the connections you make and the impact you create. Embrace the experience, stay open-minded, and let your passion for education shine through. See you at ISTE – it's going to be epic!

Hugs and High Fives!

Nicholas Provenzano

5 Steps to Bring Project Based Learning to Your Classroom #PBL #STEAM #STEM

There are plenty of ways to integrate Project Based Learning (PBL) to your classroom, but sometimes you just want to get started without have to sort through pages and pages of information. I think I can help cut through the noise and offer 5 steps to get rolling with PBL in your classroom. This is not an exhaustive list; just more of a quick set-up guide for the teacher looking to give PBL a chance in their classroom. 

1. Identify the topic - The very first step is to figure out what you want the students to learn. This might seem very basic, but sometimes we forget the focus of our work and the students are just being kept busy. The topic could be a real-world problem that students need to explore. This is a common approach used in PBL, but it doesn't have to be the only way to focus a PBL assignment. These could be engineering problems, other STEAM associated problems, or something that is specific to your classroom. No matter what you choose, it needs to be something that allows students to explore in detail and be able to create something to address the issue. 

2. Create the structure of the project - Once the topic has been clearly defined, a structure needs to be in place for the students. How detailed this structure is usually depends on the age of the students. The younger the students, the more rigid the structure tends to be to provide the students with important guidance. Older students tend to have more freedom to explore the topics and create their project. The project can also be in a group format or it can be a solo one. How much time are you going to give the students, how are they going to be assessed (I suggest rubrics), how will students present their work at the end, and any other details the students are going to need to best complete the project. These are the important structural issues for PBL that are not fun to talk about or showcase, but they are fundamental in supporting the success of the work. 

3. Be present - Many people think that teachers that are using PBL in their classroom just sit at their desk grading papers or reading the paper. This could not be further from the truth. I have found that I have always been more active in my classroom when students are working on a project. I am moving from group to group and checking in on their work. Some students will need more support than others, but that is true for any assignment in class. It is important not to answer all of the questions student pose because the research part of PBL is important and it is a skill students need to work on as they go through school. Pointing students in the best direction as they research and explore is helpful to these groups when they start to get stuck. Being present with the students as they go through the process of exploring their topic and create potential solutions is very fun. I diverse class will come up with a wide variety of projects and that makes things much more interesting in the classroom and being there guiding the students is key in getting them to their final steps with the project. 

4. Utilize technology - One of the ways that PBL really shines is the way that it can all for the incorporation of technology. Students should be encouraged to take notes digitally if possible and share with the group. Their are many different tools that can be used to create a final presentation that are not a slideshow. Creating videos, animation, graphic novels, and more are now accessible to students thanks to a wide variety of tools. Creating a list of tools that students can use can help make the process a little easier for students and that list will grow over time as students find their own they share with class. Having students use different tech tools also helps them grow their skill set while working on their PBL in class. 

5. Be ok not calling all of the shots - The toughest part of PBL is that it allows freedom to students to fully explore ideas and showcase what they learned and how the problem the researched could be addressed. Teachers are accustomed to dictating all aspects of any work that a student needs to complete that PBL can really cause teachers to feel helpless at times. Students need to be given the space to try something new, make mistakes, and try again. Students will attempt things as part of their PBL that you might be sure is going to fail, only to prove you wrong. On the other hand, the students will try and fail and your job is to help them through the reflective process that is important after failures in the classroom. Giving up some aspects of control is tough for teachers, but it is what is best, and needed, for successful PBL in class. 

These 5 parts of Project Based Learning are great at getting the ball rolling in your classroom. You are going to stumble along the way and find different approaches that will be perfect for your students that might not work for students in another class and that is the beauty of PBL. It is perfect for differentiation. Help students get the most out of their classroom experience in a way that meets them where they are on their learning journey by bring PBL to your classroom. 

Conference Tips for the Summer! #ISTE22

It was bound to happen. Conferences are back and teachers are ready to dive into professional development. I wanted to share some tips for anyone that is new to ISTE or any other conference. 

1. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be putting miles on your feet over the next few days and you need to take care of your feet. While wearing nice shows while you present or go out after the conferences is nice, you need comfy shoes to walk the halls and the exhibit hall. If your feet are sore after a day, the next couple will be painfully difficult to get around.

2. Stay hydrated. This is particular important for ISTE this year. Drink water all the time, especially if you will be drinking non-water drinks at night. You will not be able to concentrate and you will feel like a hot mess if you are not properly hydrated.

3. Eat. This one seems silly, but it is so easy to get wrapped up in the day and not have a good lunch or breakfast. You need energy for the day and these meals will help you get through the hustle and bustle of a conference. Eat healthy and carve out time to do it. Enter it into your planner and follow it. Your tummy will thank you later.

4. Do not be scared to say hi to people you follow on Social Media. We are all educators and are dedicated to making education better for all. Just because someone has more followers than another person, does not make them more important than everyone else. Say hi. Ask a question. Connect. This is why we are at a conference, so don't be afraid to do it. Maybe avoid talking to them in the bathroom. :-)

5. Find time to unpack. I don't mean your suitcase, I mean what you learned that day. Find a quiet spot and just reflect on what you saw and how you might bring that to your school, district or classroom. Make some notes to yourself so that you can look back at them after the conference and remember what you were thinking when everything was fresh in your mind.

6. Check out the conference sessions and try to plan accordingly. I'd love it if you came to my sessions. I'm doing a session on MakerEd on Monday. Look at the schedule and add the sessions that interest you most. If there is more than one session you want to attend, see if there is a friend going and get their notes. There is never enough time to see everything, so it is important to plan ahead so you do not miss everything.

7. Visit the vendors. I always like to take time to visit the vendor hall and check out anything new and to just say thanks for the cool and innovative things they have brought to the classroom. I always end up with a couple of new gadgets I want to bring into the classroom or want to explore. They vendors help make conferences possible, so please stop by and check them out.

8. Vote with your feet. This staple of edcamp is important at conferences. Time is limited and you do not want to waste it in a session that is not what you hoped. Get up and go. You will not be offending anyone. You need to get the most out of your time at a conference and sitting in a session for an hour not learning anything is not a good use of your time. This is why it is good to have a backup session for each time slot in case you have a bad one. If you can't get into a back up session, go to one of the lounges and connect with others. Some of the best learning happens in the hallways.

9. Go out and have fun! After each day, there is fun to be had at many of the restaurants around the convention center. It is a great time to connect and talk about the things you have learned and make new friends. Some of my closest friends were made at a conference. Getting together and celebrating an end of a school year and the cool things you have learned is a must. Do that with other great educators at the end of each day and you will have a great conference.

If any other veteran conference attendees have other tips, please add them to the comment section. I hope all of you will take the time to stop and say Hi if you see me. I'd love to connect with all of you and learn something new.

Hugs and High Fives,

Nick

An Anxious Introvert's Guide to Conferences #EdChat #MACUL22

Well, conferences are back and introverts like myself are getting anxious. I will actually going to my first conference in a couple of days after a two year hiatus. My state conference, MACUL, was actually cancelled midway through because of the COVID lockdown. As I gear up for a couple of days of learning, I started to think of all of the different things I'm going to need to do to focus on my mental health as I reintroduce myself to the hustle and bustle of conference season. Here are some things for my fellow anxiety ridden friends and introverted buddies can do to help make conferences tolerable. 

1. Pace yourself

The worst thing you can do is try drinking from the firehose. Diving into a bunch of sessions and surrounding yourself with tons of strangers is exactly how you trigger an anxiety attack. Start slow and go to a session and then take some time away to think about what you did and go to the next session after the break. You need time to process and that is impossible if you are jumping from one session to the next. 

2. Hydrate yourself

Hydration is huge. For me, dehydration is a trigger for panic attacks. I have to stay hydrated so my mind can stay focused. Bring a water bottle and hit the water stations on a regular basis. Keep drinking and be ok with having to go to the bathroom often. Hydration will save from drowning in anxiety. 

3. Support yourself

Take the "me time" you need at the conference. Do not feel compelled to attend every event and engage with everyone all of the time. Bring some earbuds, listen to something that is calming, and just find your center when you feel overwhelmed. You will not be able to retain the knowledge from sessions if you are in a constant state of fight or flight. Take the time for you so you can get the most out of the session you attend during the conference. 

4. Push yourself

If you feel up for it, try and push yourself a little bit. Maybe participate a little in a session here and there or go to an event after the conference day has ended if you have the energy. As an introvert, I know how tough it can be to be surrounded by so many different people and just be overwhelmed. Dip a toe in here and there and see how it feels. Never feel bad if you need to check out because it is all too much. Your mental health is number one. Push yourself when you are ready. 

5. Reward yourself

If you spent a few days at a conference and learned a bunch, reward yourself with some "me time" away from the world. Grab a book or curl up on the couch and just veg. You have put your brain and body through a stressful ordeal and will be exhausted. Treat yourself to something awesome because you have earned it. 

For those of you who are not anxious about conferences or are extroverts, please know that everyone who is an introvert or is anxious presents very differently. Many people who assume that "The Nerdy Teacher" can't be anxious or an introvert and they would be right. "The Nerdy Teacher" is not an anxious person. "The Nerdy Teacher" is very extroverted. However, Nicholas Provenzano is a ball of anxiousness and super introverted. Putting on the "Nerdy Teacher" mask is something I do so I can cope with  the conference world and allows me to compartmentalize those anxious and introverted feelings. It is exhausting though. Any person that puts on the mask knows exactly what I am talking about. 

I share all of this because if know your friends are introverted or easily overwhelmed at events, please be understanding, kind, and supportive. When things get to be too much, we just need a friend to understand. 

Share this with your anxious and introverted friends and your extroverted friends to give them a sense of what it going on in our heads. 

Back to the Beginning #ISTE2016

I am back where it all began.

Denver.

ISTE.

Where has the time gone? The last time ISTE was in Denver, I was attending my first educational conference. Today, I'm an ISTE veteran and cannot wait to see all of my peeps. My first ISTE connected me to a group of people that I once called "Internet friends" and now view as dear friends. They have all impacted me in one way or another and I'm so grateful for their friendship.

For those of you attending ISTE for the very first time, please make sure you spend it learning in great sessions, but more importantly, making connections with the wonderful educators roaming the halls. These people can make a difference in your educational career.

I have no idea what is going to be happening over the next few days, but I know that it will be fun, exciting, exhausting, educational, silly, crazy, smiley, high fivey, and generally awesome from start to finish.

If you are around and you see me, please stop by and say hi. I would love to connect with new people as well as reconnect with my old friends.

I hope everyone has an amazing ISTE and I can't wait to see what this event holds for me and my friends. 

#ISTE2016 Maker Challenge with @AmazonEdu

Hello everyone! I'm excited to share with you and awesome event I have been planning with Amazon Education the past month. We are hosting a Maker Challenge at #ISTE2016!!! Here is a cool graphic Amazon Education put together with some important details. 

We already have a collection of awesome Master Makers that are going to participate in the event, but there is a way for you to get in and get your hands dirty. Our Master Makers are looking for novice Makers to be their teammates. That's right, you can join the fun and it is really simple to do it. All you have to do is tweet why you want to participate in the event and use #MakerChallenge. We are looking for teachers that are willing to take risks and try something new. 

I'd like to introduce the Master Makers for the 2016 Maker Challenge. 

David Saunders @DesignSaunders

Diana Rendina - @DianaLRendina

Colleen Graves - @GravesColleen

Bill Selak - @BillSelak

Jeff Branson - @SparkFunEDU

Please tweet these awesome people and let them know why you want on their team and use the #MakerChallenge tag. 

This event could not be possible without the support of Amazon Education, littleBits, SparkFunEDU, SAM Labs and Dremel. Check out their sites for awesome information on their products and how they can be used to create amazing products for home or with your students in the classroom. 

Come and join the fun at #ISTE2016 and see what Making is all about. 

Awesome Sponsors