How to NOT Attend a Conference - #notatiste14

At last week's TCEA Tots and Technology, I learned so much.  One thing I learned is that you don't always have to be at the convention to learn from it and connect with other educators. So this time, I decided to try virtually attending ISTE, which is held in Atlanta, Georgia this year.

Here's Mrs. T's Guide for NOT Attending a Conference

Step 1:  Find a conference you want to go to, but for some reason ($$$) can't make it and learn the hashtag on Twitter (#ISTE2014)

Step 2:  Search Twitter for others talking about the conference and discover that there are others like you that can't go, but want to learn together. Follow them! If you're lucky, there will be someone that is way ahead of you and has created a Google+ Community - JOIN! (Thanks @jenwagner for setting this up!)

Step 3: Pick up your virtual badge:

Step 4:  Find the schedule for the live broadcasts on TeacherCast and watch over breakfast with your cat - Katie is a VERY important part of my PLN (Personal Learning Network).

 

Learning with @cybraryman1 and @TeacherCast

Step 6: Check the schedule and continue connecting with and following others both at the convention and not at the convention.  Favorite and/or Retweet comments that interest you. Presenters often post links to their presentations on Twitter, Google Docs, or Slideshare.

Step 7: Relax and enjoy NOT going to a convention, but still finding great new resources and meeting new people.

Now this is nowhere near a complete list!  I'm still a newbie at a lot of this, but at least I'm trying and putting myself out there and will have some great ideas to use in my new classroom.

Have a FANTASTIC day!