“If we value independence, if we are disturbed by the growing conformity of knowledge, of values, of attitudes, which our present system induces, then we may wish to set up conditions of learning which make for uniqueness, for self-direction, and for self-initiated learning.”
Carl Rogers
Replicate a Professional Experience
After building a network of community leaders and professional partners and working with educators to plan sessions for our students, it is time to work out the logistics of the conference. As you think about the day, consider the aspects of professional conferences that you find most enjoyable and memorable.
Providing opportunities for students to choose their schedule for the day, planning for networking, food, and swag will help to make the day feel as special as possible for everyone involved. Don't forget conference evaluations! It is important to get the feedback of students, teachers, and community members to continue to expand and improve upon the day as well as to provide students opportunities to reflect on their learning experiences. 21st Century Learning Conferences are an opportunity to think outside of the box in regards to all aspects of a traditional school day.
Providing opportunities for students to choose their schedule for the day, planning for networking, food, and swag will help to make the day feel as special as possible for everyone involved. Don't forget conference evaluations! It is important to get the feedback of students, teachers, and community members to continue to expand and improve upon the day as well as to provide students opportunities to reflect on their learning experiences. 21st Century Learning Conferences are an opportunity to think outside of the box in regards to all aspects of a traditional school day.
Invest in ProfessionalismInvesting in professional digital tools allow you to replicate the conference experience for your students. For instance, by using sched.com as a scheduling tool you can break the mold of the typical school day to provide students with a professional learning experience. It will allow students to choose a schedule that fits their interests and needs for the day. In addition to its clean appearance and ease of use, sched.com allows you to generate attendance lists, highlight speaker profiles, share with ease, communicate session details, search the program and much more.
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Food, Swag & Special Events: Mimic the Conference Experience
What are some of your favorite parts of professional conferences? If you're being honest, then fun, food, free goodies, and networking with your colleagues are probably high on your list. Keep this in mind as you plan the conference for your students. Look for ways to feed them well, provide them with souvenirs of their learning, and engage in conversations with colleagues, professionals, and community leaders that will get them inspired!
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No Cost, Low Cost, Sky's the Limit: Ideas to Make a Conference Awesome!
Let's work together to brainstorm a list of the ways that we could make a 21st Century Learning Conference extra special for the entire school community. Using the post-it notes at your table (one idea per post-it note), brainstorm "no cost", "low cost", and "the sky's the limit" ideas that could infuse fun, food, goodies, and extra special events into the day. Add your ideas to the collaborative posters around the room.
Get Feedback to Grow
Making sure that 21st Century Learning Conferences are engaging, hands-on, and provide authentic learning opportunities requires getting feedback from your audience. By using digital tools like Google Forms, you can get the information necessary to make sure your conferences dynamic and geared toward student interest. In addition to helping to shape your program, conference evaluations can provide you with feedback to guide teachers in their work and sessions run by professional partners.