For the first time in many years, I will not be attending one of my favorite conferences -  the ISTE conference.During that week, on the opposite coast, I'll be teaching a one week course in an Educational Leadership graduate program locally.In exploring ways to connect and learn along with passionate educators on the opposite coast at ISTE I wondered:

How can I connect virtually? What resources are best for others wishing to do the same? What resources can be shared with my classroom so that they can connect with some of the ideas at ISTE12?

This year's theme for ISTE is Expanding Horizons. This theme is a perfect tie in for connecting virtually! 

7 Resources for Attending ISTE Virtually

1. Twitter - If you are not on twitter, sign up for a twitter account. If you are new to twitter, access this Twitter Handbook for Teachers created by those at Powerful Learning Practice.   It contains 'how to' resources, basics guides and a list of twittering educators which you can follow and also join. My virtualiste12 twitter list will be located here.
2. Hashtag #ISTE12 - Follow the hashtag for the conference. Lists will connect you with a certain group but following the hashtags will give you a wide range of results and resources as you will see results from anyone using the hashtag.  If you use the application Tweetdeck to access Twitter, you can create easy to follow columns for any list, search term or hashtag. To connect with others attending virtually use the hashtags #iste12 #virtual or #virtualiste12
3. ISTE Ning - Join the ISTE 2012 ning. Create a group there or join a few.
4. Full Program Guide - Read about the sessions, posters and events. Shared presentation materials are linked here. At the main site, you will also find news feeds, video clips and other updates.
5. Google Reader - Set up a Google Reader account to follow bloggers at ISTE. By following  ISTE Unplugged you will be able to find blogs to add to your reader. ISTE has a blogger list you can access or join too.
6. Mobile Apps - ISTE Mobile App has a list of standards and the ISTE Connects Blog, ISTE12 Conference App lists sessions and more.
7. ISTE Remote - ISTE has a pay option which provides access to certain sessions. See the schedule here http://www.isteconference.org/2012/program/participate_remotely.php

About the ISTE Conference

Sponsored by the International Society of Technology in Education, the ISTE Conference draws close to 20,000 people and is the gathering place for scores of educational technology enthusiasts.Educators gather to discuss new trends, to talk about what works what does not. Sessions explore best practice and emerging trends. The vendor floor is full of product samples and representatives ready to answer your every question.Most importantly, it is a fantastic place to connect with people. That is what makes it great. ISTE is about the people - the passionate educators and educational supporters who bring the best of today's learning strategies to our classrooms.Though you may feel like a fish out of water not being at ISTE in San Diego, happily you can explore it before, during and after virtually! Taking advantage of virtual learning is more doable than ever before. Connecting with educators around the world is a lesson in 21st Century learning in and of itself!This list is a beginning. What other resources would you add?

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” Carl Rogers"

 

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Online Options for Professional LearningThis post is cross posted at SchoolCIO a division of Tech and Learning Magazine.