Convention reflection
It has been almost a month since the convention, but I’d like to reflect back on our experience as presenters in the Great Ideas Forum.
First, who would have thought there is more to the convention than free pens and bags? I must admit I was completely taken back by how much interaction there was at our booth. It felt great to talk to teachers that are doing some type of Wind Turbine or windmill project in their classrooms, or looking for projects to do. Most of the teachers taught science, but when we discussed how we had math, science, art and tech all intertwined, they would comment that they would go back to their school and try to incorporate it.
Some hindsight, if I get the opportunity to be a presenter again. Set up everything Wednesday night. Try to condense everything into one bag so when you leave on Friday it is manageable. I would have a LOT more pictures of the students working at various stages of the project. We had most of the photos on DVD’s but for some reason they wouldn’t play. Also I would bring a few more easels or some type of backing that would stand, to display more samples of the students’ work. Personally I would pack a little cooler with drinks and snacks, mostly for Thursday. I found we had a constant flow of people in the booth on Thursday and I didn’t want to leave; I was enjoying talking to everyone. Also the lines at the food stands tended to be long. Friday was much slower and that is the time I had the chance to go and check out the convention. I found myself stopping to ask more questions at the various booths this year than in the past. I know that was because I liked it when people stopped to talk to us or had some interest, and would just asked us a question and then moved on.
Overall it reinforced my opinion of teachers. NO not that they just want free stuff, but that the GREAT majority are hardworking individuals that are constantly trying to learn and improve. See you at the next convention.
