why every ontario educator should attend the bring IT Together conference...

Every year I go to the Bring IT Together conference.  I started five years ago when it was still the ECOO conference in Richmond Hill.  I think this year, more than any other, I realized how important it is for all educators in Ontario to attend this conference.

Obviously I have a certain comfort level with technology (hence the blog), but I don’t think that technology is at the heart of this conference.
 
Yes, technology is the glue that binds the conference together.  It is the conduit that is used to share our knowledge and share, create and engage with our students, however, it is not about the technology.  

I think in many ways, the perceived focus on technology is the thing that keeps some of my counterparts away.  In many ways, they fear the tool more than the pedagogy.  

From now on, when I advertise the conference to my peers I will not sell them on the tools, but instead I will talk about the inspiration, the passion and the sources.

What I truly mean is that the best sales pitch I could give for this conference is to talk about the amazing people I connect with every year.

I will talk about how Sandra McLarnon (@SandraMcLarnon) was literally shouting with joy, while holding her dogeared, highlighted copy of Invent to Learn, as Sylvia Martinez (@smartinez) was speaking about the Maker Movement.

I will share how Alison Bullock’s (@aliringbull)  teary eyed description of her student’s engagement in her novel study almost brought me to tears.

I will describe the pride Sandra Chow (@watnunu) has in her students, her school and the amazing work they are doing with mathematics and technology.

I will show the book I received from Alanna King (@banana29), who organized a fantastic #bit15 book club and brought books to share and inspire others.

You see, technology conferences are not simply about the technology.  They are about the people, the sharing and the passion.  I leave each year feeling inspired and that is how I will advertise this conference to Ontario Educators.
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Thank you all for an amazing #BIT15.

Melissa  

Sandra & I showing off the new #BIT15 Book Club books we received from Alanna.