#MACUL14

I had the privilege to attend this year's Michigan's Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) conference in Grand Rapids.  I was thrilled with the knowledge I gained but even more excited about the relationships and professional connections I made.  It was so refreshing to surround myself with educators with the same passion, philosophy of teaching and education reform that I have.  I was delighted to learn about new gadgets, apps and technological devices to implement in my classroom, but I was even more fired up to be reminded once again that 21st Century Learning is NOT about the technology, but about teaching in a way that inspires all students to want to learn.  The key themes that seemed to be repeated no matter what area of the DeVos Center you were located in were developing positive relationships, IEP's for all students, and getting kids to DO ~ not sit around and listen.

The speakers I was able to listen to at this magnificent event have made me excited about my job again. Adam Bellow's key note speech had me crying watching a whiskey commercial,  Erin Klein has convinced me that my students should have an opportunity to choose what they want to learn on a frequent basis, Jennifer Bond persuaded me to finally make my third graders the happiest, little students on the planet by implementing the Minecraft video game and I became George Couros's biggest fan.

As I continue with the remainder of the school year, I will of course keep utilizing my pilot of Chromebooks, but I will be doing it with a refreshed perspective.  Thank you MACUL and Brighton Area Schools!