ISTE Denver 2024

15367 participants attended ISTE Denver 2335 presenters from 34 different countries 84 total countries participated. My favourite place to visit was definitely the exhibition Hall. It was so big with over 419 exhibitors showing all the latest technology, latest apps and programs and a lot of the tools and fun gadgets that can be used in education. There was 1027 booths. A lot of the exhibitors had hands-on people there to support and help you and take you through how to work the programs and apps but they also had workshops available that you could sit down and listen and watch. At the Google stand I watched two: one was on media literacy and the new resources that they've got out and another was on how to use Gemini to create and support students making pick-a-path stories. At the Legos stand I also did a workshop here looking at how they use Lego robotics. They were lots of fun. I really enjoyed that workshop and could see the value of robotics and creativity. Also how they are connected with many aspects of the curriculum. I also went to figjam,brisk, school AI, Explain Everything,magic school, padlet, snorkl, go noodle,diffit, Gemini, kahoot, gimkit and many more I can not remember the names of. A great experience, lucky it is the school holidays in a week after I get back so I can spend so time going back of workshops, notes and videos. Also putting together some presentations and catching up on my blog posts. Our Thursday in Denver after the conference was a morning walk with my new dear friend Robyn and then out to the castle rock factory shops. Got my last lot of goodies for home. Then out to dinner at the cheese cake factory with Jono, Alison and Robyn. Bags all packed ready for the Friday journey home through San Fransisco. Later that night a text message comes through 12 hour delay in San Fransisco Air Nz would put us up at a motel for the night. Luck there was 2 of us Robyn and myself so didn't feel to stressed. Then friday morning another text message I am now flying home through Houston. Lucky I had Robyn so I was not on my own and also Chris was on the same flights. Robyn and I made our way out to the airport early and had lunch and hang out at the massive Denver airport. We got our transfer at Houston, lucky we all waited for each other and helped each other to find our transfer gate at the even bigger Houston airport.We arrived as they where just starting to board. A long flight back to NZ 14.5 hours. We arrived to no luggage it didn't make the transfer at Houston. It arrived Tuesday night to my door step. Then I had a 5 hour delay to get my Auckland to kerikeri flight. Which went quickly, it was nice to be home. The trip went by so quickly. What a experience of a lifetime.