This June 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the InnEdCo (Innovative Education Colorado) Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. As a past attendee, now current Ambassador for this organization, this is an experience that I never want to miss out on. This year was different since I brought along my iPad with my Rug-Ed Journey 10 case to help me capture important information I learned throughout the week. Here is a recap of my conference experience and my biggest takeaways.
Packing for Success
Before heading up for the week, I made sure to pack materials that will help me as a learner, but also as a presenter. Here are the essentials I brought along:
- iPad and Rug-Ed Journey 10 Case
- iPad Pencil
- InnEdCo Ambassador shirt
- Laptop & dongle video adaptors
- Small Notebook & Pens (just in case Wifi went out!)
- Waterbottle
- STEM Goodie Bags for attendees in my session
Sessions for Learning
What I love about this conference is there is a variety of sessions that you can choose from to enhance your teaching practice. There are presenters who are current teachers, former teachers and even educational companies who share impactful information.
I was able to attend a day early for the Google Pre-Con Party where it was 4 hours of actionable Google for Education Content. While sitting with fellow InnEdCO Ambassadors, we collaborated and tried new tools (and not to mention a few laughs too!).
We also had amazing keynote speakers each day including a local student panel, Dave Burgess and Alice Keeler.
Having my iPad on hand was extremely helpful during my session with SAM Labs where I was able to download their app and experiment with their coding product. During that session, I was able to code a light that turned on and off with a sensor.
Other sessions had valuable knowledge that I wanted to take more notes on. My favorite iPad app for this is Good Notes. I was able to write, draw, and even take pictures of hand-outs and business cards to keep all the information in one digital space.
Typically when traveling, I am wary of bringing expensive technology with me, like my laptop and iPad. However, having my iPad in my Journey 10 case and its Accidental Damage Protection Program (ADP). With the ADP warranty, Rug-Ed handles device deployment, tracking, and repairs to damaged iPads. This zero-deductible and unlimited repair coverage is ideal for the devices in schools and classrooms.
Session for Presenting
My long-time friend and fellow teacher and I had the opportunity to present a session, “Engagement through Innovative Upgrades”. During our session, we gave examples of traditional K-5 lessons that were enhanced with different tools or lesson structures.
Teachers were then able to collaborate and brainstorm lessons they hope to upgrade in their classroom and use the ideas from our session as inspiration. It was amazing being able to support teachers and help them think in different ways about their future lessons.
Connecting & Networking
A major benefit about the InnEdCo conference is being able to connect and network with other teachers and educational companies. There is a section of the conference area where vendors have booths set up. While it can be intimidating at first seeing these as a teacher, it’s quite the opposite!
These representatives are extremely helpful and will help answer questions about current products you may already have in your school and give you more information about them if you’re interested. Also in this conference setting, they typically have a variety of giveaways going on. From one of the giveaways that I entered, I ended up winning a podcasting microphone!
Conclusion
With the Rug-Ed Journey 10 case in hand, here are the biggest takeaways from the InnEdCo Conference:
- Community is always important. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, motivate you, and remind you of why you do what you do. But also, those you can have fun with wherever you go!
- There is ALWAYS something new to learn, no matter how old you are!
- Find ways to continuously reignite your passion whether it’s a conference, a meet-up or even a book. Mix it up with different opportunities to keep the creativity flowing and your purpose alive!
Interested in attending InnEdCo? Check it out at innedco.org
Take 10% off a Rug-Ed case when you use the code NAOMI10 on Rug-Ed.com
Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List by Naomi Meredith
- Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM by Naomi Meredith
- Best Robots for Kids for STEM & Technology Lessons by Naomi Meredith
How can I help you navigate your STEM & Tech journey? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
About the Author
Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.
With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.
She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!
