Making Connections
Over the years, I’ve built a network of incredible educators and tech enthusiasts through social media. Attending ISTE 2024 in Denver was like walking into a reunion of old friends, many of whom I had never met in person before. The excitement of finally putting faces to names was much needed. Meeting them face-to-face for the first time felt like reuniting with long-lost friends. We shared laughs, exchanged ideas, and deepened our professional connections. The energy was infectious, and I left each conversation feeling inspired and grateful for this vibrant community. I also got a chance to catch up with people I’ve known in real life for years. We exchanged handshakes, hugs, and picked up right where we left off the last time we saw each other at a conference. This is quite possibly one of the most important things to do at a conference of this size. It’s nice to know that no matter how much we feel we work in silos at times, there are others just like us doing great things in education. And that’s what this ISTE was all about!
The EdTech Bites x Kami Walking Food Tour
One of the highlights of my ISTE experience was hosting my 7th Walking Food Tour sponsored by Kami. With 40 enthusiastic participants, including the Kami team, my boys, and myself, we embarked on a culinary adventure through Denver. Our first stop was Cherry Cricket Ballpark, where the burgers were as big as our smiles. Not only were they big, they were a different type of delicious. We tasted their Cricket Royale burger which actually is an award winning burger. Next, we savored the delicious flavors at Lazo’s Empanadas. There, we had spicy ground beef, spicy chicken, spinach and cheese, and fresh mushroom empanadas. They were to die for! I make a really good Chimichurri at home so when I saw they had one, I had to taste it. It tasted just like mine which told me one thing, my homemade Chimichurri tastes just like that of an authentic ! Argentinian restaurant. After that, we stumbled over to Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, where we indulged in some of the most creative hot dogs imaginable. I got to taste their Vegan dog and let me tell you this… it was the most flavorful hot dog I’ve ever had! But we weren’t done yet! We waddled over to wrap up the tour at Marco’s Coal Fired, enjoying mouthwatering pizzas that left us craving more. They have a very interesting way of creating their pizza and the story behind it was unreal. They take a lot of pride and steps into making sure they pizzas are as authentic as can be. Oh, and we didn’t leave until we had a chance to try their Nutella pizza. Yeah, I said it… NUTELLA PIZZA!
The night was filled with laughter, storytelling, and new connections. It was more than just a food tour; it was a celebration of community and camaraderie. Watching everyone bond while breaking bread was truly heartwarming. If you ever get the chance to join a food tour, I highly recommend it. The memories and friendships made over a good meal are simply unmatched.
Presenting Sessions
Presenting at ISTE 2024 was an exhilarating experience. I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion through sessions on vocabulary retention, podcasting, and creativity. Each session was met with eager participants ready to learn and engage. I was a little nervous about one particular session that was scheduled from 4:30pm – 5:30pm on the first day of ISTE. I thought to myself “No one is going to show up for this session. Everyone is too tired to learn at this time and everyone is going to be eager to get back to their hotel room and get ready for all of the social events that evening.” Was I happy that I was wrong! People showed up and actively participated in the session. We even had a huge laugh at one particular Peardeck Flashcard Factory drawing someone did to illustrate the word “baster”. I’m pretty sure you can imagine what the drawing looked like. The highlight, however, was being part of a panel that discussed our favorite AI apps for teachers. I got a chance to share the stage with Alice Keeler, Victoria Thompson, Eric Curts, Sarah Thomas, Rachelle Poth, Mike Tholfsen, and Jaime Donally. This session was moderated by the one and only Vicki Davis. The exchange of ideas and innovative AI solutions for teachers was invigorating, and I left each session feeling proud of the contributions I could make to the education community.
I also had the opportunity to share my podcast and content creation knowledge at the WeVideo and Soundtrap booths. They were gracious enough to purchase copies of my book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” and give them out to those who attended my sessions at their booths. I shared different ways to incorporate podcasting into the classroom and how to facilitate this as a teacher using their tools.
Podcast Conversations
Podcasting at ISTE 2024 was an extraordinary opportunity to dive deeper into the minds of some of the brightest in the education and technology fields. I conducted 16 interviews with conference presenters, participants, and company representatives. Each conversation was a treasure trove of insights, stories, and experiences. To check these out, head over to the Podcast Episodes page, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.
Family Bonding and Memories
This trip was special for another reason—it was a chance to create lasting memories with my two boys. This was a boys trip as my wife decided to stay back in San Antonio. Having them by my side at the conference and on the Food Tour allowed them to see me in my element, sharing my passion with others. We walked to the Denver Capitol, recreating photos from our visit eight years ago, reminiscing about the past while creating new memories. The joy of seeing my boys connect with their cousins, my nephews who live in Denver, was indescribable. Their laughter and shared stories filled my heart with happiness.
The moments spent with my boys during this trip were a beautiful reminder of the importance of family. We bonded over shared experiences, from the excitement of the conference, hopping on Lime scooters and cruising through Downtown Denver, to the simple pleasure of a walk through the city. It was a reminder that while professional growth and connections are vital, the connections we nurture within our families are the most precious of all.
Conclusion
ISTE 2024 in Denver was an unforgettable experience, blending professional growth, culinary adventures, and cherished family moments. The connections I made, the sessions I presented, the fun of the Food Tour, and the special time with my boys all contributed to a truly remarkable event. If you ever have the chance to attend ISTE, seize it. The memories, inspiration, and connections you gain will stay with you long after the conference ends.