Today is the final day of iPadpalooza (#iplz17), a fun edtech conference sponsored by Eanes ISD under the guidance of the equally fun Carl Hooker (@mrhooker). This was my first time at the conference, and I was impressed by the eclectic program and variety of innovative speakers from around the world. Sessions ranged from traditional panels to "walk and talks" such as one by New Zealand Deputy Principal Richard Wells (eduwells.com), who led us around Westlake High School as he explained how New Zealand is changing its schools to match its futuristic student-centered curriculum and assessment. Instead of a traditional one-person keynote, the first full day featured 14 mini-keynotes lasting five minutes each. There was also a poetry slam, student film festival, iPadpalooza Escape Room, and live music to entertain attendees as they dined on lunch from gourmet food trucks. The conference nicely balanced levity and learning for a unique PD opportunity. (See my photos on Facebook).
This was also the final iPadapalooza. "Thank you iPadpalooza attendees for making our final event so memorable!" an email to attendees read on the last day of the conference. "As was announced at the closing, we will be evolving into something different in the future. We value your feedback tremendously to help shape our future event (name and date TBD) into an even better experience." We look forward to learning what the future holds for Carl Hooker and his team!
