Here are some more notes on presentations that I attended with links to some of the websites and programs mentioned.
Joquetta Johnson Voracious Vocabulary: Apps that Attack Words
Session Description: How can we assist ALL students in owning the words they need to know in order to be college and career ready? Participates with be provided with web and mobile learning applications that can transform teaching and learning vocabulary into engaging, enjoyable, meaningful, and collaborative learning experiences
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/vocabgrabber/
http://www.readwritethink.org/
http://paperslide.wikispaces.com/PSV
Ratna Ragunathan The magic of games D’amazing race
Session Description: Who doesn’t like a game or two? Especially when there are abounding opportunities for language usage (not to mention the fun, thrilling and mind-boggling bit)!
Reminiscing on my learners’ excitement and lit-up faces, I believe that games are, indeed, one of the most joyous parts of language learning. In today’s presentation, I’d like to share an exciting large-scale competitive game (akin to the Amazing Race) that you’d love to try out with your learners! Together, we’ll look at the works of it in terms of the game plan, materials required, tasks designed, game adaptability as well as some of my learners experiences. I more than welcome questions at the end of the session as my only wish is for you to try it out at your school too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hrlzfD4Gm0&feature=player_detailpage
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BztNJwHyedoRcTdTVGxrODZKYWc/edit?usp=sharing&pli=1
Final keynote Plenary: Salome Thomas-EL, Principal EL The Immortality of Influence: Believing Every Child Can Achieve Their Dreams
Salome Thomas-EL, National Education Expert, and Award-Winning Teacher and Principal In Philadelphia, PA. “Every child needs someone to be crazy about them.” These are the words of Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning teacher and principal, and nationally recognized educator. They shape his life-long commitment to answering the question, “How do we ensure that every child achieves their greatest potential?” This question lies at the heart of the national dialogue on education policy, the day in and day out work of school personnel, and the hopes of every parent. Central to this challenge is how we succeed with children who are facing the most serious barriers to success: poverty, violence, neglect, and low expectations. For over 20 years, Thomas-EL has taken on this challenge with the absolute belief that every child can and will learn as long as adults in their world care enough to not give up. Starting as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School and through his years as principal at several traditional public and charter schools, Thomas-EL has transformed the attitudes and strategies of school staff, parents, and members of the community to help hundreds of troubled children not only graduate from high school but go on to earn higher degrees from major colleges and universities. He brings to the process a powerful combination of passion, caring, and leadership to craft a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to help kids achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.
Some of the quotable messages in this inspiring keynote were;
Stop praying for a lighter load – pray for a stronger back
Support teachers and create a family atmosphere in your school in order to attract excellent teachers
You can be me because I was once you
Every child needs someone to be crazy about them