ISTE 2017: 3 Things to Look Forward To

The ISTE 2017 Conference & Expo — aka the biggest technology event of the year — is right around the corner, and educators and tech experts alike are abuzz on social media. We looked at #ISTE17 to see what topics are trending the most.

We also checked in at #NotAtISTE, a place where those not attending can still tap into conference resources virtually.

If you attend in person or online only, be sure to check out the live coverage our EdTech team will be providing on our conference landing page.

1. An In-Depth Look at Immersive Classroom Tech, Like Minecraft

Microsoft will be hosting a bring-your-own-device training program for Minecraft.

“During this one-day, in-person Teacher Academy, you will receive an overview of Minecraft: Education Edition, learn to play the game and take with you opportunities to apply it in your classroom,” reads the promotion for the session.

Microsoft also notes it will be building a Minecraft Classroom on the show floor where lessons will be taught — including lunchtime learn-to-play sessions.

The company will also be taking part in the #NotAtISTE coverage (where certain sessions are livestreamed and attendees use Periscope to document the action) by streaming some Minecraft programming, like new features and worlds.

2. Connecting and Collaborating with Others

Part of ISTE membership for educators includes access to professional learning networks (PLNs) based on experiences and interests. Some of these PLNs have sessions at the conference, where members can get face time.

Educator Nicholas Provenzano tells ISTE in its presenter blog series that his favorite part of the whole conference is being able to interact with people he can only see once a year at the conference.

For example, the Ed Tech Coaches Network has “playground” sessions that facilitate experimentations with the roles tech coaches play at a school.

Nancye Blair Black tells the ISTE blog the PLN sessions are her favorite way to collaborate at the conference.

“By joining these networks and participating in their events, you can easily find like-minded educators to hang out with, dream with and even create the next big thing with,” says Black.

3. The Final Reveal of the 2017 Standards for Teachers

It’s been about a year since ISTE debuted new Standards for Students and announced a call to action for teachers to help shape the 2017 ISTE Standards for Teachers.

During the first night of the conference, ISTE will release the new standards in a session with ISTE staff and some education experts.

The latest update of the standards refresh was released in February.

“These teacher standards, like the student standards, will bring a positive change to our classrooms and the ways in which teachers learn, design and lead,” Clara Alaniz, an instructional technology specialist from Plano Independent School District in Texas, tells ISTE. “Because the reach of these standards is so great, it is essential to have input from a wide, diverse educator community so that we can impact the learning of all our students.”