Geeking Out Day #1

So. last night found me back on a red-eye flight to the east coast.  This time for work, although it will prove to be fun work.  I was on my way to the Fuure of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida.  This was because of my new job at work, Technology Coordinator.  A job that I do take very seriously and has been something new and challenging for me this year.  Evidently, this is the 36 year of this conference here in Orlando.   Anyhow, the flights were good - the connection was quick, and I think I made it in my sleep.  When I got to Orlando, it was a whole new experience for me as I'm always flying into Orlando to go to Walt Disney World and when you do that, your bags are automatically transfered to your resort, etc.... so Mickey wasn't waiting for me this time.  I guess it was time to be an adult and get my bags and a taxi to my hotel.  I was kinda stressing over being in a new place that I didn't know (even though it was Orlando) but Mom gently reminded me that I travled all over Italy without knowing where I was and I didn't have a problem.  She was right, of course.

I got to my hotel, took a nap and a shower and I was ready to head to the convention center.  How was I going to get there?   I had a few options, but the first option is always to walk, which I did.  Sort of... I  realized after a few blocks, that the walk was not going to happen.  So, I hopped on the trolly for the rest of the way.   The driver was nice to tell me where I had to get off to get where I was going.  I got off and saw this

Well, it looks like we are sharing the space with a Surf Expo.  How exciting.

I grabed my name badge

and got some lunch and shared a table with a guy named Ivan who was the IT support for several schools in the Orlando area.  We talked about iPads vs. Chrome Books etc, we also talked about the schedule of the conference.  I was still having a little issue understanding the schedule and what were considered workshops and what were "drop-ins" etc.  I have a ticket for two workshops for the conference.  I figured out that you don't sign up for them, but just show up early and get in line and hope you'll get in.  So, with the app, I made my schedule and such I finally felt that I had a plan.

As I look around, I notice everyone had a device or two and that there were meetings on the floor around outlets.  It was kinda cool.  It was almost like the Religious Education Congress without priests, and liturgies.  I hung out and waited for the keynote address to begin.  It was a great talk given by the founder of Girls Who Code. 

The exhibit hall opened and it was neat to walk around and collext some ideas.

I chatted with a teacher about the use of Twitter in the classroom, which I was reticent about but now I get it.  I'll be sharing those thoughts with the faculty

It took me quite a while to get home because I kept getting on the wrong trolly.  When I finally got to my hotel, I decided to go to the Universal City Walk for dinner.  I did an d it was yummy and nice to at least lay eyes on Univerasal Studios in Orlando.  I'm going to need to go back.

Tomorrow is an early morning becasue my first workshop is at 8:ooam. 

Looking forward to a great day tomororw.