To the moon and back

     On October 29th and 30th I had the privilege of attending the GAFE Summit in Belleville, Ontario. In case you don't know, GAFE stands for Google Apps For Education and is produced by EdTechTeam, a Google partner. If you haven't attended a GAFE Summit (which is transitioning to the name GSuite Summit), find one and GO!!! The summit offered 4 sessions per day of learning with Google Educators and Google Innovators, as well as time with them to get one-on-one help and instruction. So much incredible learning. My brain was stretched in all directions. I even learned to use Bitmoji so you can see exactly how I felt before...

during...

 and after...

 
















   

The keynote speaker on Day 1 was Jeff Heil, who spoke with passion about the students he taught at his first teaching job, at a homeless shelter in the 1980's. He and his teaching partner purchased Apple Macs that gave the students the opportunity to make original films to tell their stories. The tech tools gave his students a voice for the first time in their lives. His students in turn became passionate about their own learning and are now leading meaningful lives in their chosen fields of study. One of Jeff's former students is Ryan Hudson, a snowboarder and public speaker. Watch streets2peaks this video to hear Ryan speak about what drives him to keep going in the midst of great challenge. It's a great video about perseverance to show to students!
     So much of what Jeff had shared resonated with me and echoed "The Innovator's Mindset". First, he too believes that the best learning begins with the relationships you develop with your students and the trust you build with them. He spoke of technology as the tool for student learning and self-expression.
     Jeff also spoke about Moonshot Thinking.
Google's definition of a moonshot: A project or proposal that: Addresses a huge problem. Proposes a radical solution. Uses breakthrough technology. 
Here's a great YouTube video on Moonshot thinking. Jeff challenged us to use and cultivate moonshot thinking in our classrooms, so that our students are ready to do the same.

     Here is my take away from Jeff's keynote, drawn with Sharpies on an actual message board at the summit:

Jeff is clearly a teaching rockstar! And thanks to social media, I can continue to learn and be inspired by him. Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your love for your students, and their remarkable accomplishments. 

XO Nicci (your super fan)

P.P.S. Here's me using 2 EdTechTeam cable pouches as a yoga mat. Whatev.