A few weeks back I was lucky enough to present at the Georgia Education Technology Conference(GaETC). I was able to share my message on the importance of the makerspace culture where the emphasis is on building a culture of learning and not a emphasis on tools(check the resources here)
At the end of the presentation I challenged the audience to write themselves a postcard stating what they were going to do accomplish to enhance the learning environment of their school/classroom in the month of November. I collected all the postcards and promised to send them out at the end of the month as a gentle reminder. I also had those who did not get a LEGO set make a note so I could send them one because I felt terrible that I ran out of sets.
This is something I have never done before. I was nervous about how everyone would respond. Obviously, it is a reflection on the session. If the audience was not inspired by the session, then the results would show. If I did my job to lead to action and changing for the better, then the results would also show.
I feel inspired, motivated, and almost moved to tears of joy when I read some of their goals. Each person had their own unique flavor, goal, and approach to creating their goal. It is awesome and I am reminded by how passionate educators are in striving to get better all the time. These powerful positive moments are not expressed, shared, and celebrated enough.
I have linked all the goals here in this photo album for you to be inspired. I made sure their names were not attached to protect their privacy. I encourage you to check them out. Leave a comment to this post about what you think as I hope many of the writers themselves will see the feedback.
As I write this I am preparing all the packages. I purchased mail packages for the LEGO sets that need to be delivered. They are being mailed out this week in hopes to arrive before the week ends.
I also created a sticker using my Brother QL-720NW Professional, High-speed Label Printer that I learned about from Tony Vincent. This allowed me to add a personal touch to the postcards. It also allows them to share their follow through of their goal to the following page.
I attached the sticker to the postcard. When I mail them out they will read their goal and see the note. My goal is that they will head over the to Maker Goal page and share what they have done. Be sure to check this page as the educators begin to share. As I share over on the page I want the goal to be a development of yeasayers instead of naysayers.
Think to yourself……how are you holding yourself accountable? Have you written down a goal? What are you doing to make sure you reach the goal? These are things we all work on and also struggle with. I hope by investing in creating this presentation and follow through that costs me time, money, materials, and follow through that we can move the needle. More importantly it has helped me to realize that I need to do more to myself accountable.
I cannot wait to share with you my goals for 2017, but in the meantime enjoy all that these educators have shared and demonstrated.
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