Reflections on #ISTELive 2025

July 4, 2025
Miscellaneous
0 Comments

I attended the virtual path of #ISTELive this past week. I presented virtually on the first day and watched a number of the other virtual sessions as well as those being streamed from San Antonio, TX.

It’s been a number of years since I attended in person. I have found that as I get older, I prefer the smaller conferences but I do get a little FOMO while watching my friends post and share. In the end, I am glad I stayed home and attended as I did.

I was most pleased with the ability to watch so many streamed ASCD session since the two conferences were combined this year. It highlighted to me an important reminder: it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the shiny new tech tools and inadvertently bypass sound pedagogy. Watching sessions truly focused on pedagogy and learned was definitely a benefit over years past.

By far the majority of my session evaluations were positive and appreciative. There were two that weren’t and they have set up camp in brain but I am trying to take them in stride and will certainly consider that feedback as well for any future presentations.

I was very surprised and honored to see that eSchoolNews posted an article, “10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom,” about 10 of the resources in my session resource. My goal with this 10 year old Google Doc has always been focused on sharing but I never dreamed that it would still be alive and kicking. I am reminded of a past trip to the Google offices in Atlanta, GA. When I was riding the elevator down after the event, the other passenger asked how she knew me because I looked familiar. I shared some of the events I had been to and socials I use. She shook her head and eventually said, “Gobs of Goodies!” That memory always brings a smile to face.

Overall, my virtual #ISTELive experience was a rewarding one, reinforcing the importance of pedagogical focus and reminding me of the unexpected ways sharing can impact others.

What was your biggest takeaway from #ISTELive this year, whether you attended virtually or in person?