How Can You Make The Most Of Attending ISTE 2019?

June 11, 2019

Nick White, Teaching and Learning Consultant for Konica Minolta’s IT services division, All Covered (All Covered), has received local, state, and national recognition for leadership and innovation in education and instructional technology. He is a frequent presenter for staff development programs and education conferences. After teaching for 24 years in K-12 schools, Nick has served as an administrator, professional development specialist, and school district technology director.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference is coming up on June 24th and so we decided to ask Nick, who has attended for many years for some helpful tips! Last year’s show had grown to a whopping 15,000 attendees – and everyone wants to make the most out of their time!

How long have you attended the annual ISTE conference and how have you found it beneficial? 

I’ve attended ISTE periodically over the course of my career and regularly for the past eight years. ISTE is where instructional thought leaders and technology leaders converge to learn about the latest in pedagogical practices and current technologies.

Everyone looks to find what is coming next and ISTE does a wonderful job of predicting just that. It has always given me a glimpse into the future of education technology and allows me to reevaluate my current beliefs and practices. From that, new ideas emerge that I can take to classrooms!

What is the number one benefit from attending the show?

ISTE is truly the best Ed Tech conference anywhere and I say this because it’s all-encompassing. The show gives every attendee a deep dive into all sorts of technology under one roof! There is no other way to effectively learn about classroom technology on such a scale.

While learning about new technology, you can also have deep conversations with the leaders of innovation and best practices in educational technology. It would seem impossible to depart this conference without inspiring new ideas and the itch to make a real difference in the classroom.  There are really so many innovative solutions presented every day of ISTE and in every corner.

As an expert, what technologies are you excited to talk about this year?

Actually, in the Konica Minolta booth #1338, an attendee can find education experts demonstrating a myriad of technology solutions. Our services and solutions stretch from administrative and management tools to a variety of classroom technology solutions. This includes the latest Promethean Elements series Activpanel, Dremel 3D Printer and Dremel Laser Cutter, Lenovo Virtual Reality classroom sets, and school security, both physical and virtual.  We will also be discussing a security assessment as part of our Education Technology Assessment offering.

Top 3 things every attendee should do at the ISTE show

Study the conference program in advance and target the sessions that are of greatest priority. Get to the session locations EARLY because the rooms will fill up. Included in those sessions is the ISTE playground – be sure to head over there as well as our very own Judy Nguyen, Teaching and Learning Consultant will be demoing how to use teleconference in the classroom on June 24th, and on the 25th she will demonstrate free classroom ideas for augmented and virtual reality!

Make sure your schedule includes visiting the exhibit hall more than once. Each vendor knows how challenging it can be to step away from your desks during the school year so this is your chance to see everything in one place!

And most importantly, network with your peers! This is a great place to chat with everyone!

Nick White and the rest of the education technology team will be at Booth #1338 during the duration of the ISTE conference.  And the team is hosting a private party after day one of the conference, on Monday, June 24th from 6 – 8 pm at McCormick & Schmick’s, just a 5 minute walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Nick White
Teaching and Learning Consultant, All Covered

Nick has received local, state, and national recognition for leadership and innovation in education and instructional technology. He is a frequent presenter for staff development programs and education conferences. After teaching for 24 years in K-12 schools, Nick has served as an administrator, professional development specialist, and school district technology director. He holds Master’s degrees in Music and in Computer Science Education.