I've been reflecting on my journey in EdTech.

 
Elana and a few friends at the first EdTech karaoke.

First EdTech Karaoke, ISTE 2011, Philadelphia. Photo Credit: Elana Leoni (photo booth)

Volume 25

It’s officially summer, and for those of us in EdTech, summer kicks off with the biggest EdTech event of the year. ISTE is happening this week in Philadelphia, and it's got me reflecting on my journey in EdTech and how much has changed and yet stayed the same.

Fun fact: The now-famous ​​EdTech Karaoke​ was born in 2011 at ISTE Philadelphia. While I was at Edutopia, I was able to partner with other EdTech brands to birth the idea and bring it to fruition.

It’s been 12 years since that first EdTech Karaoke and 13 years of me attending ISTE/NECC conferences. I feel like I've grown up going to ISTE. I’ve forged friendships with educators across the US. I’ve sat on the floor of bloggers' lounges listening to keynotes and learning from educators. I’ve facilitated sessions on the power of social media with educators I admire. I’ve cheered on ​​educator friends who keynoted the conference​​, and during all of this time, I have met some of the most inspiring humans.

ISTE has always been, as my friend Adam Bellow says, "our social glue." It’s where our virtual handshakes, interactions, and collaborations transform into in-person and it’s absolutely awesome. This year, I have no doubt that ​​AI and ChatGPT​ will be all the rage at ISTE.

Despite new tech on the scene, the conversation surrounding EdTech remains constant. How do we ensure tech is thoughtfully integrated in a way that enhances and does not distract learning? How can we use tech in a way that motivates students to become creators and not just consumers? How do we combat the ease that technology provides with the value of experiencing failure, learning from mistakes, and developing critical-thinking skills? Above all, how do we ensure equity and access as new tech enters the classroom and unforeseen challenges arise?

And here’s the holy grail question: What truly works to help students become empathetic, critical thinkers that can demonstrate the agility and skills necessary to thrive in a world full of challenges we cannot even imagine? Although EdTech tools have ebbed and flowed, the questions tend to remain the same.

Reflecting back, I’ve never been prouder to devote 15 years of my career to EdTech and help uplift so many inspiring voices in education. Every ISTE reminds me that what matters most is not the technology specifically but the educators who thoughtfully use EdTech and those who intentionally create support networks to help them navigate it all.

Take care,

 
 
 

​Free Audits at ISTE​

Need help with your social media, content marketing, and/or community? Book some time to connect with Elana at ISTE. There are only a couple of spots left on Tuesday and Wednesday. ​Book a spot​.

PS: We'll also be having our annual party Tuesday night (6.27.23). ​RSVP​ (limited capacity).

​EdTech Conference Planning Social Media Checklist ​

Headed to ISTE? EdTech brands can follow this checklist to make the most out of the biggest EdTech conference of the year.

Made by LCG
"educator voices," with some text bubbles

​This is your friendly reminder to listen to educators as much as possible.

 

[BONUS]

In the spirit of ISTE being in Philadelphia this year, we asked some folks what the BEST Rocky movie was...and the results are in! Want to weigh in? Take this poll.

70% ROCKY I

13% ROCKY IV

9% CREED I

4% ROCKY II​

4% OTHER