First Time Presenter at ISTE: Sharing EdTech Tools and Strategies for Future Educators

Explore highlights from my first ISTE Conference presentation experience, including top edtech tools, innovative teaching strategies, and how I integrate ISTE standards into my classroom.

A Series of Firsts at ISTE

Attending the ISTE Conference this year was a milestone filled with exciting firsts. For the first time, I had the opportunity to present alongside colleagues I had only met online—a true testament to the power of professional learning networks in education.

Together, we delivered two higher education-focused sessions that showcased practical tools and strategies for preparing future educators.

Session 1: Top 10 EdTech Tools for the Classroom

In our first session, we shared our favorite technology tools for teaching and learning. I presented on Microsoft OneNote—a powerful, all-in-one digital notebook that supports collaboration, organization, and creativity in the classroom. Truly, a tool to rule them all!

Session 2: Innovative Pedagogies for Teacher Preparation

Our second session focused on innovative strategies in teacher education. I highlighted the Virtual Co-Op Program I run in my Technology of Instruction course. This program allows preservice teachers to gain hands-on experience with educational technology in real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

My First ISTE Playground Session

Another exciting first: I presented at an ISTE Playground Session! If you’ve never attended one, it’s a fast-paced, interactive learning environment where educators can explore new ideas and tools in real time.

During my session, I demonstrated how I integrate ISTE Standards for Educators into my coursework. From digital citizenship to computational thinking, I shared practical examples of how these standards come to life in my classroom.

Explore the Resources

Want to dive deeper into the tools and strategies I shared? Check out the Sway document below for session resources, examples, and classroom-ready ideas.

Final Thoughts

Presenting at ISTE was an unforgettable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space of growth, collaboration, and innovation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share, learn, and connect with educators from around the world, and I can’t wait to do it again!

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