8 Tips for Connecting at #NYCSchoolsTech Summit - Even If You’re Not There

The #NYCSchoolsTech Summit is the largest annual #EdTech conference in New York City. At the conference innovative educators from across NYC Schools share their knowledge and expertise with other educators from NYC, surrounding areas, and even around the world thanks to social media. The conference is so popular, it trends on Twitter.  

There are dozens of workshops, lunchtime activities, and digital anthropologist Rahaf Harfoush is our keynote speaker. which makes it hard to choose and even harder to stay informed of all that is going on. But don’t despair. When educators connect, everyone benefits and learns even if they aren’t able to attend a particular session in person.  

Here is how participants (live or remote) can do just that at the 2017 #NYCSchoolsTech Summit.

• Tip 1 - Check out the Agenda: At the #NYCSchoolsTech Summit all workshops have a link to an agenda which you can find by viewing any session at https://nycschoolstech2017.livecubeapp.com/?s=schedule_screen. #NYCSchoolsTech teacher and all around nerd, Eileen Lennon offers a hint that she has used before. “Scour the agenda beforehand for questions and discussion points. If you’re ahead of the game, you get the most out of the workshop and may even help steer the conversation in helpful ways.”
• Tip 2 - Participate in Backchannel Conversations: You can see where and when all the backchannel conversations are taking place in Livecube right here.  Introduce yourself and jump into the conversation.
• Tip 3 - Moderate: Ask the presenter if s/he would like you to moderate backchannel conversations and/or comments on the livestream. Whether you're there f2f or remotely, just message the presenter of a session you are interested in and offer your help.
• Tip 4 - Hashtag Happiness: Follow the hashtag for the conference (#NYCSchoolsTech) and session you are interested in. You can see the hashtag for each session in Livecube when you “Join the Conversation.”
• Tip 5 - Follow the Livestream: Presenters are encouraged to livestream on Periscope. You can follow this by searching #NYCSchoolsTech & #PeriscopeEdu or just click this link. If you're presenting or helping the presenter, you can read this for some strategies to keep in mind.
• Tip 6 - Follow The Presenters: It goes without saying to follow the presenters on Twitter and any other social media. They may have a blog where they have shared their expertise in more detail. As innovative educator Eileen Lennon says, “Learning doesn’t happen all in one day in a classroom, neither should it from a one day summit. It’s the start of a journey. You might as well take a map and a guide with you.” To make this easier you can visit the #NYCSchoolsTech Summit presenters list.
• Tip 7 - Storify: Offer to Storify the session you attended. The moderator will be thankful.
• Tip 8 - Share on Social Media: Share what you are learning using the session hashtag, the conference hashtag, and your name. Here's an example: Live fr the #NYCSchoolsTech Summit @@FarrellJoJo  moderates the @gsuite vs @Office365 #NYCSchoolsPlatform Smackdown https://nycschoolstech2017.livecubeapp.com/?s=session&id=6153

What do you think? How do you plan to connect at this year's #NYCSchoolTech Summit? We can't wait to share and learn with you.