So, here I am on the beautiful (but currently rainy) Gold Coast.
I arrived this evening to spend the weekend at Gold Coast ITSC 2010, the annual Innovative Technology in Schools Conference run by Apple. It certainly sounds like it will be fun, and I’m rather humbled to have been asked to give the keynote address. What’s more surprising to me is that Apple asked if I’d do not only this one, but the entire Australian ITSC series, so over the next month or so I’ll also be at the Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne events as well. It came as a complete surprise to be asked, but I’m really thrilled to be able to be a part of them.
Apple is using a different approach to the ITSC events this year that sounds like it will be really good. It’s all very unconferencey. Beyond the keynote, there will be lots of opportunity to mix and share and socialise and learn together. I think that’s great, and it’s certainly the best part of most conferences I’ve been to, so it’s cool that we are seeing more conferences these days that try to focus on the conversations and encouraging the serendipitous aspects of this kind of learning. I like it. There is also going to be a focus at ITSC on actually making something, creating something to take away back to our schools that will help drive the shift. It sounds pretty cool.
Anyway I better get back to putting the finishing touches on this preso. It’s an honour to have been asked to present, and I’d like to do a good job of it, although I’m always concerned about what I can actually add to the conversation. It’s a bit daunting, but I’m looking forward to it.
If you happen to be going to any of the ITSC events over the next month or so, please come and say hi!
