ISTE 2022, New Orleans

Starting in 2017, my students and I have been honored to be invited to present at the ISTE (International Society for Technology Education) conference.  This year the event took place in New Orleans, LA, at the end of June.

The title of our session was “Integrating Creative Technology Tools in Exploring Students’ Family History “. The presentation was based on our collaborative project with students and teachers from the Gvanim school in Israel.

Students did an amazing job sharing their projects with educators from all around the globe!

When they were not presenting, students had a real blast exploring the enormous ISTE EXPO hall and other super exciting areas!  They engaged in many thrilling activities and challenges!  

Maliyah K. (Grade 6) – Student presenter: 

As a student, ISTE was a great opportunity to learn and discover new technology. Getting to try new tools with my family was both fun and educational. A highlight of my time at ISTE was exploring VR (virtual reality) with my brother. Before ISTE I had never tried VR games due to my family’s financial situation. ISTE provided me with a space to explore and discover technology that my family can’t afford.

ISTE was also a great source of pride for me. It felt good that I, a student, was actually teaching adults about Technology tools integrated into a global intergenerational project. It felt even better that I got to tell my family story. From my family timeline to my Google Slides presentation, each aspect was important to me.  I am so incredibly grateful to have been given this unique opportunity. 

Shirley Alkobi – parent:

We have always been saying that our children’s generation are our future. My biggest reflection from my experiences at ISTE is that we shouldn’t say they are the future, they are already the present!!!!

When we entered the Expo Hall our minds were blown!!!! It felt like we entered an enormous amusement park with so much to see, explore, experience, and enjoy. The children( and adults too!) ran from place to place, full of curiosity to explore the next new invention, play interactive games, solve problems in the Lego escape room, or discover a new, cool and interesting app. 

The highlight of our ISTE experience was our children’s presentations, led by their wonderful technology teacher, Mr. Michael Voskoboynik. This special experience truly prepares our kids for the big world!  What an incredible opportunity for our children at their young age to present on the global stage in front of educators and tech leaders!!! We are so very proud, honored and very appreciative of this wonderful opportunity and experience. I think they will hold this memory for a lifetime as an outstanding experience of learning, connecting and inspiration !!!