Thursday, August 15, 2013

CUE Rock Star on the USS Hornet

PD on an Aircraft Carrier



The highly anticipated CUE Rockstar on the USS Hornet in Alameda has come and gone, but the eduawesomeness of the experience hasn't faded away. This two day "camp" for teachers had a lot going for it already.  Combine some of my favorite teacher presenters that I stalk follow on Twitter, along with fascinating STEM topics, and I can't fail to mention that we were on an aircraft carrier!

Day One

Brrrrrrrr, it's cold outside.

Upon our arrival in the morning, Patty (@mrsgrayiron) and I glimpsed a shivering Keeler family near the gangplank.  I've been following Alice (@alicekeeler) on Twitter for awhile now, and I enjoy her insights, ideas, and her sense of humor.  And her energy!  She has 5 kiddos, and she has enough energy to share.  We offered our services to her and assisted in nametag assembly along with Shane & Laura.  I'm so glad we did, because we hung out with the two of them a lot afterwards.  

Corridor Confusion

I hope I never have to depend on my directional abilities.  I'm bad enough with driving directions, but now I'm in a metal, windowless air craft carrier (no Google maps to guide me) trying to find my way to places called The Ready Room and the Ward Room.  I even had trouble finding the "Rest Room." If I could have pulled off a Hansel and Gretel, I would have been leaving a trail of bird seed behind me the entire two days.  On the second day, Patty and I discovered that sometimes it was easier to go up to the flight deck, gather your bearings, and then venture downstairs via another entrance.  (This aha moment also led us to a Coke machine-woohoo!)

Learning Objectives

Most of my learning on Day One was about managing my own frustration with technical difficulties. I also reexamined my ability to work well in a group that had a variety of personalities and different learning styles.  Essentially, it was a good reminder how working with groups can be challenging and/or illuminating.  I hope to remember this as I select groups for students in my upcoming class.  I was determined to finish this trailer:



Just couldn't do it!

Rest Up

We had already decided that we would not be spending the night on board the USS Hornet. I love camping, but I also appreciate a warm, comfortable bed and a whole lot of quiet (with two toddlers at home, this is a rare occurrence). 

Patty and I continued our learning in our hotel room and experimented with Augmented Reality.  I'm hoping to create an something for my classroom door using AR.  More info on that later.


Highlights of the day:

For me, it's all about the relationship and connections that I was able to make and strengthen.  Patty and I spent the morning commute enjoying each other's company.  Our friendship has grown considerably during our EdTech journey (which started with last year's #edcampsfbay). 
I enjoyed reconnecting with Alice and meeting some new friends.  Early in the morning Jon Corippo spoke about Cue Rockstar connects the lone nut teachers; Sam Patterson, took it a step further with "an e-harmony for lone nuts).

Duh.

Sometimes, I meet educators that I've been following on Twitter, and I become a bit starstruck.  I know I need to "get over it."  Contemplating that, I think it has a lot to do with my inner monologue-what on earth have I done that will be good enough to share with these "rockstars?"  And-"I don't want to bug anyone."  Unfortunately, my insecurity led me to miss meeting one or two people, and for that I am regretful.