TCEA 2023

 This was the first TCEA where I travelled away since COVID.  I participated in the virtual conferences, and last year it was in Dallas.  That was so close to my home that I was able to ride the DART rail to get there and back.  That just doesn't feel the same as going to a different city.

I look forward to participating in this conference every year.  I also love TLA, but there is something about technology that I just love.  Of course, I will be looking forward to this year's TLA conference in Austin.  I love the books and hearing authors speak.  If we could somehow combine the best of both conferences, I would be in heaven.

Let's talk sessions.  I enjoyed all of the sessions I attended, but many of them were geared towards librarians.  So of course I did!  My favorite session was about the AI Bot, Chat GPT.  I enjoyed it because the presenters were more about how to use it positively in the classroom instead of banning it.  Granted it is for users 18 year of age and up.  So blocking it from the student's accounts at school is the right choice.  However, I believe teachers should have access in order to model some positive ways to use Chat GPT.  Isn't that what Digital Citizenship is all about? Using technology appropriately?  

I loved Matt Miller's infographic highlighting 20 ways to use it in the classroom.  Here is the explanation that goes with that infographic: https://ditchthattextbook.com/ai#t-1671292150924

I also found it helpful when Mr. Miller listed all the ways classroom teachers were actually using the AI Bot.  He curated his list from Twitter.  It's worth a look.  https://ditchthattextbook.com/ai#tve-jump-185fce7110d

The conference wasn't all about AI; there were many fun sessions I attended.  In addition, Pam Pinkerton and I presented our session "Top 10 Tools to Make Your Library Pop."  It was well attended which always humbles and excites me when people show up to hear me talk about my fabulous library.  I love what I do, and I hope that shows when I talk one-on-one or present in a room full of people.

I curated a Wakelet of all best sessions I attended.  Here is that link if you are interested. 

https://wakelet.com/wake/f0z84XNhv7o6iPgzWQimt

Thanks for tuning in, and Happy Valentine's Day!