Learning, Sun, New Friends, and Fun!

In July, I attended the DEN Summer Institute (DENSI) 2017.  DENSI is a unique weeklong residential-style event, focused on professional learning, leadership, and networking hosted this year on the campus of the University of San Diego, California.  I would like to take a few minutes to share my experiences.

I was honored when I was notified that I had been selected as an attendee, after submitting my written and video application.  Then, I was happily surprised to be chosen as a session presenter on “Student Lead Classrooms and Learning”, and asked to facilitate a session on “Genius Hour” as a first year participant.

I spent six very full days with over 100 educators from across the United States, Canada, China, United Kingdom, Egypt, Haiti, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.  I left connected to these passionate educators, inspired by experts, and equipped with new ideas to transform teaching and learning.  Every day we shared with each other ideas for using technology to energize our own teaching.  We spent time with science experts in the field studying ocean biology, learned from keynote speakers, discussed STEM, and worked collaboratively with the Discovery Education team.

I left San Diego inspired and motivated with a new professional learning network and life-long friendships, as well as fond memories of genuine laugher, truly immersive experiences, and good fun with amazing people.  

I have invested much to my professional growth and learning over my career, and am happy to say that travel expenses incurred for DENSI were an extremely valuable investment in my growth and learning.  I am confident that what I learned will assist me in in my role as a curriculum technology partner as I support student and staff learning.

My story of making connections, building relationships and learning from others does not end with my DENSI experience.  It continues by participating in Twitter chats (#gfedchat on Mondays), book studies, and working with student and teachers every day in Grand Forks.  I am excited about the opportunities for growth, learning and teaching partnerships this year.

Together, we can do amazing things!