Monday, October 29, 2012

Convention Update - Getting to the Galt House

Childress checks out the super-fine program
Preparations for our convention are moving along swimmingly (no pun intended for those on the eastern seaboard).  The printed program looks beautiful and the Galt House staff is prepared for your arrival!

The two easiest ways to get to the Galt House from the Louisville airport are:

Shuttle - Sandollar Limosine - http://www.sandollarlimo.com/
When booking online, Galt House guests may bill the shuttle directly to your room (with your hotel confirmation number).  Cost - $25 round trip ($15 one-way).

Taxi Cab - approximately $20 one-way.

We know many of you may have delays. Rest assured, we'll be ready for you whenever you can get here!


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Free Wi-Fi for AECT Galt House Guests

You heard it here first, folks. Spread the news!

In addition to Free Wi-Fi in the Galt House common areas, AECT convention guests staying at the Galt House will also receive Free Wi-Fi!  Be sure to remind the front desk worker at check-in that you are hotel guest with AECT and that you are to receive a Group Code Username and Password.

Phil "The Fist" Harris and Lois Freeland were able "convince" the hotel management that it was in their "best interest" to extend this special perk to our members.  So, rejoice and let the bits and bytes fly!

Connecting at AECT 2012 - Presenters and Pokens - special instructions

In order to help us GO GREEN and to help you disseminate your quality presentations, papers, and research, we were able to create an added Poken bonus, just for PRESENTERS.  Presenters will be able to upload their content to specially-made presentation session Objects that can be accessed via QR codes.  Below and at the following URL, you will find step-by-step printer friendly instructions for uploading your content at http://bit.ly/UNZwfA
 

Let's GO GREEN, save the trees (and save your back from lifting heavy luggage filled with pages and pages of handouts), and START UPLOADING CONTENT!


We are working hard to make it fun and easy to share information and network this year with Poken.  By now, you should already have received an email from Poken with log-in information.  If not, you can contact Kristin at Poken; her email is kristin@poken.com

Once you have logged into your Poken account and updated your profile, you are ready for the next step in making your session a great success with your audience. 


As a session presenter, you may log in to the special Enterprise Login (Partner Tools) from the http://www.poken.com website.  You will find the login link in the upper right corner.  (Figure 1)

Once you click this, simply enter the same login data you have already used to login to Poken.





Figure 1


After login, you will see a screen that looks similar to this: (figure 2)
Figure 2

Under the “Manage” heading, select “Manage Objects”

When you are in the “Manage Objects” screen, you should see an object listed in the left column for each session you are presenting.  If, not please contact Lori Swim (lswim@g.emporia.edu).  Select the object you wish to populate with data.

Once you have selected an object from the left column, your screen will look similar to the following:



The form is fairly self-explanatory.  You may enter a description of your session. You may also add URLs and upload files of all kinds.  If you upload an image, then it will populate the “object’s thumbnail.”  This thumbnail image is useful for giving your object a “visual label” in someone’s timeline.  If you upload multiple images, select one primary image.

Make sure to click “Save” in the lower bottom right corner after every change, to make sure your changes are not lost. 

When you present your session, to share information, simply show your attendees the QR code associated with your populated “object” or you can also present them with the URL.  If they scan the QR code with a Poken app, the object will be added to their timeline and object library for future reference (as long as you leave the “Sharing” box checked). 

Thank you for your attention and enjoy using your Poken networking and information-sharing tool!

For help contact
AECT Poken Volunteer: Lori at lswim@g.emporia.edu

Friday, October 26, 2012

Connecting at AECT 2012 - Using your Poken



Stay tuned for the next blog post for information that is specific to PRESENTERS (aka, how to upload and share session content).

We are gearing up for a busy and exciting time in Louisville next week!  We wanted to take a moment to share several tools you can use to maximize your social networking and information gathering at the convention.  We will be using Pokens, QR Codes for Presenter Handouts, and lots of social media! 

Below and at the following printer-friendly URL you will find detailed information about these tools: http://bit.ly/SGJiAD 

We have provided several tools you can use to maximize your social networking and information gathering at the convention.  We will be using Pokens, QR Codes for Presenter Handouts, and lots of social media!

Pokens
You’ve heard about them! What can they do?

All convention attendees will receive a Poken.  When you check in at the AECT Registration table, you will receive your Poken.  It can be hung around your neck with your name badge.

By now, you should already have received an email from Poken with log-in information to access your PokenHub Dashboard.  If not, you can contact Kristin at Poken; her email is kristin@poken.com.  Once you have logged into your Poken account and updated your profile, you are ready to begin networking!

Networking:  As you meet and greet colleagues, old and new, give them a Poken High Five!  Touch the hands of the Pokens together and when the light turns green, you have exchanged contact information! Social butterflies - Be aware that each Poken can gather up to 60 touches before it must be synced via computer. 

Syncing your Poken:  As soon as you have a chance, sync your Poken with your PokenHub online.  Simply plug your Poken into the USB port of your computer, login to your PokenHub, and click “Sync My Poken.”

Further Instructions:  http://poken.jp/en/manual/

QR Codes:  Collect Presentation Handouts through your PokenHub!

An additional capability through Poken has allowed Presenters to create unique QR Codes and URLs to share their presentation handouts.

Using your mobile device (smartphones, iPads, etc.) scan the QR Code with any QR Code Reader or the Poken App!  Once you scan the QR Code, you will be able to see their presentation document in your PokenHub. Attendees may download the poken app for their mobile devices to scan the QR code - http://www.poken.com/mobile (available only for iOS and MS Windows Mobile devices).

As our convention draws near, it's time to put our social media strategy into action. Below, you will find ways to use AECT social media before, during, and after our convention. 




pokenHub Login - https://user.poken.com/login    
Use this link to log into your Poken account, update profile, and sync your Poken. You should have already received an email from Poken.com with login details.

Poken Mobile apps for iOS and Windows Phone (Android not yet available).
http://www.poken.com/mobile



Photo sharing at dropevent.com - 

E-mail your photos to nap672970@dropevent.com
The e-mail subject will become the caption.

View photos at - http://tinyurl.com/aectpics



 AECT Twitter account - AECT - http://www.twitter.com/aect 


AECT Convention Twitter Hashtag - #AECT

Presenter Hashtags - If you wish to promote own personal hashtags in your session, simply use #AECT-yourname (for example #AECT-Childress)



AECT Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/aect1




And of course, the AECT 2012 Convention Central blog (formerly the AECT President-Elect's blog :) - http://marcuschildress.blogspot.com


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Things to do in Louisville - River Cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson

Looking for a fun activity to do on Friday evening, after our Daniel Willingham keynote speech, membership meeting, and Joint University Reception? The ECT Foundation has arranged a river cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson. Boarding will begin at 8 p.m. and the Spirit of Jefferson will begin its 3-hour cruise at 8:30 p.m. Special entertainment will be provided by our own AECT JazzTechs. Remember, proceeds from this special event go to ECT Foundation awards and scholarships. 

Tickets for the cruise are only $35 and may added to your 2012 AECT International Convention online registration or purchased at the AECT registration desk.  Download a flyer with cruise details.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

AECT Breakfast with Champions - Delicious!


I just tried my first bite of AECT Breakfast with Champions cereal and it's delicious.
Be sure to register for the Thursday morning breakfast so you can try some, too! 


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Social Media at the AECT 2012 Convention

As our convention draws near, it's time to put our social media strategy into action. Below, you will find ways to use AECT social media before, during, and after our convention. 




pokenHub Login - https://user.poken.com/login    
Use this link to log into your Poken account, update profile, and sync your Poken. You should have already received an email from Poken.com with login details.

Poken Mobile apps for iOS and Windows Phone (Android not yet available).
http://www.poken.com/mobile



Photo sharing at dropevent.com - 

E-mail your photos to nap672970@dropevent.com
The e-mail subject will become the caption.

View photos at - http://tinyurl.com/aectpics



 AECT Twitter account - AECT - http://www.twitter.com/aect 


AECT Convention Twitter Hashtag - #AECT

Presenter Hashtags - If you wish to promote own personal hashtags in your session, simply use #AECT-yourname (for example #AECT-Childress)




AECT Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/aect1




And of course, the AECT 2012 Convention Central blog (formerly the AECT President-Elect's blog :) - http://marcuschildress.blogspot.com

Monday, October 22, 2012

Best Cities to Trick or Treat - Where's Louisville?

Let's put Louisville on the Trick or Treat map!
Ellen Hoffman (AECT Board Executive Secretary) pointed out to me that Honolulu was listed as one of the top Trick or Treat cities in America. Louisville isn't even ranked! 

I like a challenge. So, let's try to help Louisville out and change Zillow's perception of Louisville's Halloween spirit on October 31st when we have our AECT Welcome Reception. Bring your costume (and bag for treats) and join our Graduate Student Assembly, Divisions, and Affiliates!
Where did your city/town place on the list?




Saturday, October 20, 2012

Webinar with Daniel Willingham - This Friday, 12 p.m. (Eastern)

Don't miss our next webinar opportunity with keynote speaker Daniel Willingham!

AECT GSA Webinar with Dr. Daniel Willingham (AECT 2012 Keynote Speaker)
Friday, Oct 26 at 12pm (EDT)
Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/ozt5ny1lsfqz


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Things to do in Louisville - ISMF - International Student Media Festival

Did you know that our AECT International Convention has another conference running in conjunction with it each year?  The International Student Media Festival (ISMF) is a multigenerational conference for K-12 students, families, and educators. Just like our AECT Convention, ISMF will be held at the Galt House.  The AECT-sponsored ISMF runs Thursday, November 1 through Saturday, November 3. Be sure to check out the entire festival schedule.

Visit the Student Producer Showcase
On Friday, November 2nd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., AECT members are  invited to attend the ISMF Student Producer Showcase in the Exhibit Hall.

Raising Responsible Digital Communicators

New this year, ISMF is hosting a Brown Bag Lunch Discussion for parents and educators. Join ISMF on Friday, November 2 at noon in the French Room for good food and thoughtful discussion about Raising Responsible Digital Communicators.

Bring the Entire Family
Are you looking for some fun and interesting activities for your family to do while you are at the AECT Convention?  ISMF has a full schedule of activities for family members, including panel discussions, workshops, and a field trip to Churchill Downs, the Derby Museum, and Louisville Slugger Museum on Saturday afternoon. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your whole family involved, while in Louisville.

(Based on Ronna Papesh's October 2012 AECT Newsletter column)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Things to do in Louisville - Diana: A Celebration

Are you a fan of Diana, Princess of Wales? How about a visit to the Diana: A Celebration exhibition at The Frazier History Museum while attending the AECT 2012 International Convention!

Experience the life and humanitarian work of one of the most remarkable women of the 20th Century, Diana, Princess of Wales. Direct from England, experience nine galleries with over 150 objects, including Diana’s royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementoes, diamond tiaras, priceless jewels and rare home movies.

Frazier Museum Exhibition Hours:
  • Now – January 13, 2013
  • Monday – Saturday: 9AM - 5PM
  • Sunday: 10AM - 5PM
  • Extended Hours on Wednesdays: 9AM - 8PM
Diana, A Celebration Admission:
  • Adult (15 - 59):      $21.50
  • Senior:                   $19.50
  • Child (4 - 14):        $10.00
More information on Diana: A Celebration

Monday, October 15, 2012

Webinar with Yong Zhao - This Friday, 12 p.m. (Eastern)

Don't miss this webinar opportunity with our opening keynote speaker!

AECT GSA Webinar with Dr. Yong Zhao (AECT 2012 Keynote Speaker) Please join us on Friday, Oct 19 at 12pm (EDT) Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/dlsth3z49wyd

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Convention update from Count Checkula (a.k.a. Checkers the AECT 2012 Mascot)

Trick-or-Treat Welcome Reception!

Our Wednesday evening AECT Welcome Reception falls on October 31st, and we all know what day that is!  There’s a rumor that the Graduate Student Assembly and our divisions/affiliates are plotting to hijack our Welcome Reception and dress in Halloween costumes, turning our reception into an AECT Trick-or-Treat event! If you wish to join in the Halloween fun, feel free to pack your favorite costume in your luggage.  I am sure it will be a memorable event with some very special treats!

Only Two Weeks Away!

Can you believe it?  We are only two weeks away from the start of our AECT 2012 International Convention in Louisville, KY.  Those last minute registrations are rolling in and our specially priced room block at the Galt House is filling-up at record levels. There might still be some available rooms, so give them a call, quickly! You may be able to find somewhat less-expensive rooms in the Louisville area, but when comparing those hotel options with the Galt House and the convenience of staying at our convention hotel, it’s a no-brainer. In addition, when you stay at the Galt House, you are helping AECT fulfill its room agreement/guarantee with the Galt House (you didn’t think the Galt House gave us all that meeting room space with no strings attached, did you?).  Make your reservations Online or call 1-800-The-Galt (1-800-843-4258) and make reference to the (AECT Convention).
To help you plan for your trip to Louisville, I am sharing some useful links that may come in handy:
•          AECT – http://www.aect.org 
•          AECT Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/aect1
•          AECT Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/aect
•          Galt House Hotel - http://www.galthouse.com/
•          Downtown Louisville Maps (Restaurants, Parking, Trolley, Louie Link) - http://www.gotolouisville.com/go/maps/
•          Louisville Travel Tools - http://www.gotolouisville.com/travel-tools/
•          Lookin’ @ Louisville Video Series - http://www.gotolouisville.com/explore-louisville/multimedia/videos/lookin-louisville/
•          GoToLouisville.com - http://www.gotolouisville.com/
•          Museum Row on Main - http://www.museumrowonmain.com/
•          Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory - http://www.sluggermuseum.org/
•          Louisville Science Center - http://www.louisvillescience.org/
•          Muhammad Ali Center - http://www.alicenter.org/
•          Kentucky Derby Museum - http://www.derbymuseum.org/
 

Be sure to check the AECT web page, the AECT Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/AECT1 , our AECT Twitter feed – http://twitter.com/AECT, or this AECT President-elect/convention planning blog - http://marcuschildress.blogspot.com  for last minute, up-to-date information.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Meet Checkers the AECT-Louisville Mascot

You have seen him time and time again during the past year. And he has a name, thanks to AECT leaders who attended the AECT Leadership Conference this summer. 

Meet Checkers! 

How did Checkers receive his name, you may ask? During one of the many activities at this summer's leadership conference, attendees were asked to brainstorm possible names for our beloved Louisville convention mascot. Names were written on sticky notes, posted on the wall, and then the voting began. 

Some of the more notable suggested names, in addition to Checkers
Pierre
Aloysius
Glue Stick 
Louis 
Skipper
Unbridled
Two Sticks Short of a Bundle
Breeches
Beam
Oatbag
Elmer
Louisville Loper
Louis
Louie
Addie
Tuck
Horatio
Derby
Cog
Dos Equis XX
Plug
Slugger
Bandit
Mister Ed
Silks
Spurs
Giddy Up
+ two more names that are not suitable for the general public :)

Watch for Checkers once you arrive in Louisville. You just never know where you might see him. Our 2012 Convention is only a few weeks away!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Breakfast with Champions - Only at the 2012 AECT International Convention

Have you purchased your ticket to this year's AECT 2012 Breakfast with Champions? Our 2nd Annual Breakfast with Champions will be held on Thursday morning, November 1st, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. in the East Suite Tower - Grand Ballroom C - Galt House Hotel and Suites, Louisville, KY (AECT 2012 International Convention site). Sponsored by Walden University, this event gives attendees the opportunity to to meet many of the scholars who have impacted the field, all while enjoying a pleasant breakfast. We have a NEW list of champions this year (too many outstanding individuals to honor in just one year, last year). 

Tickets for the breakfast are only $5 and may be easily added to your 2012 AECT International Convention registration. Simply log into our AECT.org website (Membership # and Last Name), click on the convention link, and then Add Options Registration. There are a limited number of tickets, so get yours today! 

2012 AECT Champions include: 
(check back frequently, as our list of confirmed champions is growing) 

Gary Anglin 
Otto Benavides 
MJ Bishop 
Elizabeth Boling 
Rob Branch 
John Burton 
Malcolm Brown 
Dick Cornell 
Walter Dick 
Ana Donaldson 
Bob Doyle
Marcy Driscoll
Jan Elen 
Peg Ertmer
Bob Heinich 
Dirk Ifenthaler 
David Jonassen 
Marina McIsaac 
David Merrill 
Mike Molenda 
Kay Persichitte 
Tom Reeves 
Charles Reigeluth
Bob Reiser 
Rhonda Robinson 
Wilhelmina Savenye 
Mike Simonson 
Elliot Soloway
Michael Spector 
David Wiley

Sunday, September 16, 2012

What's a Poken?

This year’s convention will feature something new – Pokens.  What’s a Poken, you may ask? A Poken is a small USB device that enables users to digitally exchange contact details with a touch and share digital content (such as papers, presentations, photos, and videos). Poken users can create a digital business card with social network profiles and then swap it with other users by simply touching Pokens.  Best of all, Pokens can ignite conversations, make networking simple and fun, and create an engaging experience for AECT Convention attendees.

Using the Poken is easy:  Just touch it, get it, and share it.
Touch it – Exchange contacts and documents with other users by touching Pokens.  
Get it – Plug the Poken into your computer’s USB port, create your account, and synchronize it on the memberHUB.
Share it – Collect contacts and files on your timeline and share with your social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.


Welcome to our first GREEN Convention

Although our convention program will still be print-based (in addition to digital), using Pokens will provide us with an opportunity to GREEN our convention. Members will be encouraged to upload documents and files to your memberHUBs for sharing at the convention, saving paper, ink/toner (and added weight/bulk to your luggage). Watch for details in the coming weeks.

Opportunities for Networking and Fun

Perhaps the most exciting feature of using Pokens will be the opportunities for a new way to network, share, and get to know one another.  Divisions and affiliates are encouraged to start thinking about ways to use Pokens for icebreakers, scavenger hunts, and other fun events.  In the weeks leading up to the convention, division/affiliate leaders and members will begin receiving tips and hints on how to incorporate Pokens into their activities.
Still wondering about Pokens?
Here’s a YouTube video that helps explain -
 

I hope you are now as excited as I am about using Pokens. I am convinced that you will find a many more creative and fun uses for our Pokens.  I can’t wait so see what happens!