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KS Educational Technology Conference

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This year’s Ed Tech Conference theme was Hana Pono “to work with purpose/passion.”  The passion was definitely evident in some sessions I attended.  These presenters remind us that we need to choose what we are passionate about and to take action on it.  We all too often get inspired then return to our normal life as we let our inspirations fade away.  Our passions don’t need to change the world they just need to change ourselves.  Here are a couple presenters whose passions have brought positive change to themselves and others.   

The Green Bronx Machine
The opening keynote speaker this year was Stephen Ritz a South Bronx teacher/administrator who gave a motivating, high energy and inspirational talk on the Green Bronx Machine.  The Green Bronx Machine is an organization founded by Stephen and his students who focus on healthy eating, growing their own vegetables to reach academic success.  The Green Bronx Machine is an inspirational story that started out as an after school program and now has evolved into an award winning K-12+ model that is fully integrated into core curriculum.  In addition to academic success their students and the Bronx community also benefit through job creation, community beautification, increased health and fresh vegetables.

Save the Honu
Katelyn Hirata is a six year old Kindergarten student whose was inspired to save the Honu “Turtles” from reading a National Geographic article.  Her presentation reflected the depth of her passions through her project-based experiences, presentations, fund raising efforts and visiting real turtles.  I think the Ed Tech Conference should have more child presenters like Katelyn that demonstrate not only technology integration, but their passions as well. 

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