As I entered the big session room where Hall Davidson was to present his piece on "Virtual Reality for Classrooms & Schools", I was expecting a great amount of information to be shared that I may not be fully familiar with. True enough, when he started delivering his presentation, I was introduced to a multitude of possibilities where virtual reality can be used to provide more engagement and active participation among students in the classroom. 

Though I was expecting a little bit more his presentation, such as the reflective aspect of virtual reality with regard to developing authentic student learning and empowered student voices, I took mostly what I called an influx of "what you need to have", "what best tech devices to use", "examples of VR application in the classroom", "what VR means and what it can offer", and the like. I guess my expectation is not something that is part of his presentation and thus, his focus was entirely on the "what" and "how", and not completely as to the "why". 

I find this a bit problematic since this kind of "stigma" of technology of just being the "what" and "how" on student learning has been quite limiting. At times, it has become the downfall for technology, not unless, the use of technology is elevated for a higher and more meaningful, relevant purpose. With the trend of #empoweringlearners and providing students with opportunities to build their #authenticvoice, #virtualreality needs to elevate its presence and purpose in today's role in education. 

Below is the #sketchnote that I have created based on the information I have gathered in Hall Davidson's presentation. Good information, but again, I was expecting a little bit more depth. 

 ....so, let us be prepared to give the ultimate best to our students for their authentic learning experiences!

With the ISTE Standards for Students, we can prepare our students to become Empowered Learners, Digital Citizens, Knowledge Constructors, Innovative Designers, Computational Thinkers, Creative Communicators, and Global Collaborators! #ISTE2018 With my #sketchnote below, I aim to capture the different key indicators of what makes a Future Ready Student, based on the ISTE Standards for Students. 

David Eagleman, Ph. D. is one of the keynote speakers during the #ISTE2018 Convention. It was a privilege to hear him speak and share his expertise about "The Brain". I also had the privilege to have a photo with him and obtain his signature on my #digitalsketchpad as a memento of this wonderful meeting opportunity. Thus, you can see in this particular #sketchnote his signature and his drawing of the brain. I am grateful! 

During #ISTE2018, I had my first full implementation of #sketchnotes as I was capturing notes, ideas, and adding my own visual illustrations while listening and learning from fellow educators and conference presenters. I was definitely inspired by the words and accomplishments of fellow educators, as they share their experiences and expertise in innovative learning and effective technology integration. My brain was in information overload!  

As my first #sketchnote, it was difficult and challenging at first, especially when I was trying to organize the type of images that will symbolize popular words as reference to education, technology integration, learner centered experiences, learner empowerment, and the like. It was also a challenge to sketch and draw as quickly as possible, as the flow of words and ideas begin pouring out from the minds of the conference presenters. I had to combine the skill of listening and doodling at the same time, without losing momentum and consistency. Despite these challenges, it had been quite exciting to see my #sketchnotes come to life! This will be an ongoing progress and as I practice more often, I will be able to create better #sketchnotes. I plan to use #sketchnotes not only for capturing notes, ideas or information, but also to use this as part of an activity during professional development, as a engagement tool for meetings, as a tool for presentations, etc. I think that #sketchnotes will make my presentations more "alive" and enticing to my audience! I can't wait!