My Top Takeaways from the TCEA Annual Convention!

This was my 2nd time attending the TCEA convention, and I'm pretty sure I will be back year after year after year. The event brought together educators, tech experts, and thought leaders who shared practical ideas and fresh perspectives to improve learning experiences. This first (of two) posts will cover some of my key takeaways from the sessions I attended, the conversations I had with vendors, and the people I met along the way.

A quick note before I dive in. This was the first time I had someone come say hi to me, because they recognized me from my absurdities on social media! This was both cool and surreal at the same time. I have been working to establish what I want my voice to be in the education space (aside from authentically weird), but it was super validating that someone enjoyed me being me. Maybe it will make it easier for me as I blur the lines between my digital extrovert and physical introvert self. I'll address that in a later post about "personal growth."

The Conversation Shifted

Last year, the conversations at both TCEA and ISTE were primarily focused on introducing AI and AI applications. However, this year at TCEA, the conversation shifted from App madness and hearing descriptions of the 69420 hours it would save me, to a more meaningful impact on students. The broader focus on the pedagogical impact was profound, and the reorientation of how we ought to think about the role of AI and AI tools is headed in the right direction. If I created the "human in the loop" drinking game, which I wholeheartedly support, I would have died by the middle of the day on Saturday. I love that these conversations are headed in the right direction to show how we are thinking about the tool as a guide to serve students in safe and meaningful ways, and not just "here's all the time you save from administrivia."

I also noticed, when walking around the expo hall, that the pitch is no longer "WE HAVE AI, IT IS COOL," the pitch has evolved to specific pedagogical strategies and use cases...which is fun, because the folks at the expo may not all have an education background. It's becoming easier to separate wheat from chaff in recognizing the companies that have spent the time on training their reps on the educational benefits and not just sounding like tech folks selling an educational product.

New App on the Radar: Knowt

It'd be very easy for me to say that I'm down to check out Knowt because that's where Farmer Faubs has landed now. But, in checking out multiple sessions at their booth, I LEARNT so many cool things about this up-and-coming platform. Currently, their Google Site description pitches itself as the #1 Quizlet Alternative...but I think that radically undersells their potential! Knowt allows users (a pretty sweet free plan for teachers) to upload their own materials: from flash cards to primary sources, and their AI agent creates multiple opportunities for student engagement (a game-based quiz, a call with their AI, and more). They also offer a ROBUST support for students in AP classes. This is one of the voids I've knowticed (see what I did there) in AI offerings, for students prepping for the ACT/SAT/AP exams. My hope is to interview anyone about Knowt!

The other super cool thing I learnt, is that the creator of Knowt started this when he was in high school, and he's taken his tool to a broader audience. Ya'll know I'm a sucker for student-created apps (see previous musings online about Markify).

My bias to Wayground, Edpuzzle, School AI, and Brisk Endures

This will be short. I love the apps. MORE IMPORTANTLY, the community leads and teams that support the teachers from these three applications are amazing people are absolutely amazing. I love all of you, and if you read this, you know I'm probably talking about YOU! There will be more on what I learned about these loves in a later post.

My New Favorite Rabbit Hole

Vibe coding! I talked about that in a recent post.....and I've only gone more insane!

The Most Important Thing!

I came away from this conference excited and energized, with ideas of both what I can do to grow in the classroom and as a presenter!

There will potentially be more on Friday (or Monday) as I return to the classroom and deal with some family issues.

(I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!)

<3

Rimmey