Work Projects

This year we took a new path on TechnoPalooza and decided to share the great things happening at NISD with the world…literally! The conference was opened to outside participants and presenters for the first time. The alternate definition of the word Education is “an enlightening experience.” I would say that those who came received just that.

New things for this years conference included food trucks parked in the lot for lunch, vendor booths for our guests, a staggered schedule to accommodate the larger crowd and lots of learning in every room. I am proud to say that I was even able to send a Tweet during our very last session on the final day with a completely full room (extra chairs included). Though we may not put on the biggest “show” in education, I will put our content and session offerings up against anyone. When a district near Houston stays until the very end and asks when they can register for next, I would say that we did something right. So proud of our team!

I know this is not a specific project that I am writing about so bear with me as I sit back and reminisce on a highly successful school year. From the departure of a veteran leader to the new faces that joined the team, it was obvious that change is inevitable. I smile as I think back on the tablet rollout for our teachers and getting blacklisted by Apple for a few days because of the hundreds of Apple IDs created in a short two-day window. It makes me happy to hear kids talk about how they styled and personalized their own “unique” e-portfolio using Google Sites. I still hear the kids scream in excitement as the Lesson Crashers burst into the classroom to transform the lesson utilizing technology, and then to watch the crowds pile into the banquet room at TCEA to learn more about the movement.

I could go on and on regarding the amount of change, addition and even out with the old that our team had a hand in throughout this school year. Unfortunately I am trying to keep my posts interesting and readable in a short period of time for my thousands of subscribers.  

I will say that I am happy with this year. We did a lot of good things for kids. At the end of the day, I can hold my head up and truly say that I put kids first in all that I did.

Another opportunity for our NISD students to present and showcase their learning happened this past week at the Night of No Limits hosted at Byron Nelson High School. Over 1,000 students had live and gallery style presentations throughout the evening. 

Working with the curriculum department, we decided to streamline the process for registrations, invitations, and even door signs and name badges. Several different technologies were used, but overall we collected the data from the teachers and populated our database. Once we had the information I was able to automate all of our individualized materials, write a mobile application with advanced search features and even got the opportunity to sit and enjoy some student presentations during the evening. It was quite the event to begin wrapping up the year!