I haven’t attended the Learning Forward conference since 2014 when I presented with the team behind Professional Designs for Professional Learning 3rd edition. I contributed a chapter about professional learning through social media. What fascinating times those were!
It is difficult to determine which conference sessions will be worth your time when you’re reviewing a catalog of offerings. I’ve learned to look closely at the presenters’ organizations. Sponsored sessions were underwhelming, at best. Sessions run by companies who ultimately want to sell you something should have their own track, even when they present in partnerships with schools and educators in the classroom. What value are you bringing to the people in the room?
I want to say I’m leaving the conference with a wealth of new resources and ideas to use in our professional learning design endeavors, but that does not appear to be the case.
Where are you learning right now? What spaces bring you joy?