2019 MACUL Conference Tipsheet #2 - The Conference App & Picking Sessions

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The 2019 MACUL Conference is now less than a month away!

(This is the second in a series of 4 to help you get ready and excited about going to the conference. Tipsheet #1 contains information about hydration, food considerations and special happenings at the conference. )

The conference sessions are all locked and loaded...meaning you can peruse the list at your leisure.  Here are some suggestions that may help you feel more prepared when coming to the the conference-

Know What You Want: have some idea(s) of what you want to walk away from the conference with.  Use these ideas to help you plan your time so you meet those goals. It's easy to become overwhelmed with all the options, and identifying YOUR walk-aways will make sure you take back meaningful learning.  For example, you are looking for new uses of Google Apps in your classroom, look for sessions about that.  Or, if you are involved in looking for new school purchases make sure to block out some time to spend in the exhibit hall. 

Conference App: Check out the Conference app information - it includes downloads for your devices, along with a web-based online planner.

Some things to know:

When you first add the app to your phone (or other device), you will get this window and have to download information onto it to finish setting the app up -

When looking at a session, there is a bar across the left side -
 In order, these icons allow you to - 
  1. share the session with others (map icon)
  2. take personal notes on the session that are only seen by you (pencil icon)
  3. rate the session (clipboard icon)
  4. bookmark sessions to display them on your schedule (star icon)
  5. get help or more information (enclosed question mark icon)

Other app features beyond session and speaker information:
  • a local places icon - information on local restaurants and attractions
  • maps icon - maps of Cobo are uploaded to help you find your way
  • friends icon - connect with other conference attendees
At the top of the window, alerts are splashed across the page so you cannot miss them -

You will be able to access all areas after you create a login!

Some other tips:

Pick Multiple Sessions: It’s good to mark out several sessions for each time slot - some factors (such as an overcrowded room, or distance between sessions later in the day) may make it so you miss a desired session.  If you can’t attend your first choice, having a backup in mind ahead of time helps make your day go more smoothly.

Featured Speakers: Featured speakers are featured speakers for a reason.  If you are having a hard time finding a session to go to, look for featured speaker sessions.

Other Types of Speakers:  Sessions are marked with many pieces of information that can help you make smart decisions in your session choices.  Some pieces to look at:
  • Speaker’s organization - do they work for an educational institution? or a company? Sometimes this can impact both their purpose and approach
  • Speaker’s job role - there are a variety of job roles represented among the speakers.  Again, their role can impact both their purpose and approach
  • Session Strands - many sessions are marked with topical strands.  If a strand interests you, you can keyword search it to find sessions related to that topic.
And remember, the conference is about learning AND having fun... make sure to pick out one session that is "just for the fun of it."

Looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

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