I had the opportunity to attend part of the #TrueNorth18 conference, put on by Communitech. It was a tremendous experience, not only in awe of the venue and the speakers, but the content of the topics as well.
Some context… I get trapped in the EduTechBubble, where everything I see and do relates back to what I teach. While this may be very helpful most days, it does paint me into a corner, and this conference helped me see the world outside of what I do in the classroom.
The conversation had by Spike Jonze, Charlie Brooker and Kate Darling was both informative and imaginative.
I am this <——–> close to so many awesome creators, and I couldn't be more giddy.
*Deep Breath*
*Stay Calm*#TrueNorth18 pic.twitter.com/Pk6yJ258GB
— Brian Smith (@smithwithclass) May 31, 2018
Hearing about how putting data online has helped push people to make sure our police are keeping their standards up was awe inspiring. However, I was most impacted, as a teacher, by Catherine Bracy. She reminded me of the inequality that exists outside, and how we must make sure that we are using #TechForGood. I want to make sure that I stay grounded, and that, as we do with all students, we make sure that we are working to be great people, both on, and off line. I will leave you with these two comments:
Catherine Bracy's number one tip for making tech more equitable:
Show Up#TrueNorth18
— Brian Smith (@smithwithclass) May 31, 2018
"It takes a lot of work to make sure the Internet is a reflection of our better angels."
– Catherine Bracy#TrueNorth18 #TimeToGetToWork— Brian Smith (@smithwithclass) May 31, 2018
Let’s get to work.