What a year this has been thanks to the Microsoft MIEE Travel Program. I have presented many times in my district in Middletown, Rhode Island. I have also presented several times at state conferences and events in Rhode Island and even presented at EdCampBoston. My goal for this year was to expand and share with a larger audience. I set a goal of attending my first ISTE19 conference in Philadelphia. What I didn't expect was that I would end up presenting there. I put in an application with little to no expectation that it would be approved. To my surprise not only was my proposal approved but I was also asked to be part of a panel with amazing educators and professionals. Never did I think that I would be sitting on the same panel as Mike Tholfsen, Katie Novak, Shannon Davenport, Jamie Wright, and Eileen Heller. It was such an amazing experience on a topic that is dear to my heart " Accessibility: A Discussion on How to Differentiate for All Learners." This topic aligned perfectly with my presentation " The Inclusive Classroom: Tools and Procedures for Student Success." I was also honored and humbled to be asked to be one of the speakers on Hack the Classroom at ISTE. My topic was "Supporting English Language Learners Through Immersive Reader and Flipgrid." In addition to presenting, I was also able to attend some amazing events. On Sunday I spent most of the day at the MIE Expert and Showcase School Leaders Summit. The day consisted of so many wonderful opportunities including learning about the changes coming to some of my favorite Microsoft tools: OneNote, Immersive Reader, Teams, and Skype in the Classroom. We also were given a preview of changes coming to the Microsoft Educator Community. In addition we participated in several discussions and team building activities including a Fliphunt. On Monday night I attended Flipgrid Live which is the best student voice party of the year. During the festivities we discovered some amazing changes coming to one of my favorite tools to use with my English Language Learners. Some of the changes include new partnerships, Fligrid AR, the shorts camera, improvements to Gridpals, accessibility improvements, transcript and captions, and some changes that will make managing the grids and topics easier for teachers. It was an amazing night. Tuesday night was the viewing party and the question and answer session for Hack the Classroom. I was so nervous going in but had a great time mostly because of the amazing support that we were given. The speakers were asked questions from the audience as well as from people watching the streamed event online. It was a great discussion that I will never forget. Throughout the conference, I attended several awesome presentations that have given me some new tools to use with my English Language Learners. I also attended the Global playground and met some amazing educators. In addition, I was able to learn about some great new companies and products in the Learning Expo. I volunteered at the Flipgrid booth and at the Microsoft both. I would have liked to attend more sessions but it was difficult getting around with a fractured ankle. I don't recommend breaking your ankle before ISTE. Overall it was a tremendous experience that will make me a better teacher. Thank you Microsoft. The conference was amazing with amazing presenters, presentations on any topic you could possibly think of, resources and opportunities to try them at the Expo, Playgrounds on so many topics, and so many other amazing things to do. With all that available I must say that my favorite part of the conference was getting to meet some of my education heroes who are part of my PLN on Twitter and also meeting new friends. The connections that I made will stay with me for the rest of my life. So many incredible individuals with so much to give and share. I am so thankful to Microsoft for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime. The MIEE Travel Program not only helped me to get to the conference from a financial point of view, but also helped me to feel confident enough to put myself in front of a global audience. The Microsoft team eased my nerves during the filming of Hack the Classroom, treated me like a member of the family from beginning to end, and supported me with encouragement and kindness. I will forever be grateful for this amazing opportunity.
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Luis Oliveira
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