VT Fest: Day 1

12 Nov 2018 1:25 PM | Matt (Administrator)

by Tessa Johnson

It was a fun day at VT Fest today!  I attended a session on social media that got me thinking about a district plan.  I got to try Oculus Rift VR headset.  I've wanted to try one for ages and finally go to!  I attended a session where they talked about all the benefits (and risks) and all the different places you can "go" and things you can do.  At the end they asked if anyone wanted to try and my hand SHOT up!  I got to make a cool 3D piece of art, then view it from all angles.  I got to stand on a row boat and watch the Titanic go by.  I got to stand on the edge of a cliff and watch boulders fall down, over my head!!  It was very cool! I'd love to take my 1st graders on a VR trip through the arctic!

Drawing with Tilt Brush on the Oculus Rift
Definitely dorky looking from the outside, but so cool on the inside!

When I was done with that I went to the next room and decided to play with the Glowforge 3D laser printer.  I was super excited to make a #dbsreads sign. The Glowforge is cool, but I'm not sure we'd get a lot of value out of it at the elementary level. 
I wrote the words on a white board, then they took a picture of it, but a rectangle around it, 
and programmed it to engrave the words and cut out the rectangle box.  

I love the result!

I went to a neat session about enabling student voice.  It was definitely aimed at MS/HS, but it was good to put some thought into the value of encouraging student voice in school.  I'd love to come up with ways to get more student voice in elementary school.
"Chalk Talk"

Overall a great session.  Thanks to VSLA's scholarship I'm able to attend today and tomorrow, AND stay at the Killington Grand Resort!  

Today I was joined by our 3rd grade team and one of the 2nd grade teachers as well.  It was nice to hang out with them and get to exchange ideas.  


DBS @ VTFEST


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