My big takeaways from Karen’s presentation for us were:

• Technology allows access/entry point for every learner
• Learning can be achieved without technology. The technology can just amplify what you are already doing
• Technology allows us to share and show what we know in different ways
• Technology allows us to connect learners with the world.
  • i.e. DMing an author in English, Skyping in experts, etc.

I think something that is really cool about having learners being connected with the world, is that it also promotes, and educates learners about digital citizenship. Although digital citizenship is in the curriculum, it is not imbedded throughout all curriculum. Digital citizenship has impactful implications for all children, and they need to learn how to appropriately be a part of the digital world.

Quite honestly, I did not find any new ideas or ‘AHA’ moments in this presentation. That’s not to say that I did not find any value in what Karen had to say. Like many of the other presenters, Karen reinforced the ideas of technology opening up access points for learners, making education more inclusive, and making learning more engaging.