Going into my week at NCCAT I hate to admit I was dreading the trip. I had a 6 hour drive in a 10 year old car that was taking me away from my family for 1 week. That alone had me struggling to entertain myself with books on tape, trying out a learn German CD someone had given to me, and singing along to songs in ways that had other drivers staring. When I finally arrived at what I thought was my destination it was only to be informed that I was not going to be staying with everyone else…I would be an “outcast” in a dorm way across WCU’s campus. OUCH. As I got back in my car to make the trek to Madison Hall the only positive I could see was the rafting trip and that was still 2 days away. Needless to say I was not in the best frame of mind as I unpacked my car and let myself into room 414.
That’s when the pleasant surprises began. It wasn’t at all what I expected. Surprisingly my dorm wasn’t a typical jail cell dorm room. It had a TV, (TAKE THAT NCCAT DORMS!) a comfortable bed, and as we later discovered there was even an ice machine in the basement that could help make up for the lack of access to a fridge. After I settled in I headed to the NCCAT campus dreading the daily drive back and forth. This is when things continued to get better. As I started meeting up with all of the fellows I learned that I wasn’t the only one nervous about what we would be doing and unsure of what to expect. Finding out that others felt the same way was comforting. During this first day I also found buddies for the drive, picked a chair in the conference room that didn’t squeak, and joined the Dirty Dozen for our introductory games. GO TEAM!
By Day 2 I was able to start my day in a much better frame of mind. I loved learning about new technologies (even if the internet was against us) and saved many of the links so that I could try them when I had a better connection. My tablet is now full of sites that I am looking forward to exploring and I have more passwords than I can ever hope to remember. Between learning from Jason, Vance, and all of the Kenan talk presenters I realized that I have let myself fall behind in modern technology and I welcomed the sense of renewal these talks brought on. Even after the official conference I was able to spend time with others and learn as our group of “Madison outcasts” pulled our chairs into the hallway and continued working and talking.
Day 3 was of course a great day. White Water Rafting is always wonderful and watching how much our group was willing to help others could make anyone smile. And of course there was learning. Claire’s Island was fascinating with all its species and who knew a 16 passenger van could legally only hold 10. That may be one we need to submit to dumblaws.com.
Day 4 I realized how much I was intrigued by the idea of “flipping” my classroom and my mind was racing with video ideas. I am still not sure if flipping is for me, but I do know that I will be making videos for my class and researching the topic some more. I love the idea of the students using them for review and that it could help make sure absent students do not miss the lesson. Day 4 also presented a challenge. As we went over the lesson plans submitted from past Fellows, I realized what a daunting task writing a lesson could be. I have grown used to thinking only of what do I need in a plan and not thinking of how much guidance a teacher new to the subject might need. I welcome the challenge this presents.
Day 5 was bittersweet as I realized that as happy as I was to be returning home to my family, my high speed internet, and my king sized bed I would miss the sense of camaraderie and support that came from our day sessions and our evening gatherings. Many of the presenters touched upon it when they mentioned how much they had gained just from talking to their compatriots and I know the that I feel the same way. More than anything learned during my time at NCCAT, I know it is the sense of being part of a group that will remain with me even as time passes. I am already looking forward to Raleigh in July. Bring on the Salsa music and let’s spin!