Reflections and feedback from EduTech boot camp

I enjoyed the EduTech boot camp immensely. It was intense, but interactive, and thus not tiring. I rather felt energized after each day. The course was a PROGRESS, we learned as a group, and it was hands-on, not just theory. The debate with pros and cons was awesome, because there aren't many platforms for that in Finland. I was cool to hear other people's ideas and comments and to consider also the cons of technical tool and applications.

During the 2-day boot camp we got to know and try AnswerGarden, Popplet, QR code, Prezi, Blogger (which I, of course use as you read), iPad, iMovie, and more. We also learned about Flipped Classroom, went on scavenger hunt, interviewed vocational students and comprised a video about their experiences from virtual learning tools.

I can already think and use many ideas and tools I learned. I made my husband an e-card for birthday with StripDesign cartoon tool. I tried to download the programme into my laptop, but realized that it is iPad and iPhone compatible, so I downloaded it on my iPhone and created the card with pictures from camera and Facebook, which is accessible though the app. Unfortunately I didn't find the speech bubbles with iPhone, but anyhow my husband was very impressed. He told me that receiving that card (which, by the way, I showed from my phone screen and forwarded as an e-mail) was the favourite thing during his birthday. That was a meaningful statement, because he liked the card better than his special-request gift, which was freshly painted window sill edges and his favourite dish of flamed salmon. Never underestimate the power of virtual applications!

Our hobby is to run marriage seminars and lectures with my spouse, and I think I will use some of the presentation tools that we learned to make them more fun, engaging, interactive and memorable for example by using Prezi presentation tool. And maybe to impress my hi-tech, ad agency friend.

Reflecting more in terms of learning, the aspect of creativity is very important, and this was achieved. One of the groups made a Facebook page about the furniture artisans and their projects. What a great idea to promote those entrepreneur's business ad raise awareness! This is a very good example of synergy that this kind of learning environment and subject matter can bring about. I love learning anyway, but if learning can be this fun and interactive, I want to know more!

I can see why InnoOmnia is cutting edge. It is necessary to try to do things in a new way in the 21st century. We are past classroom and blackboard period, and this is what we are seeing, very much in line with RSAnimate speech about changing education paradigms by Sir Ken Robinson (source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U).

P.S. The food was also superb!! Very tasty and nicely served. The whole 2 days was such a treat! I cannot was to land on the EduPreneur course!!