Hi!
I've been away since Monday evening. I was at the AENJ (Art Educator's of NJ) conference. My head is swimming with so much new information, and a yard long to-do list, that I had to table all conference related matters, and get back to reading my Edu. Tech. text.

The conference always has me in a quandry about what workshops to take. There are so many offerings, that I attended every one I could, didn't break for lunch, and still didn't get to every one that I wanted.

There were so many "hightlights", but I'd like to mention my biggest thrill. Attending the Robert Sabuda Keynote talk, personal lunch with him, and a workshop with 74 of my closest friends! Robert is the creator of many pop-up books which I love! Talk about 3-D, he takes you into the 4th dimension with movement. He's an incredible young man (41) I can't believe he's been at it for 20 years.

I took particular note of the presenters, and their use of technology. I was very surprised at how many used laptops, projectors, and streaming video. I was particulary impressed with one administrator who couldn't get her laptop to open... her tech person neglected to give her the password for the pc, but, like a good GS, she had a back-up set of transparencies & handouts!
There were only a couple of Ed. Tech. related workshops, I couldn't attend due to conflicts.
There's next year in NJ, and possibly NY this spring, I hope!

A Dr., and older gentleman, spoke on the topic of aesthectics. Aside from reading from his notes at times, he was very engaging. He used a slide projector, I didn''t know they made them anymore. He left me with an image that I want to try with the kids. .... I will post how I made out with his concept at a later date.

They were all wonderful workshops, but Stephanie S. gave the best workshop I attended. It was the best $10.00 investment!!! Unforturnately, since it was the last workshop, on the last day, it was not well attended. Too bad! She had some awesome ideas, that I hope to incorporate. They take work to set-up, but then it's smooth sailing! She also gave me the" 2 stars and a wish idea" to help young people learn about art criticism.

I also stepped up to the plate to chair Youth Art Month in my county. I'm probably one of the newest teachers in the county (not the youngest). I feel I would like to try and get a better dialogue with other teachers. Hunterdon is a rural/suburban area, and we are spread apart.

I am also the recording secretary of our central chapter. Since I am so isolated, I love to get together with other Art educators.

Overall, the conference rejuvinated me, and fed me spiritually. Early October is a great time to have conference.It's early enough in the year, so that I can add, delete, & modify, my lessons. I have a really big change in mind that I will implement in January. It's a new year, the kids are rested, and it's a good time to make big changes.

Ciao for now,
Ursula