By Chi Hang Lo
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Northwest Managers of Educational Technology (NWMET) conference from April 4 to 7. The conference was a remarkable experience that exceeded my expectations. My initial goal was to explore the latest trends and challenges in educational technology, but the conference offered so much more.
From the moment I arrived, I was impressed with the warm and hospitable hosts who had planned every event detail. The NWMET host thoughtfully curated the venue, food, and engaging activities to provide attendees with an unforgettable experience.
The NWMET conference collaborated with industry professionals, including solutions providers, technology managers, and integrators. Seeing how different technology managers reviewed potential solutions and shared their experiences to provide excellent service was fascinating. The intimate setting of the conference created an atmosphere where attendees could engage in meaningful conversations with the speakers and learn about their unique perspectives.
One of the conference’s highlights was the keynote presentation by Joe Way from the University of Southern California (USC). Joe shared his personal story and how he turned it into inspiration to rethink higher education. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities and support for student workers, highlighting how these experiences can shape their personal and professional growth. Joe’s message on the importance of empathy in the AV industry resonated with the audience, as he discussed the need to prioritize people’s needs over technology. His thought-provoking keynote sparked numerous conversations and discussions during the conference’s free time, emphasizing the impact of his message.
Ryan Gray from Yavapai College (YC) presented the importance of attracting and developing the right talent. Seeing technology managers shift their focus from technology to customer-oriented approaches was refreshing. Creating an open-minded and communicative culture can enhance the quality of service and provide opportunities for personal growth.
AJ Barse from Western Washington University (WWU) presented the impact of AI and generative technology on education. The discussions were thought-provoking, and it was fascinating to see how schools use these tools to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. The speakers encouraged students to use these technologies as inspiration rather than relying on them to generate their work. The ethical implications of AI in education were also explored, highlighting the importance of policies and copyright laws.
In addition to the informative lectures, the technology demos were a highlight of the conference. The intimate setting allowed attendees to explore each booth and engage in in-depth conversations with the manufacturer’s representatives. I was fascinated to see the latest trends and products in educational technology, and the demos provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about new solutions that can benefit the industry.
The conference also included a school tour at Carroll College, allowing attendees to see different teaching and learning experiences outside their universities. This was an excellent opportunity to gain insights into schools’ different approaches to enhancing their students’ learning experiences. The tours were informative and engaging, and I left with a newfound appreciation for the different approaches schools are taking to improve their students’ learning experiences.
The NWMET conference is a unique opportunity to connect with other professionals in the educational design field and exchange ideas on the latest trends and technologies. Being able to showcase my work at the conference is a source of pride and excitement for me. It’s a chance to share my expertise with others and inspire them to push the boundaries of design and innovation.
Attending the NWMET conference has inspired me to contribute even more to the educational technology industry. I am eager to share my expertise and experiences and learn from their insights and perspectives.
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Feel free to contact me at chihang.lo@usc.edu or connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihanglo
Joe’s keynote presentation, ‘Just You and Me Forever,’ at the NWMET conference shared his inspiring story and how his experiences shaped his beliefs in the higher education industry.
Engaging keynote presentation in the morning at the NWMET conference captured the audience’s attention and sparked meaningful sharing and discussion.
Ray Gray’s presentation at the NWMET conference shared a compelling vision for enhancing service quality and providing employees with personal growth opportunities.
Exploring the beautiful campus of Carroll College during the Friday morning tour at the NWMET conference.
Captivated by the state-of-the-art E.L. Wiegand Nursing Simulation Center during the NWMET conference.
Exploring innovative video production techniques in Carroll College’s library’s green screen room during the NWMET conference.
Wrapping up the Carroll College tour with a productive Q&A session in the library’s meeting room during the NWMET conference.
A night of inspiring conversations about education, technology, and innovation at The Montana Club during the NWMET conference.
Connect with Chi Hang Lo:
Email: chihang.lo@usc.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihanglo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChiLo_SC
