UEN Homeroom · Utah Education Network, Dani Sloan, Matthew Winters

UCET 2022 Keynotes with Mike Roberts & Cory Henwood

·42 min·4 clips

A host shares the sad story of Ken Robinson's canceled keynote and death shortly after, linking it to pandemic disruptions.

This episode features hosts Danny and Matt discussing the upcoming UCET 2022 conference and their recent experiences at educational technology events. They are joined by guests Mike Roberts and Cory Henwoo, who are educators and keynote speakers for the conference. The hosts reflect on the energizing effect of attending in-person professional gatherings after a period of stagnation. Mike Roberts shares a personal story about seeing the renowned educator Sir Ken Robinson speak at a conference back in 2015. Matt expresses his disappointment that the pandemic caused the cancellation of South by Southwest EDU, where Ken Robinson was scheduled to keynote. Ken Robinson passed away approximately six weeks after that canceled event, which Matt notes as a particular point of sadness. The conversation touches on the traditional spring season being a busy time for educator conferences in Utah and beyond. Specific Utah conferences mentioned include UCET, UCTM, and the upcoming USET event in March. The hosts describe feeling refreshed and re-energized as educators after attending the Future of Educational Technology Conference (FETC). They use the quirky anecdote of a Pennsylvania groundhog seeing its shadow to contrast with their renewed professional excitement. A bizarre side note involves a replica groundhog in New Jersey that reportedly died, which the hosts humorously ponder as an unclear omen. The discussion highlights how professional conferences can break the monotony of the winter months and reinvigorate teaching practice. A key insight is the palpable sense of community and inspiration that returns with in-person learning events. The missed opportunity to see Ken Robinson live underscores how the pandemic altered significant professional and personal moments for educators. The tone is casual and conversational, blending personal reflection with professional anticipation. The style is upbeat and anecdotal, focusing on shared experiences in the education community. Educators who enjoy conference culture and discussions about professional development would find this episode relatable. Listeners seeking deep dives into specific educational technologies or teaching strategies might find the content too introductory.

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