My Favorite Tool 2020: Updates and Recruitment Timeline

The Technology in Education Caucus is pleased to announce the following changes, updates, and the recruiting timeline for My Favorite Tool 2020. In 2019, the contestant slots filled up in less than 24 hours! Below are some changes and new things you can expect to see in 2020:

Major Changes include:

  • Contestants must attend the MLA Meeting to participate.
  • Contestants may not do live tool demonstrations.
  • Contestants can use Power Points.
  • We will not have judges.

New things for 2020 are:

  • We will have moderated discussions by tool platforms. These discussions will take place after all the tools have been presented by contestants.
  • We will only be using one rubric to evaluate the moderators and the contestants.

This year we have reorganized the My Favorite Tool session, but we will still provide $150 in prizes at the end of the session.

Three different opportunities to participate in My Favorite Tool and the recruiting timeline are outlined below:

Think Tank (6-8 Members)

  • ~3 month commitment (December 2019 – April 2020)
  • You must be enthusiastic and flexible. Yes, some work is involved – sorry – but you can stick it on your CV!
  • Attendance at MLA and My Favorite Tool is optional.

Moderators (2-3 Individuals) – Recruitment starts on January 2, 2020!

  • State why you want to be a My Favorite Tool moderator (200 words maximum).
  • Provide examples of your moderating and/or My Favorite Tool experiences.
  • We will have a back-up list, just in case conflicts arise.
  • Attendance at the entire My Favorite Tool session is mandatory!

Contestants (15 Individuals) – Recruitment opens on January 21, 2020. Mark your calendars and keep your eyes on your email addresses…this session fills quickly!

  • List up to 3 tools that you would like to present. Please consult the 2018 and 2019 Tools list, because the tools must be new!
  • Prepare a 3 minute presentation and appropriate responses to the moderator questions (provided by April 2020). You may use PowerPoints. We are sticklers about the 3 minutes.
  • We will have a back-up list, just in case conflicts arise.
  • Attend an optional session with Margaret in late March/early April to get questions answered pre-conference.
  • Attendance at the entire My Favorite Tool session is mandatory!

If you have any questions or if the links are not working, please contact Margaret Hoogland.