In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan takes listeners on a journey through her experiences and insights from a significant conference presentation. The episode is anchored by a blog post she wrote on November 11, 2017, titled "I Told You So," which she shares in full. This post details her participation in the Association for Educational Communication and Technology's (AECT) 2017 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Jordan also delves into the importance of making connections with people and literature, sharing her experiences and lessons learned from her academic journey.

Key Highlights:

1. Conference Experience:

• Dr. Jordan's presentation on "I Told You So: Student Agency During the Pilot Test of a Middle School ICT Enrichment Program."
• Volunteering as a technology support person, highlighting the importance of technical assistance at conferences.

2. Making Connections:

• The value of networking with peers and mentors.
• The role of these connections in her academic and professional growth.

3. Tips for Conference Attendees:

• Volunteering at conferences to offset registration costs.
• Seeking out various funding sources for conference attendance, including departmental support, student organizations, and employer sponsorship.

4. Advice for Aspiring Scholars:

• Actively seeking advice and making the most of the guidance received from seasoned professionals.
• The importance of asking for help and offering support in return.

5. Value of Asking for Help:

• Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of valuing the advice and guidance from those who have the knowledge and experience you seek.
• She stresses the significance of diligently following up on the recommendations given by mentors and experts.

6. Learning from Ubuntu and Bumuntu:

• Dr. Jordan shares her journey of exploring the concepts of Ubuntu and its equivalent, Bumuntu, to frame her educational research.
• She highlights the importance of understanding the context and usage of concepts in literature and adapting them to fit one’s research needs.

7. Importance of Literature Review:

• The necessity of reading extensively to understand what others have contributed to your field.
• Using existing literature to support and frame your unique research perspective.

8. Networking and Conference Participation:

• The benefits of attending conferences, making meaningful connections, and engaging with peers and mentors.
• Tips on seeking financial support for conference attendance through volunteering, departmental funds, and travel scholarships.

9. Practical Advice for Scholars:

• The importance of having an elevator pitch to succinctly explain your research.
• Continuously talking about your work to refine your ideas and articulate them clearly.
• Seeking out and valuing counterarguments to strengthen your research.

Conclusion: Dr. Jordan wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to seize every opportunity to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. She stresses the importance of making meaningful connections and contributing to the academic community. Finally, Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of networking, reading, and following up on advice to enhance one’s academic and professional journey.