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Friday, November 8
 

7:00am EST

Registration Desk Open
Friday November 8, 2024 7:00am - 2:45pm EST
Registration for attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors.
Friday November 8, 2024 7:00am - 2:45pm EST
The Lower Lobby

8:00am EST

Breakfast
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Breakfast in the Oscar Wilde Ballroom.
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

8:00am EST

Book Sale
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Phoenix Books will be hosting a book sale including titles from Keynote speaker, Charles Waters and titles from the Red Clover, Golden Dome, and Green Mountain Book Awards.
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

8:00am EST

FIRST Robotics - Real STEM, Real Fun!
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
FIRST robotics is HUGE in the US and all around the world! Thousands of teams from grades K-12 show their work and build their STEM education and personal skills to prepare them for college, the trades, the military, and for life! The demand for this program is growing, with the number of teams doubling in Vermont this past year. Does your school have FIRST robotics? If not, why not? Come to our session and our hands-on workshop to find out more!
Speakers
avatar for Scott McCalla

Scott McCalla

FIRST Senior Mentor - Vermont, FIRST, FIRST in VT
Scott McCalla is a Coach, Mentor, and Parent involved in FIRST Robotics programs since 2013. As the current FIRST Senior Mentor for Vermont, Scott's role is to help educate Vermont in the value of FIRST robotics to students in schools and communities. FIRST is a 501c3 not for profit... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

8:00am EST

Literacy Makerspace
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Get new ideas for creating, making, and learning about computer science, inspired by each of  this year’s Red Clover Books. Try out hands-on activities at our Create & Make stations. Sign up for a free STEAM sampler supplies from Brown Dog Gadget who donated supplies for the day's activities.

With Jessica Wisloski, Shanon Walters, and Christina Smith designed by Lucie deLaBruere













Speakers
avatar for Christina Smith

Christina Smith

STEAM - TECH consultant, Tech Guide VT LLC
Christina Smith has 35 years experience in Vermont Education as a Classroom teacher, VISMT Science TA, Tech Integration Resource Educator, and STEAM coach. She finds that helping teachers and their students figure out the Tech work flow is challenging but rewarding!  She recently... Read More →
avatar for Lucie deLaBruere

Lucie deLaBruere

STEAM/Maker Educator, Create Make Learn
Lucie deLaBruere brings 40 years of K12 experience as a classroom teacher, technology integration specialist, and Career and Technical Education educator. She currently works with several school districts as a maker educator, STEAM & PBL coach and faculty for higher ed institutions.She... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

8:45am EST

Opening & Keynote: Charles Waters: THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR AND ACTOR
Friday November 8, 2024 8:45am - 9:55am EST
THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR AND ACTOR: Waters' keynote touches on themes that are threaded in his books and that educators can incorporate into their classrooms: black history, inequality, nature, sports, and tapping into your memory to mine uncomfortable relatable truths in poems. He will also share writing tips he's learned from his journey.
Friday November 8, 2024 8:45am - 9:55am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

10:00am EST

Empowering Educators: An AI Toolkit & Resource Guide for the Modern Classroom
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
In this session, we will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the educational landscape. Educators will gain access to a practical toolkit filled with AI-driven tools and resources that can enhance and streamline instruction to foster student engagement. As we navigate these new technologies, we'll also discuss the magnitude of change required—rethinking traditional teaching practices, integrating AI into everyday learning, and ensuring equity and access for all students. This session is designed to empower teachers to confidently adopt AI, transforming their classrooms for the future. 
Speakers
avatar for Patricia Aigner

Patricia Aigner

Director of Technology, Rutland City Public Schools
Patricia Aigner is the Director of Technology for the RCPS in Rutland, Vermont. She is licensed as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Patricia has served on the boards of Vermont's ISTE and ASCD affiliate organizations. In 2020, Patricia received the Frank Watson Lifetime Achievement... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Gateway I

10:00am EST

Enhance any curriculum with 3D Printing
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
This hands-on workshop will provide educators with the tools and knowledge needed to integrate 3D printing technology into any curriculum, enhancing student engagement and bringing learning to life. Participants will explore how 3D printing can be used across different subjects like math, science, history, and art. By the end of the session, educators will walk away with actionable lesson ideas and the confidence to implement 3D printing in their own classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly M Smith

Kimberly M Smith

Computer Scicene & Design Thinking / STEAM Teacher and Tech Integration Coach, Saint Raphael School
With over 25 years dedicated to computer science, STEAM, and inclusive Makerspace education, I am passionate about making technology accessible to all students. As a Tinkercad Teacher Advisory Board member, Maker’s Empire Ambassador, and Qweebi Teacher Advisor, I bring a hands-on... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Gateway II

10:00am EST

Foster a love of learning in every student with Nearpod
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
As we gear up for another exciting school year, Nearpod is thrilled to introduce a suite of new updates designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience. With our continued commitment to keeping teachers at the center of everything we do, these updates aim to provide active learning experiences, data-driven insights, and high-quality instruction with trusted, standards-aligned content. Join us to see what’s new this year and how you can foster the love of learning in your classroom!  
Speakers
avatar for Kara Baker

Kara Baker

Account Executive, Renaissance
Nearpod’s products are built for the most important job in the world: teaching. Nearpod is an interactive instructional platform that merges real-time formative assessment and dynamic media for live and self-paced learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Nearpod... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade I

10:00am EST

Getting Creative with the Circuit Playground
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
In this hands-on session you will learn how to use Adafruit's Circuit Playground which is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. This is an easy to use and fairly inexpensive device to let your students' creativity expand!
You will learn how to use easy block based programming of the devices to get them to light up LED strips and make a light show, play sounds, run servos as well as send a signal between them or use the light or temperature or accelerometer sensors to create some very interesting projects.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Ballard

Richard Ballard

Technology integration specialist, Missisquoi Valley SD
I'm Rich Ballard and I am a Technology integration specialist at Missisquoi Valley Union Middle/High School (MVU). Before that I taught middle school science for over 35 years at MVU and in Vero Beach Florida. As the Technology integration specialist, I helped to implement a 1:1 computer... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Northstar II

10:00am EST

Golden Dome Book Award
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Members of the Golden Dome Book Award Committee will present ideas for promoting the 2024-2025 list. There will also be time for participants to share promotions and activities that they are doing at their home libraries.
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade II

10:00am EST

Scribble Away with Charles Waters
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Writing exercises is a 45 minute workshop with an additional Q & A that focuses on the use of figurative language, seeing the world with a poetic eye with the help of some techniques as Metaphors, Similes, Haikus and Senryus.  I also emphasize the importance of how to avoid cliches in writing, keeping notebooks, and showing examples of how some of my own notebook ideas turned into published poems. Participants will be able to create their own poems using their learning about poem structure, point of view and tone analysis. 

Speakers
avatar for Charles Waters

Charles Waters

Author, Actor, Children’s Poet and Educator
Charles Waters (charleswaterspoetry.com) is an author, actor, children’s poet and educator. His latest book Mascot (co-written with Traci Sorell) has received multiple starred reviews. His other books (co-written with Irene Latham) include: African Town (winner of the 2023 Scott O’Dell Award For Historical Fiction... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Northstar I

10:00am EST

Take the Pai* out of PD by making it Proactive and Personalized!
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
As school leaders continue to navigate the Professional Development (PD) landscape, join WeVideo for an interactive session that examines innovative ideas on balancing asynchronous, synchronous, and personalized PD with faculty, staff, and administrators. We will uncover how Interactive Learning tools can help create a culture of proactive and immediate learning without compromising individual faculty and staff experience and training needs.
Speakers
NS

Nolan Sutker

Regional Sales manager, WeVideo
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Roundabout

11:00am EST

Book Signing with Charles Waters
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Keynote speaker, Charles Waters will be available to sign copies of his books.
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

11:00am EST

Break
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Coffee Break -- come to the ballroom to also check out the bookstore, get a book signed by Keynote speaker Charles Waters, and see the Maker Space exhibit and Robotics exhibit.
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

11:30am EST

Artificial Intelligence: Potential, Precautions, 25 Mind Blowing Possibilities
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
A real challenge, and opportunity, for educators, is to learn how to use AI thoughtfully, safely, and productively.  Hear about concerns and cautionary tales, as well as ways to address the challenges. The primary focus, however, will be on the positive ways you can use AI.  Using AI to summarize the vast AI offerings, this human will add current research, teaching strategies, and a comprehensive overview. See AI apps that will save you time, and quickly create teaching materials that supplement your current curriculum.  Other apps will demonstrate how AI can be used for brainstorming, creating first drafts and editing.  There will be an overview of amazing apps that assist children and adults with special needs.  A collection of anecdotes, research findings, and interviews will provide examples of successful uses of AI for professional productivity, instruction, and activities that will stir your imagination.  Come be amazed, inspired and informed.  Bring your spirit of adventure and sense of humor. At the end there will be a light-hearted summary and raffle prizes.
Speakers
avatar for Maureen Yoder

Maureen Yoder

Professor, Lesley University
Dr. Maureen Brown Yoder is an Educational Technology Professor Emerita at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachuses. Dr. Yoder began her career when the field of educational technology was in its infancy, when the Apple 2 was state of the art, and a 300 baud modem was impressive... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Gateway I

11:30am EST

Green Mountain Book Award
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Members of the GMBA committee will share ideas to generate excitement for this year’s titles! Participants are encouraged to share what has worked in their libraries as well!
Speakers
avatar for Shannon Gile

Shannon Gile

School librarian, Milton High School
Librarian at Milton High School. Follow me @gileslibrarian on most socials.
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Northstar II

11:30am EST

Harness the Power of Virtual Makerspaces to Create Equitable Access to STEAM
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Leverage the power of 3D platforms and virtual makerspaces to create opportunities for all students to dive into emerging STEAM careers with real-world STEAM projects. Learn how to design authentic learning activities where students engage in high-fidelity prototyping and learn spatial reasoning, computational thinking and data analysis. This presentation highlights how virtual Makerspaces, specifically Maker's Empire, Tinkercad and Qweebi paired with 3D printing and CAD tools, can break down barriers for students in under-resourced schools or remote areas by providing them with the same hands-on, innovative learning experiences as those in physical Makerspaces.
Reimagining Learning and the Classroom
* Virtual Makerspaces increase access to STEAM by eliminating space and cost issues! They allow for diversity in student choice by making it possible for different students to do different projects simultaneously in class! Virtual Makerspaces are more inclusive by offering ways to adapt the software to students with different needs!
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
* I prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by introducing 3D design platforms transcending socio-economic barriers, offering free access for children of all backgrounds. As a woman in computer science, I also can offer teachers my a unique perspective to help teachers integrate emerging tools for every student K to 12.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly M Smith

Kimberly M Smith

Computer Scicene & Design Thinking / STEAM Teacher and Tech Integration Coach, Saint Raphael School
With over 25 years dedicated to computer science, STEAM, and inclusive Makerspace education, I am passionate about making technology accessible to all students. As a Tinkercad Teacher Advisory Board member, Maker’s Empire Ambassador, and Qweebi Teacher Advisor, I bring a hands-on... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Gateway II

11:30am EST

Media Mentorship: Students as Leaders in Building Information Literate Communities
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Do you want to give your students an authentic opportunity to develop their information literacy knowledge and skills? Empower them by making them the teachers at a school-based Media Mentorship event. In this session, you’ll see examples of past events where students have engaged audiences like their families and local senior citizens around how to recognize confirmation bias, consider the impact of social media algorithms, and investigate questionable claims and sources. Leave with the lessons used to prepare students for these teaching moments and event materials you can adapt to fit your community’s needs.
Speakers
LC

Liz Crouse

Program Manager, Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Escapade I

11:30am EST

Red Clover Committee to the Rescue!
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Unfamiliar with the new 24-25 Red Clover list? Looking for ways to spice up your teaching with the Red Clover list in your school? Come to this session to share ideas and hear ideas about innovative ways to use this year's Red Clover list in your setting. From high tech to no tech to everything in between, this session will give you practical ideas to apply to your teaching.
Speakers
KL

Kate Lucia

Librarian, Shelburne Community School
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Escapade II

11:30am EST

Swank K12 Movies: Using Movies Inside and Outside of the Classroom
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Movies are used inside and outside the classroom across the country every day. We will discuss some of the common copyright questions such as, 
  • Copyright/Fair Use related to movies in K-12 schools
  • Obtaining safe, legal access to the K12 Movie Streaming Library
We'll also discuss how to help bring value for all participants wanting to use movies for instruction purposes or for opportunities for reward days, holiday parties, celebrations, and more other examples.
Sponsors
avatar for Seth Acock

Seth Acock

Swank Movie Licensing USA and K12 Streaming
Swank Movie Licensing + Streaming Library. For Education Easy, Safe, Legal Access for All Movie Use at Your School.
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Roundabout

11:30am EST

Teaching Game Design for Middle School
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
I’ll present about the Game Design class I teach for Winooski Middle School! In the class we play games, think critically about those games, and then use an iterative design process to make fun and interesting modifications of those games! I begin the class with Tic Tac Toe, teach them the optimal strategy, and let them quickly realize that the game is dull when everyone is playing optimally and every game ends in a tie. Students are then tasked with making Tic Tac Toe interesting again by incorporating elements of luck (dice, cards), skill (bottle flipping, bean bag toss), or increasing the complexity to deepen the strategic decision making (larger board, new rules). We go on to explore strategy games, card games, dice games, knowledge games, and social games with students developing their own versions of each.

In this workshop we will go through a quickened version of this process and design our own versions of a card game called Golf!
Speakers
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Northstar I

12:30pm EST

Lunch & VSLA Awards
Friday November 8, 2024 12:30pm - 1:40pm EST
Lunch in the Oscar Wilde Ballroom. The Vermont School Library Association will recognize it's annual award honorees.
Friday November 8, 2024 12:30pm - 1:40pm EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

1:45pm EST

Cybersecurity for All Students
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
In today's digital landscape, both digital citizenship and cybersecurity are crucial for protecting our students. Understanding online safety and responsible behavior helps students navigate the digital world, safeguard their personal information, recognize the consequences of their online actions, and effectively report cyberbullying. Join this session to explore free, ready-to-use lessons designed to equip students with the skills they need for both secure and ethical online decision-making.
Speakers
avatar for Charlene Cooper

Charlene Cooper

Director of Curriculum, CYBER.ORG
Charlene Cooper is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early Adolescent Science with over 20 years of experience as a public school educator. She has a masters degree in Educational Leadership and a Cyber Education Graduate Certificate from Louisiana Tech. Charlene taught... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Escapade I

1:45pm EST

Exploring Invention Education with the Young Inventor's Program
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Explore strategies to bring invention design into your learning space (both in and out-of-school) with an introduction to the Young Inventors' Program and Vermont Invention Convention. This K-8 project-based curriculum is divided into grade level units, meets core standards, including the NGSS, and provides hands-on STEM activities to take students on an invention journey through the design process, culminating in a showcase of original inventions that may lead to local and national competitions, including the Vemront Invention Fair on February 8, 2025. Learners will have an opportunity for expression and creativity as they develop and practice higher-order thinking skills. This workshop will provide you with all the resources you need to bring the Young Inventors’ Program to your classroom, after school progrmak, library or other learning enviroment – all for FREE!
Speakers
avatar for Tina  White

Tina White

Young Inventors' Program Director, University of New Hampshire
The Young Inventors’ Program inspires the next generation of STEM leaders by fueling excitement for innovation.  YIP provides programs, pathways, and information to develop the intellectual capacity, critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving abilities of all students so... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Gateway II

1:45pm EST

Jumpstart Creative Writing with AI
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
This workshop showcases how AI can be a valuable tool in jumpstarting the creative process in classrooms. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI to generate thematic and seasonally-appropriate writing prompts, create content for drama and public speaking classes, and even draft entire scripts for media arts projects. Additionally, AI can help with generating templates, forms, and lists, allowing teachers and students to concentrate on the more creative and nuanced aspects of their projects.
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy VanDerKern

Jeremy VanDerKern

Design teacher, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
I own a farm in Pawlet, Vermont and have been teaching for 25 years.  I have experience teaching CTE, Online, Adult Education, English, Media Arts, & Design.I have run an alternative education program and am presently building a new middle school STEAM program and Design Lab in... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Northstar II

1:45pm EST

Library Advocacy and Act 150
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
School Library Advocacy and Act 150 Slides

The VSLA Leadership and Advocacy Committee will explore the critical role of advocacy in school libraries, with a focus on building strong relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers.

They will also examine Act 150, which requires Vermont school districts to establish library material selection policies and procedures that protect students' intellectual freedom. The session will cover the efforts that led to the passage of the law and its anticipated impact on libraries. Attendees will learn how to prepare for the law's implementation in 2025.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Sherman

Stephanie Sherman

Librarian, Middlebury Union High School
intellectual freedom, library advocacy, critical information literacy, technology and media literacy
avatar for Rebecca Sofferman

Rebecca Sofferman

Librarian, Colchester Middle School
Rebecca Sofferman is the school librarian at Colchester Middle School in Colchester, VT. A graduate of Syracuse University’s iSchool (MLIS), Rebecca was previously district librarian and technology coordinator for the Tupper Lake Central School District in Tupper Lake, NY, an elementary... Read More →
avatar for Susie Snow

Susie Snow

VSLA President/Librarian, Hiawatha Elementary School
Susie Snow is a teacher librarian at Hiawatha Elementary School in Essex Junction, VT. She received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Vermont and is licensed as a K-6 Educator, K-12 Librarian, and K-12 Educational Technologist.
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Escapade II

1:45pm EST

OPALS in Action: Organize, Promote, Engage!
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
This interactive workshop is designed to introduce beginning and intermediate OPALS users to some of the essential features that BES Librarian Cheryl Doubleday has used to invigorate and promote a languishing school library. Participants will discover how to use OPALS as their Library’s home page, create engaging topic and genre walls, get their notices noticed, and personalize MARC records for more successful organizing and searching, plus more! Everyone will learn a trick or two, and there will be time for other experienced OPALS users to share their own OPALS wins.
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Williams

Laurie Williams

School Librarian & Educational Technologist, Newbury Elementary School
Laurie Williams has been the School Librarian and Educational Technologist at Newbury Elementary School for 12 years. She is an ISTE Certified Educator and will be presenting at ISTE Live! in Denver in June. She was recently awarded the 2024 Vermont School Library Association's Outstanding... Read More →
avatar for Cheryl Doubleday

Cheryl Doubleday

School Librarian, Bradford Elementary School
Cheryl Doubleday is a dedicated K-6 Library Media Specialist currently in her fifth year as the Bradford Elementary School Librarian. She holds an M.Ed. in Library Media and draws on her theatre background to enhance her read-alouds, bringing stories to life! Cheryl loves reading... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Gateway I

1:45pm EST

Shared Resources to Improve Library Services and Classroom Learning: What the Department of Libraries Can Do for You
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Join Department of Library staff to learn more about the free databases, discussion sets, interlibrary loan services, and professional development resources that the Department offers. Discover resources to support you in providing accessible reading materials to students with IEPs. Learn about the ways that the Department support Vermont youth and how you can take advantage of these free resources.
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Northstar I

1:45pm EST

Transforming Elementary Learning with Seesaw: Instruction + Insights and New Curriculum Tools
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Join us for an exclusive look at the latest version of Seesaw, featuring Instruction + Insights, designed to empower elementary teachers by enhancing classroom learning and simplifying workflows. Seesaw’s easy-to-use platform supports teachers with pre-built, engaging lessons that fit seamlessly into everyday teaching. This session will also introduce Seesaw’s powerful new Early Literacy and English Language Development (ELD) curriculum, tailored to support diverse learners and strengthen foundational skills. Discover how these tools can transform teaching, elevate student engagement, and provide meaningful insights to drive academic success.
Speakers
avatar for Phil Terra

Phil Terra

Partnership Manager, Seesaw
Phil Terra is dedicated to empowering teachers and educators in his role at Seesaw, where he supports district leaders and educators in transforming online learning. Throughout his career, Phil has guided districts nationwide in rethinking and implementing effective online learning... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Phil Terra

Phil Terra

Seesaw is a dynamic learning platform that connects students, teachers, and families through engaging, interactive experiences. With Seesaw, educators can create personalized, meaningful lessons that reach every student—regardless of learning style or ability. From early literacy... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Roundabout

2:45pm EST

Create a Group of Student Technology Experts in Your School!
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
What if we told you there was a way to empower students to become leaders in their school community while also saving you time and work? Creating and leading a group of student tech experts is the answer!

At Cambridge Elementary School, we've been building our team of fifth and sixth grade "Technology Ambassadors" for over eight years. Students meet weekly to practice various technology skills, and then apply what they've learned by helping in our school community. The Technology Ambassadors assist around the school with tech issues, become our school photographers, produce a school newscast, assist younger students with using new tools, and more!

In this session we'll share successes, failures, and tips to help you build a group like this at your school! Although our experience is with fifth and sixth graders, the ideas could be easily applied to middle and high school as well.
Speakers
avatar for Faith Horton

Faith Horton

Educational Technology Integration Specialist/Enrichment Teacher, Lamoille North Supervisory Union
Faith Horton has been an educator for over 20 years in both Vermont and Colorado. After spending 15 years as a 3rd-5th grade classroom teacher, her interest with technology integration and passion to seek innovative practices led her to pursue an Ed Tech endorsement. She feels grateful... Read More →
avatar for Jeremy LaClair

Jeremy LaClair

Technology Coordinator, Cambridge Elementary School / Lamoille North SU
I've been in the role of Technology Coordinator at Cambridge Elementary School (Lamoille North Supervisory Union) for the past ten years, and have been interested in the world of computers for as long as I can remember. I work hard to make sure that students have access to the technology... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Roundabout

2:45pm EST

Engaging the In-BeTWEENS
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Middle school teachers hear it all the time: “You teach middle school? Wow, how do you do it?” Yes, middle schoolers are hormonal, immature, wacky, awkward, and kind of all over the place. But, they are also hilarious, creative, and enthusiastic learners, if you can just tap into their energy and engagement! Join a panel of seasoned middle school librarians to discuss the unique issues facing those of us who teach this age level. We will discuss library collection development, events and activities, and developing engaging lessons.
Speakers
NT

Nicole Thompson

Librarian, Browns River Middle School
Nicole Thompson has been the school librarian at Browns River Middle School in Jericho,Vermont since 2018 and has worked in BRMS Library since 2014. In addition to teaching library classes for students in grades 5-8, she enjoys leading students in a multitude of clubs and activities... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Sofferman

Rebecca Sofferman

Librarian, Colchester Middle School
Rebecca Sofferman is the school librarian at Colchester Middle School in Colchester, VT. A graduate of Syracuse University’s iSchool (MLIS), Rebecca was previously district librarian and technology coordinator for the Tupper Lake Central School District in Tupper Lake, NY, an elementary... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Gateway I

2:45pm EST

Leaning into AI
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Slide Show


Teachers will learn how to effectively use tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Magic Schools AI to enhance lesson planning, curriculum development, and classroom instruction. Discover how these tools can work for you to create differentiated lessons, generate lesson summaries that meet IEP accommodations or provide summaries for students who miss class due to illness, adjust reading assignments to appropriate Lexile levels, create newsletters for families, brainstorm project ideas of various DOK levels, and even provide feedback on simple formative assessments.

These tools can also be valuable for generating and proofreading email responses to challenging interactions. Beyond being a search engine or a tool for asking questions, AI can serve as a collaborative partner, helping teachers continually evolve their lessons to be more engaging.

By the end of the session, participants will gain valuable insights into how to make these tools work effectively in their specific educational areas. They will also have a better understanding of why these tools should not be blindly banned and how to incorporate them into lessons to demonstrate appropriate AI usage.

While most students may not have direct access to these tools at school, the reality is that they are likely using them on their personal devices and accounts. As educators, we can teach and model appropriate use of these tools to help students understand how they can be used to assist learning. For example, we can demonstrate how to ask effective questions to AI to get started on a large research project, such as "Gemini, can you provide me with a list of 10 resources to help me understand the use of electromagnetism in MRI machines?"
Speakers
avatar for Mike Norkun

Mike Norkun

Science Teacher/Tech Integrator, Vermont Academy
I've been a science teacher since 2008 where I've taught at Bellows Falls Union High School in Vermont, Keene High School in NH, and now am currently teaching at Vermont Academy. I have an M.Ed in curriculum and as an educational technology integration specialist. I hold a second... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade II

2:45pm EST

Make an AI chatbot in GPT4
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Come see how to customize ChatGPT Plus using plain English (no programming) to make your own chatbots.

***If you want to make a chatbot in this session, you'll need to have or upgrade to the $20 Month ChatGPT Plus here.***

Teaching AI to make chatbots is a great way to learn about AI and you could end up with something you could use in class. For example, you could make a chatbot that is focused on Vermont history and speaks in the tone and manner of a historical character.

I'll demo an educational chatbot I made called DumbBot! (try it here) and show you how to edit GPT Plus chatbots that can be private or public to users with a free GPT account.

Creating a chatbot is a great way to learn about AI because you can ask GPT for all kinds of help and pointers along the way. You also get to see first hand how your bot hallucinates as you try to control it.
Speakers
avatar for Caleb Clark

Caleb Clark

Tech Support & Integration, WSESU
Experienced educational technologist, teacher, and program manager in higher education and K-12. 
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Northstar I

2:45pm EST

Making it in the Maker Space
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Do you have a maker space and you don't know how to organize it or get students to use it? At U-32 we've designed our maker space to be user friendly and user independent. After visiting Generator in Burlington, VT we modeled a badge system that they use to ensure that our students could access the space after receiving training. They earn badges for completed trainings and can use those tools/materials independent of supervision. It is still a work in progress, but we've seen major growth in the usage of the tools. I will share what we've done, templates for creating your own badge and accountability system and open the floor to discussion and recommendations of tools.

Link to Presentation
Speakers
avatar for Jill Abair

Jill Abair

Teacher Librarian, U-32 Middle High School
Jill Abair is a Teacher Librarian at U-32 Middle & High School. She has been working in libraries for many years serving the students of Vermont. Jill is an avid reader, a technology lover and has passion for helping people.
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade I

2:45pm EST

Power Up Your Creativity + Communication with Canva for Schools!
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
This interactive workshop aims to equip participants with essential principles of design for effective visual communication using Canva for Schools (a free for schools). Attendees will learn to create visually appealing materials that demonstrate and model effective communication skills. While Canva also offers tools to create slide decks, videos, websites and more, we'll focus on using the Canva toolbox to design effective posters/flyers/infographics to print or share digitally. Presenter will also share experience acquiring and managing a wide-format printer in the school library setting.
Speakers
avatar for Shannon Walters

Shannon Walters

K-12 Educator, Burlington School District
Teacher Librarian/Tech Integration. Tinkerer. Lifelong learner.
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Gateway II

2:45pm EST

Storytime Jam
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Join for a storytime! A panel of librarians will each read a story just like we do with a class. Then we’ll facilitate a discussion about favorite storytime books, storytime practices, and storytime tips!
Click here for the book list from this session
Speakers
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Northstar II

3:40pm EST

Closing Remarks & Door Prizes
Friday November 8, 2024 3:40pm - 3:55pm EST
Closing Remarks and final door prizes.
Friday November 8, 2024 3:40pm - 3:55pm EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom
 
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