Please join our panel discussion that will be hosted by Alex Webster at SPC. Panel Members will be Peter Drescher (EWSD), Tina Scheindel (OSSD) and Nate Gingras (HUUSD). How do you deal with Personally Identifiable Information? How do you deal with confidential data on devices that leave the district? How do you manage your inventory of copiers and printers? How does print management software help make the district staff more efficient and save money?
These questions and more will be discussed by our panelists.
Director of Technology and Innovation, Essex Westford School District
Peter is currently serving as the Director of Technology and Innovation at Essex Westford School District. He is passionate about working with educators to support teaching and learning with technology and in his past role, as State Director of Education Technology in Vermont, was... Read More →
Josh, Chris, and Mark have real conversations, real arguments, and real banter on IT issues and trends in K12 Schools. In this session, the guys will discuss AI and other hot items in K12 and how tech depts should prepare.
A K12TechPro Podcast. This podcast is about trending K12 technology topics and issues. Josh, Chris, and Mark have real conversations, real arguments, and real banter on IT issues and trends in K12 Schools.
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Northstar I
Charlotte Cheng will share how she brings authentic representation to children's books, video games, and EdTech learning experiences. We'll then explore ways you can foster authentic representation in your students' day to day environment through strategies that include identity maps, design thinking, focus groups, and so much more!
Charloe Cheng is a children's book author and the Director of Education at CodeCombat. Her expertise is creating effective and engaging content for kids at the intersection of education, media, and technology. Charloe has wrien and illustrated a variety of books including Night Market... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Gateway I
Join us for a hands on demo of how librarians and elementary classroom teachers can integrate AASL standards, computer science standards and computational thinking in their elementary classroom or library. Bring your laptop and come play with Scratch, or interact with some of our favorite robots This session will also include a time for you to network and share your favorite ideas with other elementary teachers and librarians. Bring and idea to share! https://csteachers.org/k12standards/interactive/ AASL Standards now crosswalked to Code with Google’s CS First Curriculum | ALA This session is part of the Computer Science Strand brought to you by Vermont CSTA and VSLA presented by ~Laurie Williams and Tina Smith
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 →
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 →
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Northstar II
School librarians are at the forefront of important conversations about the complicated relationship between generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) and intellectual property. As we see genAI tools showing up in more classrooms, libraries and computer labs, school librarians have the opportunity to be a critical partner in helping students and educators understand the opportunities and implications of our use of these emerging tools.
In this session, we will explore real-world scenarios that dig into the complexity of content creation, ownership and intellectual property rights in a world where genAI is helping people to create art, compose music and write essays. We will discuss specific cases and their potential impact on educational spaces. Through practical strategies and conversation starters, we will work together to prepare ourselves, our colleagues and our students to consider the ethics and the boundaries of what it means to be a writer, a painter, a creator who shares their work with the world.
Online Learning Manager, Collaborative for Educational Services
Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse is the Online Learning Manager and ISTE Certification Trainer for the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), where she has worked for the past 15 years supporting educators to innovate and explore new ideas around technology, curriculum and design... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Northstar I
Join us to experience the computer science behind what appears to be the Magic of AI. In this his hands on session, we will look behind the curtain using the Machine Learning for Kids project that allows students and educators to create, train and test a machine learning model. We will also make a game or app with machine learning models using Scratch meeting several CSTA computer science standards. https://csteachers.org/k12standards/interactive/ This session is part of the Computer Science Strand offered by Vermont CSTA presented by Lucie deLaBruere
FHTMS SOAR Students plan an interactive session geared for participants who are in various parts of their journey toward active antiracism work. S. O. A. R. students will briefly describe their work before launching into practical "hands-on" activities designed to allow participants to • reflect on their identities and the need for this work • improve on “Speak up” strategies guided by the work of Teaching Tolerance • explore both individual and collective aspects of antiracism work • create tools that can immediately be taken back to your school setting to unapologetically interrupt and disrupt racism within our school systems.
Our S.O.A.R. Program demonstrates innovative, disarming, and nonthreatening strategies and tactics to combat racism and racist acts in schools. Students are at the forefront of these exceptional and nontraditional efforts. Please feel free to discuss ways in which a program like... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Northstar I
Join us for an in-depth look at the latest and greatest tools and features in Kami, the leading online document collaboration platform. In this presentation, we will showcase the newest additions to Kami's powerful suite of features, including real-time collaboration, advanced annotation tools, improved PDF editing capabilities Questions AI, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned Kami user or just getting started, you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge tools and features that can help take your productivity to the next level. Join us and discover how Kami is revolutionizing the way we work and collaborate online.
Kami is an online document annotation and markup tool. You can highlight, underline, and strikethrough text in PDF and other document formats. You can also add text boxes, shapes, and images. Kami works with Google Drive and Google Classroom. With Kami, you can easily collaborate... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Escapade II
Join us to explore how Essex Westford (Peter Drescher), Harwood Unified Union (Nate Gingras) , and Mount Mansfield Unified Union (Jeff Wallis), are leveraging ClassLink in their districts. -Challenges they faced before using ClassLink -From SSO to Rostering and Account Provisioning -Implementation process -See what’s new While this is focused on a particular solution, all will talk about various ways all have explored this topic over the years. Consider how this solution might provide a streamlined means to roster and on/offboard employees.
Director of Technology and Innovation, Essex Westford School District
Peter is currently serving as the Director of Technology and Innovation at Essex Westford School District. He is passionate about working with educators to support teaching and learning with technology and in his past role, as State Director of Education Technology in Vermont, was... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Escapade I
Students and educators can create immersive 3D VR and AR experiences using CoSpaces. I will show you how younger students with little coding experience and older students with text-based coding experience can all create dynamic 3D environments that show off their learning while developing transferrable STEAM skills. Teachers can create classes and create/access assignments within the platform (which is browser-based on computers and an app on iPads). CoSpaces projects can incorporate 360 degree images and can be viewed in CoSpaces, online, or even through VR headsets for a truly immersive experience. Come see how students can create projects that allows them to connect to their community by creating an interactive virtual tour or creating a virtual world to tell a story, all while using cutting edge technology that is easily accessible. Participants will get and share lesson and project ideas and be able to jump into the CoSpaces environment to start building their own 3D experiences during this workshop. 1 month trial codes will also be available to further try it out on your own and with your students.
7-12 Technology Integrationist, Franklin West Supervisory Union
I have been a technology integrationist in the middle and high school for the last 6 years at BFA Fairfax where I run the 7-12 makerspace, teach courses in html, css, game design, and starting in the fall of 2024, a series of courses in cybersecurity. Prior to working as a technology... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Escapade I
Join us for a hands on experience with Co-Spaces - a web-based interactive 3D environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and computational literacy. Learn how your upper elementary and middle school students can meet CSTA computer science standards across several content disciplines while creating and sharing 3D computational artifacts. https://csteachers.org/k12standards/interactive/ This session is part of the computer science strand from Vermont-CSTA Presented by CSTA Kristen Wilson & Ben McVety
Director of STEAM Programming, Black River Innovation Campus
Ben has a Masters of Science in Music Education from Indiana University, and has been working at the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) since February 2024. BRIC's goal is to teach and promote STEAM learning through use of technology, and to provide tools and professional development... Read More →
I run my own design business, creating website and branding. I teach information technology at River Valley Technical Center in Springfield, VT. I teach Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Dreamweaver, and intro to programming. CompTIA A+ and ITFundamentals certifications.
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Northstar II
FHTMS SOAR Students plan an interactive session geared for participants who are in various parts of their journey toward active antiracism work. S. O. A. R. students will briefly describe their work before launching into practical "hands-on" activities designed to allow participants to • reflect on their identities and the need for this work • improve on “Speak up” strategies guided by the work of Teaching Tolerance • explore both individual and collective aspects of antiracism work • create tools that can immediately be taken back to your school setting to unapologetically interrupt and disrupt racism within our school systems.
Our S.O.A.R. Program demonstrates innovative, disarming, and nonthreatening strategies and tactics to combat racism and racist acts in schools. Students are at the forefront of these exceptional and nontraditional efforts. Please feel free to discuss ways in which a program like... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Northstar I
This presentation will give you all the resources to create this program in your community. For our biography unit last year, instead of students researching a famous person online; we connected with our local seniors citizens. Though digital storytelling, Students used countless skills in this process including creating questions, conducting interviews, embedding technology skills, and developing research skills. Students expand their writing, executive functions, and interpersonal relationships.
Katrina Antonovich is a 5/6 ELA/SS teacher at Milton Middle School. For the last three years, Katrina has worked to implement Act 77 at MMS. An innovative educator for 15+ years, mom, wife, and out-of-the-box thinker with students. ISTE certified educator, with a passion for travel... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Gateway II
This session will look at how AI is starting to impact your network from a management and security perspective. We will look at what tools are available today and what we should expect in the future and how you can prepare. Part of the session will be dedicated to a round table forum to hear from the group regarding what schools are doing today and how you would like to leverage AI to improve how you are able to protect and manage your network.
HPE Aruba Networks provides Edge to Core network switching, wireless, and network security solutions supporting both on-premise and cloud deployments. Aruba’s solutions are built on a security-first, AI-Powered network leveraging Aruba Central as your network management tool delivering... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Roundabout
This presentation features hands-on projects that compliment good digital citizenship practices.
My projects were inspired by the 6 core topics addressed in the educator’s section of Common Sense Media. During my presentation, I will show projects related to: Balance, Privacy, Digital Footprint, and Kindness. I use the Common Sense Media lessons, and then extend the main ideas into a makerspace project.
These projects are for students in grades K-6. Some projects can be adapted for different grade levels.
You will come away from the presentation with many ideas that you can use right away in your classroom. I will include a few paper templates to take with you. They can be copied and used for a lesson right away.
While policy and guidelines are only one part of a district's response to the advent of genAI, they are a critical foundation for your district’s approach. A well-crafted policy and resources to guide classroom practice help teachers and students navigate the shifting landscape of technology that surrounds us. In this hands-on session, we will explore the free AI Policy Starter Kit as a starting point for districts and schools to craft thoughtful and proactive generative AI guidance and policy aligned with their district needs and priorities. We will explore resources in the kit that spark conversations about the range of factors and conditions that go into creating genAI policy, and concrete steps that lead to draft policy and guidance language. Using case studies to guide our thinking, we will create a thoughtful and custom approach to district policy and resources that help our teachers and students feel confident in their ability to navigate complexity with a critical lens.
Online Learning Manager, Collaborative for Educational Services
Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse is the Online Learning Manager and ISTE Certification Trainer for the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), where she has worked for the past 15 years supporting educators to innovate and explore new ideas around technology, curriculum and design... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade II
Reframe your thinking of AI as a thought partner and you open a whole new world of possibilities! Join me and explore a few different tools that teachers AND students (yes, students UNDER 13) can use. Tools like SchoolAI and MirrorTalk. Use SchoolAI to help you brainstorm ideas, work through writer's block, or help a student narrow down a research topic. With MirrorTalk, students can reflect on their work and get spot on feedback to help them think about next steps. Both tools have Student Privacy Agreements in Vermont and are ready to use!
Education Technology Integrationist, Missisquoi Valley School District
Jen is a wife and mother of two teens. She has been in education for over 20 years and has taught everything from PreK & Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Jen is now in her 3rd year as the Education Technology Integrationist at Swanton Elementary School. She has a BS in Early Childhood... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Gateway II
Join us for a hands on experience with Co-Spaces - a web-based interactive 3D environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and computational literacy. Learn how high school students can meet CSTA computer science standards across several content disciplines while creating and sharing 3D computational artifacts. https://csteachers.org/k12standards/interactive/ This session is part of a Computer Science strand brought to you by Vermont-CSTA This session CS for High School students using Co-spaces is presented by Vermont CSTA Chapter Leaders: ~Kristen Wilson & Ben McVety
Director of STEAM Programming, Black River Innovation Campus
Ben has a Masters of Science in Music Education from Indiana University, and has been working at the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) since February 2024. BRIC's goal is to teach and promote STEAM learning through use of technology, and to provide tools and professional development... Read More →
I run my own design business, creating website and branding. I teach information technology at River Valley Technical Center in Springfield, VT. I teach Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Dreamweaver, and intro to programming. CompTIA A+ and ITFundamentals certifications.
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Northstar II
In this hands-on workshop, attendees will learn how digital storytelling and immersive gameplay can transform learning. The fast-paced session will introduce you to the interactive digital narrative, Inanimate Alice, and see how to integrate it to support your SEL curriculum. Attendees will: - Learn the History of Inanimate Alice - Explore what research says about the transformative power of interactive digital narratives in learning spaces - Hear from one educator who is using Inanimate Alice to dive into digital storytelling with 3rd - 6th graders - Explore Inanimate Alice using their own devices All attendees will have access to the first episode of the series and the Kick off with Inanimate Alice course so you and your students can begin your adventure.
Series Producer - Inanimate Alice, BradField Narrative Designs Inc.
I'm the producer of Inanimate Alice series, a groundbreaking, interactive digital narrative designed to engage students in multimodal learning. This episodic tale combines storytelling, gaming elements and multimedia features to develop critical thinking, creativity, and STEM skills... Read More →
Jill will lead a conversation on SWANK, the streaming service brought to you at a discount through the help of VITA-Learn. Previously provided through the VT Department of Libraries for free to libraries, SWANK is a streaming service that provides easy access to learning materials. Jill will share how to connect with Jeff Mao of VITA-Learn to obtain discount pricing and login credentials. She will share how they have leveraged the use of SWANK at U-32 and will open discussion to the room for sharing their usage and ideas.
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.
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade I
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!
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 →
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.
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 →
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 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade I
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.
Director of Technology, Rutland City Public Schools
Patricia Aigner serves as the Director of Technology for the Rutland City Public Schools in Rutland, Vermont. She is licensed as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. In 2020, Patricia received the Frank Watson Lifetime Achievement Award from Vita-Learn. Recently, she was featured... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade II
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.
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.
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
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?"
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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 →
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.
Librarian, Government Services, Vermont Department of Libraries
April Shaw is the Librarian of Government Services at the Vermont Department of Libraries as well as the Head of Interlibrary Loan. She oversees the statewide resource sharing system (Clover), and facilitates the Vermont Interlibrary Loan Round Table.
Join us for an exclusive look at the latest version of Seesaw, featuring Instruction + Insights, designed to enhance classroom learning and simplify teacher workflows. This session will also introduce Seesaw’s powerful new Early Literacy and English Language Development (ELD) curriculum, tailored to support diverse learners and improve foundational skills. Discover how these tools can transform teaching, elevate student engagement, and provide meaningful insights to drive academic success.
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
One of the deepest ways of learning is to teach, right? The paid version of GPT is $20 a month. It allows you to tell ChatGPT in plain English what you want your original chatbot to do, just like when you use GPT normally! It's like programming while writing an essay. Then, when you test the bot, you can teach it to be better by continuing your dialog with GPT. It also makes images for your bot using DALL-E. Your bot will be available to those with a free GPT account via a link. I'll do a very short demonstration, and then you'll get right to making your chatbots that do almost anything you can imagine.
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.
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
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.
