Vermont Fest 2024

Experience a lightning fast session that will highlight twenty-five timely trends, innovative technologies, and useful tools.  Completely updated from last year’s Vermontfest session, it will cover technologies for all grade levels and subject areas.  General and specific use artificial intelligence tools will be described. Strategies for addressing the challenges and benefits of teaching with them will be included, along with multiple ways of using AI to save time planning lessons and creating teaching materials. You will see free tools you can master quickly, an update on virtual and augmented reality apps, the largest collections of free authentic artifacts, outstanding video and audio archives, new ways of reaching special needs students, and inexpensive little drones and robots.  Hear about technologies and innovative ideas that do not yet exist at the time this session was proposed.  The term “Electronic Constructivism” was coined by this presenter who will link these technologies to what it is all about: Good Teaching.  No experience necessary - just your curiosity and your enthusiasm about teaching.  The agenda is packed, but you’ll receive links to all resources to explore later.  The session will end with a raffle for techy door prizes.

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.

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. 

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.

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.