EdTech Academy: A Next Generation Teaching and Learning Conference
June 18, 2024
Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences in 21st-Century Schools and Classrooms!
Learn • Connect • Grow • Lead • Innovate
Calling all educators! Join us for EdTech Academy on June 18, 2024! This is a next-generation teaching and learning conference for PK-20 educators. Discover ways to implement effective teaching and learning practices in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Gain fresh and innovative ideas, strategies, tools, and resources that engage and empower students, enhance curriculum, improve instruction, and deepen learning. Learn ways to effectively leverage the power of technology to create meaningful, authentic, and relevant learning experiences in 21st-century schools and classrooms – experiences that provide students with opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Attend sessions, facilitated by passionate educators, related to effective and innovative teaching and learning practices, meaningful technology integration, active student-centered learning, and other relevant educational topics. Network and learn from other educators ways to transform teaching and learning in your classroom, and discover how together we can lead next-gen learning. You don’t want to miss this distinct learning opportunity with inspiring and dynamic educational leaders! This year's keynote speaker, Weston Kieschnick, will inspire us to go forth, be bold, and educate for the future!
Get Registered
Call for Proposals
Interested in presenting at EdTech Academy? The Call for Proposals is open through March 15, 2024.
Keynote, Spotlight, and Special Events
We are so excited to welcome Weston Kieschnick as the Keynote Speaker at EdTech Academy 2024!
In an ever-evolving educational landscape, Weston Kieschnick will inspire us to go forth, be bold, and educate for the future!
Schedule at a Glance
(tentative/subject to change)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Registration, Dempster Atrium |
| 8:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. | Welcome in Glenn Auditorium, Dempster Hall |
| 8:40 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. | Opening Keynote by Weston Kieschnick in Glenn Auditorium, Dempster Hall |
| 10:10 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Breakout Sessions, Dempster Hall |
| 11:10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Breakout Sessions, Dempster Hall |
| 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. | Lunch, Dempster Atrium |
| 1:05 p.m. - 1:55 p.m. | Breakout Sessions, Dempster Hall |
| 2:05 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. | Breakout Sessions, Dempster Hall |
| 2:55 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. | Snack / Door Prize Entry |
| 3:10 p.m. | Closing and Door Prizes in Glenn Auditorium, Dempster Hall |
Breakout Sessions
Breakout Session Schedule to be posted at a later date. Check back for updates.
| SESSION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Go Forth and Be Bold: Part II | In this breakout session, participants will take a deeper dive into Go Forth and Be Bold: Educating for the Future with a renewed understanding of the blended learning experience. Blending emerging technology including AI with old-school strategies will guarantee an increase in student engagement and enhance the quality of instruction happening in our schools. |
| The Educator's ATLAS: Your roadmap to engagement | Based on the critically acclaimed book, The Educator’s ATLAS offers a groundbreaking roadmap for capturing student engagement in the first moments of class, and sustaining it to the last. In keeping with Weston Kieschnick’s mission and vision for education, ATLAS holds both learner needs and teacher wisdom in equal importance. Central to this is alignment and clarification of student engagement that—once and for all—offers teachers an actionable role. Educators will leave this session joyfully inspired, motivated, and with a plan in hand for cultivating curiosity, creating participatory classrooms, and nurturing a desire to persevere in all students. |
| ChatGPT: An Educator's Friend or Foe? | In the ever-changing world of education, teachers have learned how to adapt to the next "big thing" that can affect their classrooms. When the whispers of artificial intelligence began to creep into workrooms across America, teachers began to question the impact of this new technology on their students and classrooms. In this session, educators will easily learn how to quell those fears and make ChatGPT their friend versus their foe. Learn ideas on how to guide students in the ethical use of this powerful tool, making AI a friend that can be embraced rather than a foe to fear. |
| How MagicSchool AI Can Make Your Job Easier | I am certified in MagicSchool AI and would like to share with teachers how to use AI safely and smartly. MagicSchool was created to help teachers, come and let me show you how. |
| "When Will I Use This?": Engaging Students in Abstract Content | We know students are more engaged when they feel that what they are learning connects to their real-life experiences. However, it is difficult to communicate to students the value of abstract concepts and to ground them in real-world contexts. How do we engage students in abstract content and help them see its worth? This session focuses on engagement strategies that work for any content area and that are designed to captivate students as both emotional and cognitive learners. |
| That's a FIRST! Robotics for PreK-12 | FIRST is the world's leading nonprofit advancing STEM education. Our suite of programs engages students starting at age 4 through high school in guided global robotics challenges. We help students explore and apply their critical thinking skills while working together as a team. Come experience the programs and support materials. Start building with LEGO blocks, add motors, and try the coding levels as you progress to the more complex robots. Learn how to guide your digital native students into the world of opportunity with STEM. Hands-on, takeaways, and funding discussions. |
| Stress-Free Classroom Differentiation and Accommodations with AI | In today's modern classroom, educators face the challenge of differentiating instruction and accommodating students with diverse learning needs. This can be a daunting task, especially in classes with many students. AI technology can help make this process easier and more effective. This 50-minute session will explore how AI can be leveraged to create a stress-free classroom with differentiation and accommodations. We will begin by discussing differentiation and accommodations and why they are crucial in today's classrooms. We will then delve into different AI-powered tools and strategies that can be used to achieve these goals. One of the key benefits of AI technology is its ability to personalize instruction and provide targeted support to students. We will explore how AI-powered learning platforms can create individualized learning paths for students based on their unique needs, interests, and learning styles. This enables educators to provide quality instruction and support to every student, regardless of their ability level. Another benefit of AI technology is its ability to automate routine tasks and streamline administrative processes. We will discuss how AI-powered tools can create and grade assignments, track student progress, and provide data-driven insights into student performance. This frees up more time for educators to focus on providing quality instruction and support to their students. Finally, we will explore how AI can create a more inclusive and accessible classroom environment. We will discuss how AI-powered tools, such as text-to-speech software, closed captioning, and adaptive testing, can be used to provide accommodations to students with disabilities or other needs. This helps create a level playing field for every student and ensures no student is left behind. By the end of this session, educators will better understand how AI technology can be used to create a stress-free classroom with differentiation and accommodations. They will have practical strategies and tools they can use to personalize instruction, provide targeted support, and create a more inclusive learning environment. With the help of AI, educators can transform their classrooms into a place where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. |
| Creating Learning Experiences Through Classroom Transformation | Learning can get boring for many students, especially in the older grades, following basal programs or worksheets. It is time to reengage our students and hook them into learning through transformations, or learning experiences that will work across the curriculum. Time to step into a diner and taste the various opportunities for transforming your classrooms. Participants will walk away with ideas to transform their classrooms. |
| Making Time for What Matters Most |
Drawing inspiration from Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky's book Make Time, discover practical strategies to create more time in your day, minimize distractions, and prioritize what truly matters. Learn actionable techniques you can employ immediately for balancing a busy schedule, fostering productivity, and aligning daily priorities with your values. Through engaging conversations, self-reflection, and collaborative brainstorming, acquire the skills to reclaim control over your time and make space for what truly matters in both work and life. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to time management and make room for what truly matters. |
| Google Workspace: Unleash the Power of the Latest Updates! | This presentation will focus on the updates to Google Workspace products from the past school year. From new features to enhanced collaboration tools, this session is a must for anyone wanting to stay at the forefront of digital productivity. Learn about changes to Docs, Slides, Calendar, Meet, Chrome, Classroom, Sites, Sheets, and Google Arts & Culture, as well as new accessibility features, advances in Artificial Intelligence, and new security updates. Whether you're a seasoned Google pro or just getting started, this session is packed with practical tips to help you leverage the full potential of these powerful updates. |
| Deep Dive into Design Thinking with Makedo | This hands-on session is specially crafted for educators who aspire to foster innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in their students. Unlock the creative potential in your classroom by exploring design thinking principles and the transformative power of hands-on learning using Makedo tools. Experience includes an introduction to the design thinking process, an overview of Makedo tools, hands-on prototyping, integration into the curriculum, success stories, and collaborative reflection. |
| Monitoring the Digital Hallway - Keeping School Data Secure | In a world where hackers are targeting even our youngest children, we each must do our part to help keep our teacher and student data secure. This session will offer practical and useful information to help teachers and administrators guard their digital hallways. |
| Google Tips, Tricks, & Shortcuts | Whether you are a Google newbie or a Google pro, this session will have suggestions for using your Google Workspace Account more efficiently. Bring your device, as we’ll be hands-on with these time-saving ideas. |
| Removing Barriers for All Learners with Assistive Technology | This session will include a spectrum of Assistive Technology examples from low tech to high tech and even No Tech! We will discuss how AT creates access to classroom curriculum and teaching for all students. Examples and resources will be shared with participants. Come find out about the Assistive Technology you never knew you had and transform your students' learning. |
| Simplify Your Calendar with the Power of Google Appointment Schedules | Effective time management is essential for educators, students, and administrators alike. This presentation will highlight the potential of Google Appointment Schedules, offering innovative solutions to streamline any scheduling process from the comfort of your calendar - no additional program needed. Google Appointment Schedules are for anyone who needs to schedule any type of appointment from office hours to parent-teacher conferences. |
| Ignite Potential: Enhance Teaching & Learning Through Insight into Students' Brains | With the growing amount of technology and information our students are surrounded with each day, brain development has begun to alter to meet these changes in our students' reality. Understanding how our students' brains are changing and developing differently is of growing importance to alter classroom practices to best meet students' needs. Join us to learn what the research shows to be effective and discuss how we can best meet our students' needs to Ignite their Potential! |
| Strategies & Tools for Effective Classroom Behavior Management | In this breakout session, we will dive into the dynamic world of classroom behavior management, exploring practical strategies and tools to create a positive and productive learning environment that fosters a conducive atmosphere for learning and growth. Participants will gain valuable insights into identifying, preventing, and addressing problematic behaviors while promoting a culture of respect, responsibility, and engagement in the classroom. |
| 10 Things Educators Can Learn from Ted Lasso | This professional development session, '10 Things Educational Leaders Can Learn from Ted Lasso,' draws inspiration from the TV series to teach leadership lessons. It emphasizes knowing one's purpose, recognizing the potential in everyone, fostering teamwork, encouraging idea sharing, showing kindness, learning from mistakes, forgiving, staying curious, and believing in oneself and others. Participants gain practical strategies for enhancing leadership and organizational culture. |
| Unlocking Unlimited Possibilities: Leading Like Lasso | Join us for an engaging session that delves into the extraordinary leadership wisdom of Ted Lasso. Discover how the 'Leading like Lasso' philosophy can revolutionize your school setting. Learn how to cultivate an environment where limitless potential becomes the norm. Be prepared to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with actionable strategies to create a culture of unwavering positivity, collaboration, and success. Get ready to BELIEVE, achieve, and lead like Lasso! |
| AI Tools for Teachers | AI is ALL the rage, but how can teachers use AI tools to increase our effectiveness and efficiency as teachers? Check out this session to learn about 5 awesome AI tools that you can use in your classroom! |
| 5 Formative Assessments for Any Classroom | We all know the importance of frequent formative assessment to measure progress toward learning goals and drive effective instruction. Sometimes, we can fall into a pattern of using the same formative assessment methods and we need new ideas! Check out this session and leave with 5 formative assessment activities for your classroom! |
| Transforming Learning: Charting the Path with The National Educational Technology Plan | The 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), released by the U.S. Department of Education, serves as a call to action for addressing critical divides in educational technology. The 2024 NETP outlines three key divides limiting the transformational potential of educational technology to support teaching and learning, including Digital Use, Digital Design, and Digital Access. Join me for a deep dive into the plan, where we will delve into its core components to understand its objectives, strategies, and implications for all educators. |
| What Can Canva Do for You? | Description to come. |
| And More! |