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Note: In-person attendees will receive login access starting Monday, November 4, 2024, allowing each to create personalized schedules. Until then, you’re welcome to explore the available sessions without logging in.
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Monday, December 9
 

8:00am EST

Keynote
Monday December 9, 2024 8:00am - 9:30am EST
Ballroom 3
Monday December 9, 2024 8:00am - 9:30am EST
Ballroom 3
  Featured Session

9:45am EST

Level Up Learning: Transforming Classrooms with Gamification
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 9:45am EST
1B
Ready to level up your classroom? Join two tech-savvy educators as they share their passion for gamification! Discover how to transform your teaching with creative app smashes, awesome websites, and unconventional ideas that will leave your students begging for more. We?ll kick things off by showing you how to blend different apps to create unique and engaging learning experiences. Imagine combining a student?s original writing with a program that allows them to draw using their words or Quizizz as a collaborative problem-solving relay race. Next, we?ll spotlight some fantastic websites and tools that can supercharge your gamification efforts. But that?s not all! We?ll also dive into some outside-the-box strategies that go beyond apps and websites, sharing resources that will help you become the ultimate Game Master! Whether you?re a gamification newbie or a seasoned pro, you?ll walk away with practical tips, fresh inspiration, and a toolkit of ideas to make your classroom more dynamic and engaging. Get ready to game on and watch your students thrive!
Speakers
avatar for Michael Wesely

Michael Wesely

Instructional Tech Specialist, Kempsville Elementary School
I am an Instructional Technology Specialist at Kempsville Elementary in Virginia Beach, VA and love being a technology innovator. It is such an exciting time to be an educator with all the different ways you can engage your students learning. I love sharing and seeing the amazing... Read More →
ML
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 9:45am EST
1B
  General Session

9:45am EST

Exploring Renewable Energies through integrated lessons and hands-on learning kits
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
1A
JMU's Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy provides integrated lending library kits to help educators provide hands-on learning opportunities in the classroom. This session will expose teachers to six different lending library kits focused on measuring, using, and applying wind and solar energy. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore numerous hands-on activities provided in the lending library kits which integrate Math, LA, and Science content. New apparatus will also be utilized to explore the advances of technology. Lending library kits are available to educators free of charge and are helpful in coaching students to participate in KidWind Challenges.
Speakers
KW
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
1A
  Flexible Seating

9:45am EST

Anchoring Innovation With Everyday Objects Using Makey Makeys
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4A
In this session, we will explore the world of Makey Makeys and discover how to transform everyday objects into tools for student creation. Learn how to create interactive books, various types of controllers using balls and hula hoops, and much more. With Makey Makeys, all student can explore and learn with greater independence. This technology empowers users to actively participate in activities, making access possible for all and turning the impossible into reality.
Speakers
DO
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4A
  General Session

9:45am EST

Bringing Space to the Middle School CTE Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
3D
Join us for a session to explore practical strategies for seamlessly integrating space-related content into your current CTE courses. You'll gain valuable insights through specific examples of engaging lesson plans and hands-on activities that will empower you to connect CTE with the ever-evolving realm of space exploration and development. By incorporating space-related projects and discussions into your curriculum, you can ignite a passion for aerospace, engineering, and technology careers.
Speakers
RK
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
3D
  General Session

9:45am EST

Charting New Courses with Technology in Project-Based Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
5D
In today's educational landscape, the fusion of technology with project-based learning (PBL) stands as a transformative force ? putting the onus back on students to chart the course of their own education. In this presentation we will offer a comprehensive deep dive into these dynamic waters, highlighting the relationship between technology integration and PBL methodologies. Throughout our session, participants will explore practical strategies, real-word examples, and innovative tools tailored to educators seeking to enrich their PBL practices. From selecting the right digital resources to fostering collaborative learning communities, participants gain actionable insights into creating immersive, technology-enhanced learning experiences. Before casting off on their own adventures, participants will be provided a library of guides for various tools to support them in implementing PBL in their classrooms. Join us as we embark on a voyage to unleash the full potential of our students, equipping them with the critical skills and mindset needed to thrive in the digital age and beyond.
Speakers
TE
JM
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
5D
  General Session

9:45am EST

Empowering Creative Communicators with Digital Publishing in the Elementary Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
5C
Embrace the world of digital creations! This session will guide teachers in strategies to empower students as they share their learning through written, visual, and audio formats. Using tools such as Adobe Express, Book Creator, Seesaw, Google Slides, and WeVideo, teachers can promote student choice and voice while illuminating creative expression through digital publishing. Attendees will leave this session with multiple Idea Sparks for next-day implementation.
Speakers
TL
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
5C
  General Session

9:45am EST

Ensuring Digital Inclusivity: Preparing School Websites for WCAG 2.1 Compliance
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4E
Is your school division, school, or classroom website, social media account, or mobile app ready for the seismic shift in web accessibility? Join us to decode the latest WCAG 2.1 standards and the game-changing Department of Justice rule on digital accessibility (https://bit.ly/newwebrules) that will apply to every school division in Virginia by April 2026 or 2027 (depending on locality size). This isn't just about compliance?it's about opening your school's digital doors to everyone. In this dynamic session, you'll: Uncover hidden accessibility barriers you never knew existed Master practical tools to audit and upgrade your website Learn how to avoid costly legal pitfalls Discover simple tweaks that make a world of difference Don't risk leaving students behind or facing legal challenges. Empower your school to lead in digital inclusion. This session is your roadmap to an accessible future?one click at a time.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Newton

Matthew Newton

Coordinator of Assistive and Instructional Technology, T/TAC at Virginia Tech
LB
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4E
  General Session

9:45am EST

Peer Coaching for CS Integration into Social Studies
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
2A
Hear from a team using peer coaching to integrate computer science in rural middle school social studies classrooms. Examine strategies for blending storytelling and computer science using unplugged activities and a plugged programming tool called Twine. In this session, you will learn how to identify the focus areas for CS peer coaching and how to successfully implement peer coaching as a means of widening your school's CS integration impact. As computer science gains momentum worldwide, educators are tasked with learning and integrating this new content. In addition, they are often pushed into peer-coaching roles without adequate systems for helping peers understand computer science and weave it seamlessly into their content. This session tackles these major issues. While our experiences have been geared toward middle school teachers, CS peer coaching is a useful strategy for all grades. Learn from our successes and see how we have overcome barriers!
Speakers
VF
KF
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
2A
  General Session

9:45am EST

Ready Player One: Coding text based adventure games to get students creating
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4B
Insert your quarter, grab a Tab, and press start for this session on how coding text-based adventure games like Zork can get your students creating, writing, and reading. In this session we will crowd source our own VSTE Adventure game so that you'll see the step-by-step process on how to EASILY write a playable text based adventure game. You'll get the writing template, coding template, and lesson plan/procedure/timeline to make this a ready to go lesson that you can do today! You and your students will love writing their own games and playing each other's games in their own classroom arcade. Although this session will be concentrating on writing and reading, we will talk about ideas on how to get this into history, science, math and beyond.
Speakers
PA
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4B
  General Session

9:45am EST

Rolling with the Tide - Innovation on Wheels!
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
3E
Get students excited about READING! Roll with us along the journey to see how Innovation on Wheels benefitted both a rural and urban district by taking literacy to the streets. From a summer program delivering books and meals to a fulltime program working year-round we will highlight the strategies addressing both the challenges and successes. Rolling through the rural streets of Nottoway County(Nottoway Book-A-Way) and city streets of Richmond(Literacy "Lit" Limo) provided much needed resources to families and is especially important now with the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act. Hop on board and drop an anchor on the Lit Limo for an exciting ride!
Speakers
JD
AB
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
3E
  General Session

9:45am EST

Set Sail with App Smashing & Eduprotocols: Charting a Course for Engaging Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
5A
Unlock the potential of your classroom with cutting-edge technology and innovative instructional strategies! Join me for an exciting session where we will dive into app-smashing technology tools with "Eduprotocols" to create engaging, student-centered lessons. ?Eduprotocols? are quick activities that foster the 4Cs by using repeatable templates designed for all levels and subjects. Establish how to seamlessly blend these resources to foster a culture of mastery and transform your teaching practices into a pathway to creativity and effectiveness. Some of the Eduprotocols we will explore include: Fast & Curious, Frayer Model, Thin Slides, Iron Chef, and more. These will be paired with technology apps such as Canva, Quizizz, Padlet, Wordwall, and others.
Speakers
RM
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
5A
  General Session

9:45am EST

Teaching Executive Skills with Universal Design for Learning in Grades 4-12
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
2C
Executive skills develop until age 25, with rapid growth in the middle years. We must be cautious and intentional in saying, "They already know how to do this!" Using the UDL guidelines, we explore how to scaffold Strategic, Goal-Directed, Purposeful, and Motivated Learners. We provide classroom-level and schoolwide evidence-based strategies for teachers, coaches, and administrators to put in place to develop students? executive skills -- and scaffold the ones that won?t develop until age 25! Understand the range of executive skills Understand critical characteristics of executive skills Identify opportunities to scaffold and build executive skills during the middle school day Identify activities and strategies to scaffold and build executive skills during the middle school day Participants will have a QR code for access to materials, explore a handout and examples, and discuss with the presenters to personalize to their own setting and network for the future.
Speakers
SC
SC
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
2C
  General Session

9:45am EST

The PIC-RAT Model for Technology Integration (Beyond SAMR)
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4D
Who is truly using the technology in your classrooms the teachers or the students? Is a worksheet on Canvas or Schoology more effective than one on paper? Are teachers getting the most out of the interactive board at the front of their classrooms? The PIC-RAT model for Technology Integration provides educators with a framework to assess the impact of technology on student learning. This model not only evaluates whether new tools are transforming instructional practices but also examines whether students are interacting with the technology in active or passive ways. In this interactive session, you will practice using the matrix and discuss how the tool can be used for self-reflection or coaching teachers to improve their practice.
Speakers
JD
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
4D
  General Session

9:45am EST

Transform your Teaching through Self-Checking Assessments within Desmos
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
3B
Did you know Desmos is a FREE resource that offers more than just a calculator? Discover how Desmos can transform your teaching with interactive asessments! In this session, I will show you how to create self-checking assessments using Desmos' powerful features. Plus, you will receive a reflective tool to help students identify areas where they need more support while using Desmos.
Speakers
TB
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
3B
  General Session

9:45am EST

Anchored in Innovation: Navigating the Top 10 EdTech Tools for 2024
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
1D
Join us for an engaging and interactive session where we dive into the latest and most popular tools in educational technology. Anchored in innovation, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of ten cutting-edge tools that are transforming classrooms and enhancing learning experiences. Whether you?re a tech coach, educator, or school leader, you?ll leave with practical insights and strategies to implement these tools effectively in your educational setting.
Speakers
PH
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
1D
  Hybrid Session

9:45am EST

Writing Your Story: Creating Your Professional Portfolio
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Ballroom 3
Professional portfolios are a powerful tool for showcasing teaching philosophies, professional growth, and reflection. In this session, educators will explore how to craft personalized digital portfolios that highlight their unique professional journeys
Speakers
KF
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Ballroom 3
  Hybrid Session

9:45am EST

Audio Adventures Ahoy!
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Concourse 3
You're making a podcast! In this session attendees will learn the basics of implementing a podcast project, covering the basics of recording, editing, and sharing recordings through creating a show during this interactive session. Learn about different types of gear and applications that can take your recording to the next level. Examples of podcast projects and their benefits on student learning will be shared. Other uses for audio in instruction will also be discussed. Bring your laptop or smartphone to the session, if possible.; You're making a podcast! Learn how to get started with podcasting, audio recording and editing, as well as learn other uses of audio recording in instruction in this interactive session. Attendees will build their skills by creating a podcast during the session, as well as learn how audio projects help build students' creative and collaborative skills. Examples of podcast projects and advice on constructing a podcast or audio activity will be shared. Attendees should bring a laptop or smartphone, if possible.
Speakers
AS
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Concourse 3
  Innovation Station

9:45am EST

Exploring Inquiry-Based Learning through Public Art in Virginia Beach's ViBe Creative District
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 12:00pm EST
Concourse 2
Overview: This session offers an innovative approach to inquiry-based learning through the exploration of Virginia Beach's public art ViBe Creative District. Participants will embark on an easy, one-mile walking tour to view the district's vibrant murals by foot. Utilizing Canva, participants will engage in multimedia creation to explore and answer essential questions about the role and impact of public art. Essential Questions: What meaning can be conveyed through art? Participants will investigate how different forms of public art communicate messages, emotions, and narratives. They will explore how artists use symbols, colors, shapes, and materials to convey meaning. How does art bring people together? Participants will examine the social aspects of public art, considering how it can foster community, create shared experiences, and serve as a catalyst for dialogue and connection. Objectives: Inquiry-Based Learning: Develop critical thinking and inquiry skills by engaging with public art. Multimedia Creation: Utilize mobile devices and Canva to create multimedia projects that reflect participants' understanding and interpretations. Collaboration: Foster collaboration among participants as they explore, discuss, and create together. Activities and Structure: Introduction and Orientation: Overview of the ViBe Creative District and its significance. Introduction to essential questions and learning objectives. Demonstration of mobile devices and Canva software. Exploration and Research: Participants will visit various public art installations in the ViBe Creative District. They will use mobile devices to capture images, videos, and audio recordings. Research the background and context of the artworks and artists. Analysis and Interpretation: Group discussions to share initial observations and interpretations. Guided analysis activities to delve deeper into the meaning and impact of the artworks. Consideration of different perspectives and interpretations. Multimedia Project Creation: Participants will use Canva to create multimedia projects that express their findings and interpretations. Projects will include a combination of images, videos, narration, and music. Focus on answering the essential questions through creative expression. Presentation and Reflection: Participants will present their multimedia projects to the group. Reflection on the process and findings. Discussion on the power of multimedia in inquiry-based learning. Expected Outcomes: Enhanced understanding of the meanings conveyed through art and its role in bringing people together. Improved inquiry skills and the ability to conduct research and analysis. Proficiency in using mobile devices and multimedia tools for educational purposes. Strengthened collaboration and communication skills through group work and presentations. Resources Needed: Mobile devices (iPads or iPhones). Space for group discussions and project creation. Assessment: Evaluation of multimedia projects based on creativity, depth of analysis, and clarity in addressing the essential questions. Participant reflections on their learning experience and the impact of multimedia on their understanding. Feedback from peers and facilitators on presentations and group work. This program offers a dynamic and interactive way for participants to engage with art, develop inquiry skills, and harness the power of multimedia to express their insights and learning.
Speakers
RS
JF
Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 12:00pm EST
Concourse 2
  Innovation Station

11:00am EST

Chopped- Design Cycle/Makerspace Edition
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1A
Before we open our baskets, we will discuss the design cycle. We will define our goal for our design challenge, then we will open up our baskets to see the "must-use" ingredients. Other "pantry" items will be available. Participants will make a plan then implement their plan. We will end the session with sharing our projects and selecting the Chopped Champion. No cash prizes just bragging rights.
Speakers
SJ
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1A
  Flexible Seating

11:00am EST

Blending Analog and Online: Show Your Work
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
5A
The current state of education is rigorous and grade focused. Students often struggle to achieve to the required level, but rarely know why they struggle or how to address the problem. In this session, a classroom teacher and instructional coach discuss usage of curriculum tools (CED, LMS, Scoring Guidelines, and exams) to redevelop a notebook and an online portfolio to track and communicate progress. Participants code notebooks to the standards, skills, or competencies, and track their overall progress on those skills in their electronic portfolio. We discuss formative assessment as instant and varied data points and self, peer, and reassessments. Additionally, we discuss summative assessment as a means to build capacity and foster skill acquisition. Other benefits include: growth mindset, differentiation, closing learning gaps, relationship building, and social-emotional learning. Exemplars and stakeholder feedback will be shared.
Speakers
DF
DM
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
5A
  General Session

11:00am EST

Braille Shouldn?t be a Barrier
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4E
Come witness the IRIE BrailleTrac120 bringing tactile graphics and braille text to life in stunning detail. Everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves to access learning materials easily. By embracing both print and braille, students can excel in their academics and daily tasks, empowering them to work independently and efficiently. While providing materials in braille may seem challenging at first, with assistive tools like this, it opens doors to equal opportunities and a level playing field for all learners.
Speakers
LB
MN
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4E
  General Session

11:00am EST

Captaining Your Crew: Empowering your “stew”-dents to use their voices in secondary schools
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
5D
Ahoy, educators! Feeling like you're steering the ship alone? In this session, we'll guide you on how to transform your school from a staff-led crew to a collaborative voyage where student voices take center stage. We will share different ways that secondary schools can encourage a culture of student voice, including student-run news shows, student activities, meaningful social media involvement, interactive advisory lessons, and more. Within the classroom, we discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) creates a framework for amplifying diverse student voices. If you?ve seen Below Deck, you know that the best Stew-dents develop best under strong but compassionate leadership. Let?s find a way to let all students be their own Chief Stew.
Speakers
AB
MP
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
5D
  General Session

11:00am EST

Creation Over Consumption: Creating Textbooks for Students With Students
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4D
Become inspired by the story of how one class overcame the challenge of acquiring scarce and expensive textbooks by creating their own resources and discover how you can implement these activities in your classroom. Challenge Based Learning (CBL) provides an effective framework for learning as we seek to solve real-world challenges. In this workshop, the facilitator will not only share processes to create your own textbooks, but offer ways in which students can be involved and even lead the process to create their own textbooks; textbooks that can support future learners in the same classroom and beyond. Participants will be provided with iPads for this session and will walk through the steps to create their own book. Resources will be provided to support participants as they embark on their book creation journey with students.
Speakers
DS
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4D
  General Session

11:00am EST

Gearing up for the Future: Implementing Machine Learning in K-8
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1B
Join us for a professional development session that equips educators with the tools to teach machine learning in conjunction with the 2024 Virginia State Computer Science Standards. Learn how to make Machine Learning concepts accessible with a LCPS curriculum guide to engage students through practical resources, effective teaching strategies, and ready-to-use classroom activities. Walk away from this session with an understanding of Machine Learning and inspire the next generation of data scientists and innovators. Transform your teaching practice and empower your students to thrive in a data-driven world.
Speakers
JB
MS
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1B
  General Session

11:00am EST

Hoist the Sails of Choice: Empowering Students to Navigate Their Learning Journey
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
3B
Give students the navigation system to explore how they would like to express their learning through the power of choice, portfolios, centers or stations, virtual field trips, or Project Based Learning. Let's step your toes in the shallow waters and allow your creativity to take you to new waters.
Speakers
ES
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
3B
  General Session

11:00am EST

How Can We Create More Accessible Classrooms?
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
3D
Technology is a great way to bridge the gap for students who need accessibility options. This session will help us identify visible and non-visible disabilities and ways to address them in programs we use every day to teach our students.
Speakers
EN
BB
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
3D
  General Session

11:00am EST

How to develop ELLs Can-Do Attitude: A Collaborative Approach to Multilingual Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4A
This session will highlight a success collaboration between the Instructional Technology Coach, the first grade Ell specialist and their students at Randolph ES. Our students show tremendous growth at the end of the school year. We realized we were onto something and wanted to share our joy for teaching and learning with other educators.
Speakers
CW
MO
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4A
  General Session

11:00am EST

Littles Can Collaborate (Even with Digital Tools)
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
3E
Are you preparing your young students for the future? How often do you give them the skills and for the future? Our young learners can collaborate, even with digital tools, if given the proper scaffolds. Discover ways to empower collaboration in your classroom using simple and powerful tech tools and best practices as you embark on a collaboration journey in your classroom.
Speakers
DT
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
3E
  General Session

11:00am EST

Looking for a Strong Anchor? Supporting Innovation with TPACK
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4B
Anchoring a vision of innovation in the fundamental understanding of how technology supports content and pedagogy can lead to powerful change in the classroom. In this interactive session, we will consider what innovation looks like, learn about and practice using the Technological Pedagogical Content model for lesson planning and explore opportunities to use TPACK as an anchor for more student-centered, engaging instruction. Come prepared to play as we explore and create new ways of approaching instructional design.
Speakers
KR
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
4B
  General Session

11:00am EST

Project-Based CS Learning with Micro:Bit
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
2A
The BBC Micro:Bit is a flexible, inexpensive microcontroller well-suited to classroom explorations of coding and computer science in grades 5-12. In this session, participants will explore instructional strategies for facilitating project-based, student-led learning with the Micro:Bit in computer science-focused as well as CS-integrated (i.e., cross-curricular) settings. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities with Micro:Bit and the MakeCode coding environment, explore instructional resources to support open-ended learning experiences with students, and analyze lesson plans that integrate the Micro:Bit into CS and cross-curricular CS integrated learning experiences.
Speakers
JS
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
2A
  General Session

11:00am EST

Smart Teaching: Reclaim Your Time with Generative AI and Google
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
5C
Explore ways to collaborate, use generative AI, and Google to plan for the year so that you can spend more time
Speakers
AG
JG
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
5C
  General Session

11:00am EST

What's your impact?
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
2C
This questions plagues those who support and coach teachers all the time. Join the Instructional Techology Team of Newport News Public Schools to learn about their journey to answer this question over the last fifteen months. Check out the tools they have built to collect data and help quantify their impact, and walk away with copies! Explore the iterative process they have used to craft the tools, and learn about their next steps on the journey.
Speakers
AS
LS
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
2C
  General Session

11:00am EST

Build Your Classroom Toolkit with Google
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1D
With so many hidden gems and overlooked tools in Google Workspace for Education, let me be your guide as we discover new updates to Google apps and revisit some well-known tools that we can hack into a better workflow. In this high-energy, interactive session, you will learn how to increase your own professional productivity and boost student learning opportunities. For this hands-on session, be sure to bring a device with you so you can start applying these tricks right away!
Speakers
avatar for Katie Moran

Katie Moran

ITRT, Rockingham County Public Schools
Katie Moran is a former high school history teacher who currently works as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher.  She works to support classroom teachers in developing educational technology skills and digital methodologies to enhance best practices in their instruction... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1D
  Hybrid Session

11:00am EST

Treasure Chest: Instructional Gold with Indi
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Concourse 3
Highlight and demonstrate different ways and instructional strategies to utilize Sphero Indi robots across multiple content areas.
Speakers
JS
EH
Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Concourse 3
  Innovation Station

12:00pm EST

Lunch
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Main Floor
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Main Floor
  Lunch

1:00pm EST

Navigating the Aisles of Innovation: Shop, Try, Apply
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1A
Join us for a fast-paced, game show-style session combining engaging routines and educational tech tools. Design products, uncover AI's potential, and leave with new ideas to implement. Let's innovate together!
Speakers
SS
PP
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1A
  Flexible Seating

1:00pm EST

Charting the Course to Your Next Destination - Initiative Planning
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
3B
Every great journey begins a plan. Discover how one school division is charting the course towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation with an excited crew of educators at the helm. Through their story, identify common obstacles facing initiative planning. Discover tools to help navigate rough seas in planning and avoid common missteps that sink or stall progress. Leave with resources to guide your next journey.
Speakers
EH
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
3B
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Choose Your Own Adventure with Book Creator
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
3E
Learn to create "Choose Your Own Adventure" stories with Book Creator. Join a tech integrator and 4th-grade teacher as they share tips, templates, and Canva integration ideas for this engaging classroom project.
Speakers
EW
JC
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
3E
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Crafting Creativity with Minecraft Education
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4B
Join us at the Minecraft Education Innovation Station! Anchored in the spirit of exploration, this session invites educators to dive into the world of Minecraft Education, a dynamic platform for students to create, demonstrate understanding, and develop critical skills. Participants will immerse themselves in an interactive learning adventure, building their own structure while learning practical strategies, and resources for integrating Minecraft into teaching. *Participants attending this session should bring their own device with Minecraft Education installed and have access to a Minecraft Education account.
Speakers
SW
JS
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4B
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Creating a culture of innovation through student-led events
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4A
Discover how to foster a school-wide culture of innovation and the 6Cs through student-led events. Join the journey of an ILC and a teacher who collaborated to empower 7th and 8th grade students to plan, organize, and execute school-wide events. These events focused on teaching their peers through challenge-based stations.
Speakers
AK
RS
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4A
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Diving Deeper: Exploring the Synergy of Assistive and Instructional Technology in Education
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4E
Are you ready to ride the wave of innovation in education? Join us as we explore the powerful partnership between instructional technology and assistive technology. Discover how ITRTs can lead the charge in integrating assistive tech to empower all learners. Dive deep into the world of assistive technology, understand its impact, and get hands-on with tools from low to high-tech. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this transformative session ? your students' success starts here!
Speakers
SF
MH
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4E
  General Session

1:00pm EST

EdTech for People and the Planet
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
3D
Discover digital tools and activities to enhance instruction of science topics for understanding people?s relationship to the natural environment. Engage and collaborate with fellow participants using digital game boards, group simulations, virtual graphing, and problem-solving challenges, all related to the SOLs.
Speakers
SB
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
3D
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Get Started with Programming in Twine
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
2A
Discover the potential of Twine for crafting interactive narratives across subjects! Educators will explore how Twine, a powerful tool for computational storytelling, can be used to engage students in exploring complex concepts across various disciplines.
Speakers
KF
VF
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
2A
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Igniting Engagement: Transforming Classrooms with Collaborative Learning Technologies
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
2C
Collaborative learning technologies have the potential to transform traditional educational practices by fostering a more interactive and engaging learning environment. This presentation will explore the impact of collaborative tools such as online discussion forums, collaborative documents, and social media platforms on student engagement and learning outcomes. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical examples, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively integrate these technologies into their teaching practices to enhance student collaboration and achievement.
Speakers
SC
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
2C
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Innovating Education: AI Implementation and Future Roadmaps in School Districts
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1B
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education. This session will explore how various school districts in Virginia have successfully integrated AI into their systems, enhancing learning experiences and operational efficiencies. Our panel of experts will share insights on the challenges faced, the innovative solutions developed, and the strategic roadmaps guiding their future AI initiatives. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on best practices, potential pitfalls, and the exciting possibilities that AI brings to the educational landscape. Whether you?re an educator, administrator, or tech enthusiast, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of AI?s impact on education and what lies ahead.
Speakers
PH
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1B
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Public Media Regatta
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
5A
This session will showcase the instructional resources created in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education by four public media stations WHRO, Blue Ridge PBS, VPM, and PBS Appalachia which are found in GoOpenVA, and Virtual VA courses.
Speakers
CG
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
5A
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Self-Paced Learning In Elementary
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
5C
Come hear about one team?s journey to developing self-paced learning units in an upper elementary classroom. Explore various strategies for increasing independent learning, balancing teacher intervention, and incorporating student choice.
Speakers
JW
BA
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
5C
  General Session

1:00pm EST

What's Your Impact?
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4D
This question often plagues those in a coaching or supportive role. Join members of the Newport News Instructional Technology Team as they discuss their journey to answer this question over the last 15 months. Come see the products they've created using a design-thinking process and learn about their next steps to collect data on their impact as coaches. Leave with copies of their products to remix for your coaching program.
Speakers
AS
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
4D
  General Session

1:00pm EST

Create, Collaborate, and Connect with Book Creator
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1D
You have probably used Book Creator to have students create a book, but did you know that Book Creator can also be used to encourage collaboration amongst students, teachers, and families while providing many connections to the educational community and beyond? During this session Book Creator users will explore the new collaboration features, feedback options, app smashing, templates, translation options, and so much more. Attendees will receive a free 6-month subscription to the premium features within Book Creator, which includes unlimited libraries, 1000 books, ability to add co-teachers and engage in real-time collaboration. While classroom teachers can definitely benefit from this session, specialists in a coaching role will see the added benefits of having multiple libraries in order to work with more than one classroom at a time.
Speakers
JD
CL
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1D
  Hybrid Session

1:00pm EST

Voyage to Victory: VSTE's Demo Slam
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom 3
Share and celebrate the latest and greatest apps and ideas for using new tools and old tools in new ways at this VSTE DEMO SLAM! It could be something amazing you learned in a session or just an awesome thing you discovered. Participants are given two minutes max to demo their resource or tip. Then the audience will vote for the winner. The first fifteen to sign up get special VSTE SWAG and a chance for prizes and glory as the VSTE Demo Slam champion! Do you have the coolest idea to take you to the top of the VSTE DEMO SLAM!? To sign up go to [we will add link here] or visit Port VSTE!
Speakers
TC
HA
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom 3
  Hybrid Session

1:00pm EST

Soaring into STEM: Hands-On Drone Adventures in the Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Concourse 2
Join us for an engaging and interactive session at the Innovation Station, where we will explore the integration of drones in middle school STEM education. This hands-on workshop is designed to immerse educators in the exciting world of drone technology and its classroom applications. Participants will actively engage in learning how to safely operate drones, integrate this technology into their existing curriculum, and involve students in stimulating STEM projects. Practical examples and live demonstrations will showcase how drones can revolutionize learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. As the coach of a nationally ranked aerial drone team, I bring a wealth of experience in competitive drone operations and team management. This role has provided me with additional insights into the advanced applications of drone technology and effective teaching strategies for drone-related skills. The knowledge and skills gained from coaching will be invaluable in guiding educators during this interactive session.
Speakers
CH
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Concourse 2
  Innovation Station

1:00pm EST

Using a Cricut to Create Materials for Hands-On Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Concourse 3
Many schools now have maker spaces in dedicated areas such as the school library or technology rooms. Desktop cutting machines such as a Cricut may be for teacher or student use. The purpose of this session is to share with participants how a desktop cutting machine can be used in a classroom, a school or community maker space, or at home to prepare materials for hands-on learning projects.
Speakers
DP
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Concourse 3
  Innovation Station

1:00pm EST

Anchored in Apps: Treasures for School Librarians
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Join us for an interactive poster session showcasing innovative apps transforming school libraries! Two elementary school librarians are excited to share how they integrate technology to enhance learning environments and empower students. Discover a variety of apps tailored for library management, digital resources, literacy promotion, and more.
Speakers
AJ
RB
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Become a VSTE Certified Coach!
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Explore the VSTE Certified Coach (VCC) Program at our interactive poster session! Learn how we are shaping the future of education by empowering teachers, coaches, and administrators through cutting-edge coaching practices. Our display will feature highlights of our program's structure, benefits, and the profound impact it has on educators' professional development.
Speakers
KB
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Compass to Coding: Guiding Students in Computer Science Basics
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
The "Compass to Coding" conference session introduces an innovative approach to empowering educators with hands-on computer science activities tailored for students. The session delves into the concept of a monthly subscription box designed specifically for teachers, aiming to enrich their curriculum with engaging coding experiences. Each monthly activity is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students.
Speakers
EG
EH
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Cultivating Kindergarten Creators - Moving Through the Design Process with an Authentic Task
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
In this session we will share how we moved kindergarten students through the design process with the task of creating a model of an insect for the Virginia Aquarium. We brainstormed/generated questions whole group, individually utilized Pebble Go for research, planned, built, tested, and improved insect models using cooperative teams, as well as threw in a little robotics for fun.
Speakers
BM
TV
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Embracing Diversity: Culturally Inclusive Educational Technology
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Embracing Diversity: Culturally Inclusive Educational Technology," will provide participants the opportunity to explore the powerful role that educational technology (EdTech) can play in promoting cultural inclusivity within the classroom. This session aims to provide educators with practical tools, strategies, and insights to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.
Speakers
PD
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Go Beyond Embed Codes: Using HTML in your LMS
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Unlock the full potential of your LMS! Discover how using HTML can transform your instructional content, creating a more engaging and dynamic learning experience for your students. Stop by to explore and discuss simple ways to boost student engagement and enhance your LMS courses using HTML! Learn how to read HTML code, add it to the HTML editor in your LMS, and adapt it to your needs.
Speakers
DP
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Google AI Magic
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
This poster session will show teachers some cool AI features offered by google.
Speakers
KF
LE
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Living Book Reports
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Are you ready to launch your literacy instruction into the 21st century? Challenge and delight your students with a brand new way to showcase their reading: living book reports built with robotics! In this poster session, participants will view and interact with robots inspired by literature. They will have access to free resources that include pedagogical tips and tricks to incorporate computer science into reading and writing, and build confidence in robotics and in computer science instruction. No robotics experience required!
Speakers
SF
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Navigating the AI Frontier in Education: Empowering Teacher Candidates for Today's Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) use continues to grow in P-12 education, it is necessary for educators to navigate these emerging technologies and remain on the leading edge of pedagogical practices and integrated curricula. To prepare them for today?s classrooms, educator preparation programs need to provide teacher candidates with instruction on effective ways to use AI to improve teaching and learning while reducing teacher burnout. This poster session provides guidance on understanding how AI tools can support both teachers and learners and includes concrete ways to improve learner engagement, the learning process, assessment, and student well-being within all disciplines in teacher educator preparation programs.
Speakers
JC
KS
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Tech Tales: Elementary Adventures in Robotics
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
I will highlight various tech tools we use to teach coding and robotics at Cape Henry Collegiate such as Marty the Robot, Bee-Bots, Spheros, EV3's etc...I will add additional features as the time nears and I am happy to update this list for you. I hope that attendees will learn about new products to add to their curriculum or learn new ways to add familiar tech to their curriculum and get excited about it!
Speakers
PZ
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

Tech Together: Strengthening School-Home Connections
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Join us for an interactive poster session aimed at enhancing school-home connections through technology. In this session, we will explore strategies and best practices for organizing a successful Family Technology Night at your school. We'll discuss how to engage parents and caregivers in meaningful ways, promote digital literacy, and foster a collaborative learning environment outside the classroom.
Speakers
AH
EG
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

The Game Plan: Using Gaming to Deepen School Connections
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
Henrico County Public Schools has implemented three innovative game-based programs?Esports Clubs, First Lego League Challenge teams, and Minecraft Build Battles?to help anchor middle school students to school. These programs provide engaging platforms for students to connect with peers, develop durable skills, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the school community. Explore Henrico's "Game Plan" to discover the positive impacts on attendance, well-being, and academic achievement, and learn how these initiatives are building a stronger, more connected school environment.
Speakers
JG
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

1:00pm EST

What teacher leaders and coaches need to know about UDL
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
As coaches and leads, we are expected to support our colleagues in ?the right moves? to reduce barriers for student learning. But what are the right moves? We?re sharing our Instructional Playbook for coaches and leads that?s built on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework for teaching and learning. We?ll share how using the UDL guidelines makes us more effective coaches and teacher leaders and first (or next) steps for anyone in those roles. Understand the basic neuroscience behind the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework for teaching and learning Explore samples from the UDL Instructional Playbook for coaches and leads Identify next steps for coaching peers to reduce instructional barriers Participants will have a QR code for access to materials, explore a handout and examples, and discuss with the presenters to personalize to their own setting and network for the future.
Speakers
SC
SC
Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Outside Exhibit Hall B
  Poster Session

2:15pm EST

AI Your New Teachers Aide
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4D
How to use AI to help support and assist with your classroom duties. Using AI programs like BriskAI, Curipod, Quizizz, and Question Well to help make review material and resources for your classroom.
Speakers
KS
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4D
  General Session

2:15pm EST

AIM-ing High with Accessible Instructional Materials
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
3D
In this session, attendees will be introduced to AIM-VA a nonprofit organization funded by the Virginia Department of Education that provides alternative text formats to eligible Virginia K-12 students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a documented Print Disability. Participants will learn about the eligibility criteria for AIM-VA, the process of requesting materials, and the range of formats available, including digital text, audio, and braille. Through interactive discussions, attendees will explore best practices for integrating AIM-VA into their teaching practices. Practical tips will be shared on how to select appropriate materials and leverage technology to enhance accessibility.
Speakers
TO
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
3D
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Anchoring Excellence: Crafting Competency Models and Building Unified Instructional Support Teams
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
3B
Just as an anchor provides stability and direction in turbulent waters, a well-crafted competency model can ground and guide educational practices. This session will explore a school division's journey in developing and implementing the ITRT (Instructional Technology Resource Teacher) Competency Model, aligned with VDOE ITRT best practices. This model serves as the foundational step in creating effective school learning support teams to drive innovation. By working together, ITRTs and other coaches can create synergy, providing comprehensive support and driving student success and teacher development. Join us to discover best practices, strategies, and collaborative approaches for anchoring excellence and building a cohesive and effective instructional leadership team.
Speakers
MV
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
3B
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Beyond the Screen: Teaching Digital Citizenship through Real-World Scenarios
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4A
In today's digital age, teaching digital citizenship is essential for students to navigate the online world responsibly and safely. This proposal outlines a comprehensive, engaging, and practical approach to teaching K-5 students digital citizenship through real-world scenarios. The session will focus on fostering positive online behavior, understanding digital footprints, maintaining authenticity, balancing screen time, and protecting privacy. We will equip educators (coaches, admin, ITS) with practical strategies to teach digital citizenship. The proposed activities and lessons enable students to reflect on their online actions and their consequences. Our goal is to cultivate a positive online presence for young students, ensuring that their digital footprints remain positive as they continue their journey in life.
Speakers
NH
avatar for Beth Smith

Beth Smith

Instructional Tech Specialist, Woodstock Elementary School
My passion lies in leveraging AI to streamline teacher tasks, integrating technology to create engaging learning experiences for students, and fostering a love for coding and robotics. My diverse background as a classroom teacher and a Gifted Resource Teacher enriches my current role... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4A
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Charting a Course for Virtual Learning: Anchors Away to Innovative Learning!
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
5A
We will navigate virtual waters through online learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. Anchors Away as virtual learning and teaching resources, best practices, artificial intelligence connections, and a myriad of resources and supports available to educators and divisions will be shared to help students and families succeed.
Speakers
avatar for Meg Foley

Meg Foley

Virtual Learning Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education
avatar for Reginald Fox

Reginald Fox

Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department of Education
School Administration, Instructional Technology, Virtual Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
5A
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Coaching Chemistry: Fostering Trust and Collaboration Between Instructional and Tech Coaches
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
3E
In this session, we?ll explore our strategies and best practices through our journey towards building and maintaining our positive coaching relationship as instructional coach and instructional technology coach. By fostering trust, communication, and collaboration, we build a culture of continuous improvement. This session addresses the ISTE Coaching Standard 4.3.a Cultivate Coaching Relationships - Establish trusting and respectful coaching relationships that encourage educators to explore new instructional strategies.
Speakers
LG
SA
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
3E
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Creating a Winning VSTE Presentation Proposal
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
2C
Want to know how you can be a VSTE presenter? Attendees will get to learn about the submission process, suggestions of what to include in your presentation proposal, and tips for making the proposal the best it can be. Everyone has something they could share at a future VSTE. Come and learn how to create that successful write up for the proposal process.
Speakers
avatar for Marie Hone
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
2C
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Cruising Into The Future: All Hands On Deck
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
5D
Let?s set sail on an educational adventure. Imagine your slide decks transformed from anchors to guiding stars! Partner with our seasoned cruise directors to navigate an elementary academic journey. We?ll explore hands-on activities with traditional manipulatives and today?s best technology enhancements! Whether you?re on a row boat or a yacht, we?ll harness student engagement and sail toward educational horizons. Bon voyage!
Speakers
MB
KJ
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
5D
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Dive into the New CS Standards: All About the 2024 Computer Science SOLs
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
2A
Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the recently updated computer science standards.  This session will dive into the key changes and additions introduced in the new guidelines, providing valuable insights for educators at all levels.  We'll compare and contrast the 2017 and 2024 versions, highlighting new concepts, topics, and areas of focus.  Additionally, we'll discuss practical strategies for aligning your curriculum and instruction with the new standards, including lesson plana and resources specifically designed to support your teaching.
Speakers
JS
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
2A
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Fantastic Templates and Where to Find Them
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
1B
Do you like having some time added back into your day? Would you like to have high quality materials ready for your students with little to no work on your side? Then this session is for you! Throughout the session, templates will be shared for a variety of Google apps, Canva, Adobe Express, AI Prompts, and whole lesson plans that can be applied to and used in any subject area. Further resources and websites will be shared to continue the learning well after the session ends.
Speakers
PH
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
1B
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Girls Who Code Make Waves
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4B
Learn about how a Title I elementary school encourages women in STEM. We build a community of girls in third and fourth grade. The program encourages sisterhood and beginner computer science and coding skills. Girls Who Code has a free curriculum that you can use in your school, too. Work on leadership, building relationships, and computer skills all year long! Learn how you can bring this program to your school.
Speakers
CG
KS
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4B
  General Session

2:15pm EST

VVAAS: Planning for Student needs
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4E
Learn about VVAAS projections and how we can use multiple data sources to plan for our students future and current needs. Come engage in robust conversations to create change for our students that allows all student groups to growth.
Speakers
MP
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
4E
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Weigh the Anchor! Charting New Horizons: Gamifying Education with AI's Compass
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
5C
Ahoy, fellow innovators! As the tides of technology surge, AI is transforming our digital shores faster than you can say 'binary beacon'. Join me on a quest to unlock the treasure trove of possibilities that AI unveils daily. In this session, we'll navigate the seas of education, marrying the power of AI with the thrill of gamification to steer student engagement to new horizons. Discover how to splice games seamlessly into your classroom rigging, bolstered by the strategic winds of AI. If you're ready to chart a course towards using games in your classroom, powered by AI's guiding compass, then weigh anchor with us in this session tailored just for you.
Speakers
AV
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
5C
  General Session

2:15pm EST

Makerspace is for everyone
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
1D
In this session, we will explore how to create an inclusive and accessible makerspace environment. We?ll discuss strategies for adapting to diverse student needs, meeting learners at their skill levels, and demystifying technology. Our focus will be on bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all students feel empowered to engage with technology, regardless of their prior experience.
Speakers
KM
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
1D
  Hybrid Session

2:15pm EST

Arts Integrations with Robots in Elementary (Grades K-2)
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Concourse 2
Dancing robots and robot parades in social studies? Coding in science and math? This session explores ways to integrate arts and robotics into content to enhance learning and engagement.
Speakers
CK
JB
Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Concourse 2
  Innovation Station

3:30pm EST

60 Tools in 60 Minutes: Charting Your Course to Classroom Innovation!
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
5C
In this fast-paced session, we?ll take you on a voyage through 60 highly rated and vetted tech tools that will allow you to engage, inspire, and revolutionize your classroom. We will discuss procedures and best practices for seamless integration. Don?t miss this chance to explore 60 innovative tools in 60 minutes - a digital adventure you won?t want to miss!
Speakers
DS
CS
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
5C
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Amplifying Student Voice: Empowering Learning with Canvas Studio
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
1B
Unlock the potential of Canvas Studio. Learn how to diversify student learning and engagement using this powerful resource. Anchor student success with Canvas Studio. Join our innovative Studio session.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Michalczak

Sarah Michalczak

ITRT, Suffolk Public Schools
Sarah Michalczak has been an ITRT for Suffolk Public Schools for six years and with the division for ten school years. Her experience in education also includes teaching middle school math. Prior to switching careers her professional background includes time in information systems... Read More →
avatar for Aulander Skinner

Aulander Skinner

I have been an educator for 30 years. I have been an instructional assistant, computer resource teacher, classroom teacher, and Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT). As an ITRT, I have worked on the district, state, and national levels to create, enhance, and embed technology... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
1B
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Anchored Learning: Innovative Approaches to Computer Science in Elementary Science Education
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4B
Our division embarked on a voyage with the Advancing Computer Science Education grant, setting our course to build teacher capacity, develop instructional resources, and craft science-integrated lesson plans that align with the VDOE computer science standards. We anchored our curriculum with robotics and coding, navigating these elements into the elementary science classroom. Join our session to discover the charted course we followed to explore the vast sea of computer science integration. We'll share how we mapped out and created these lessons and resources, how we docked robotics and coding into our curriculum, and where you can dive in to access these valuable resources. Come aboard and sail with us on this educational journey!
Speakers
TT
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4B
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Getting a Computer Science Endorsement
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
2A
In this CodeVA-supported session, participants will learn about earning an add-on endorsement in computer science by challenging and passing the CS Praxis Exam. Participants will explore the concepts addressed on the exam, access resources to support preparation, and learn about the ways in which the Praxis exam aligns (or does not align, in some cases) to CS teaching across grade levels.
Speakers
VF
JS
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
2A
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Lighthouse Leadership: Guiding Innovation Amidst Educational Standards
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
3D
In the sea of education, standardization often acts as both a guide and a roadblock. How can educational leaders become lighthouses, guiding their teams to innovative shores without losing sight of necessary standards? Being an innovative (lighthouse) leader involves adopting a mindset and practices that encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

In this session, we will delve into developing our "guiding light" as innovative leaders, focusing on skills that embody courage, authenticity, and awareness. We will navigate through eight mastery pathways to enhance our innovative leadership style: coaching, personal story, purpose, interpersonal relationships, change management, resilience, and self-awareness. By the end of this session, participants will embark on their journey to becoming guiding lights in their educational environments, equipped with a clear understanding of their innovative leadership identity and practical strategies for ongoing growth and development.

Speakers
MV
JZ
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
3D
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Making Meaningful Connections CS Curriculum Integration
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
5A
The implementation of computer science in education is a powerful catalyst for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. In today?s rapidly evolving digital world, it?s essential that students not only understand how technology works but also how to apply it creatively and thoughtfully in various contexts. This session is designed to empower educators with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and resources necessary to implement and integrate computer science concepts seamlessly into one?s teaching. Participants will delve into the core principles and concepts within the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning and gain a deeper understanding of how these standards can be woven into diverse subjects to enhance student learning. This session will provide educators with the tools and confidence to anchor their teaching practices in innovation, ensuring that students are prepared to navigate and shape the technological landscape of the future.
Speakers
KT
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
5A
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Navigating Digital Waters: Anchoring Students in Good Digital Citizenship Through Gradual Release
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
2C
Have you ever wondered how to navigate the digital waters with your elementary students? Being a digital citizen is a necessary academic, professional, and life skill, especially for digital natives. In this session, we break down how to teach elementary students to be good digital citizens using the gradual release method. We anchor it in teaching the Virginia SOLs, ISTE standards, PBL Gold Standards, and the Digital Learning Integration Standards. This session focuses on projects (group and independent) that span a whole school year to show the full scope of gradual release in support of digital citizenship for all learners.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Bookwalter

Katie Bookwalter

Instructional Technology Specialist
I am an ITTS (Instructional Technology Training Specialist) at Haydon Elementary School in Manassas, VA. I enjoy working with teachers on using technology effectively with their students. I am a self-proclaimed Ed Tech nerd and love creating, working with and exploring new digital... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline

I'm a 4th grade teacher at Haydon Elementary in Manassas,  VA. I love incorporating technology into my classroom on a daily basis. I love finding new ways to engage my students and helping them to become responsible digital citizens.
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
2C
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Navigating the Learning Seas: How AI Can Be Your Coaching Anchor
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
5D
Set sail for a transformative coaching experience! In this session, we'll explore the exciting potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as your thought partner in the realm of educational coaching. We'll dive deep into practical applications of AI that can personalize coaching journeys, streamline workflows, and empower educators to reach their full potential. This interactive session will equip technology coaches and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to leverage AI effectively in their coaching practices.
Speakers
TR
LF
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
5D
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Rock Your School with AI! (KarAIoke Style)
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4E
Do you love AI and Karaoke? Join us as we engage in both! This fun, fast-paced, karaoke-style session will equip instructional coaches, classroom leaders, and school leaders with the knowledge and tools to leverage the power of AI for enhanced productivity, creativity, and student success.
Speakers
ST
CH
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4E
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Students as Creators: Leveraging Authentic Assessments to Build Learning Resource Libraries
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
3E
What if students didn't just consume knowledge, but actively created enduring learning resources to support their peers and future classes? This presentation explores how authentic assessment projects enable precisely that. Through examples like study guides, podcasts, videos, games and more, attendees will see how giving students choice in demonstrating mastery unlocks creativity and engagement. But the impact extends far beyond the individual student experience. When these authentic projects are curated and shared, they become part of a continually expanding library of crowdsourced, student-created learning materials for each course. Rather than disposable assignments, student work transforms into self-perpetuating repositories that benefit cohort after cohort. Participants will gain strategies for implementing this transformative model where learners aren't just consumers but creators. By positioning students as knowledge architects, educators cultivate learner autonomy while building robust interdisciplinary resources. Attend this session to revolutionize assessment while harnessing the power of learners as content developers.
Speakers
DS
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
3E
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Three Years of Data-Driven Health and Wellness: Where we Started and How Far We've Come
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4A
Dive in deep into how an action research model can leverage your student's screen use to tell compelling and place-based stories about how our devices are impacting our health. Three years, ago, we presented at VSTE about how we were leveraging a shift from Digital Citizenship to Digital Health and Wellness while we connected powerful data (screen use metrics, grades, varsity letters, behavioral data and more) to show students how their screen use was impacting themselves and their community. We found that this model was significantly better received in the secondary grades where digital citizenship lessons weren't quite hitting the mark. Now, our data set is three years larger and a powerful conversation starter. Check back in with us to talk about what we've loved, what we'd do differently, what we're doing to inform policy and parent outreach, and how you might integrate this at your school.
Speakers
RR
PS
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4A
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Transforming School Data with Adaptable Monitoring Tools
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
3B
Leveraging the data that is commonly collected and regularly updated in spreadsheets to support decision-making in your school is a crucial component of school-based leadership. This session will help guide you through developing clear and trackable monitoring tools using common (*.xls, *.csv, etc.) reports and the capabilities of Google Workspace.
Speakers
BB
TC
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
3B
  General Session

3:30pm EST

WWII: Beyond History
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4D
Focus on integrating WWII across disciplines, emphasizing real-world applications. Explore lessons spanning psych, stats, health, mapping, physics, and more. Gain tips, free resources, and discover effective strategies for bringing veterans into the classroom. I'll offer practical assistance for teachers to create their own veterans projects, from field trips to grant writing to teacher workshops
Speakers
RT
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
4D
  General Session

3:30pm EST

Behavior Buoyancy in Tech Waters
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
1D
Enhance your instructional strategies through responsive classroom techniques. This session will focus on fostering student self-regulation and implementing logical consequences to maintain focus and purposeful technology use. Participants will explore practical approaches to creating a supportive classroom environment, encouraging student accountability, and integrating engaging instructional methods. Empower your students to harness the full potential of technology while promoting responsible and self-directed learning.
Speakers
AB
CH
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
1D
  Hybrid Session

3:30pm EST

Crafting Digital Narratives: Empowering Students through Portfolio Creation
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Ballroom 3
Student portfolios have become a powerful tool for showcasing learning, growth, and reflection. In this session, educators will explore how help students craft personalized digital portfolios that highlight their unique learning journeys.
Speakers
KF
Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Ballroom 3
  Hybrid Session
 
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