When it comes to communication in schools, parent & community expectations have shifted recently. The strategies and tools used 10 years ago are not working today, yet many are still in place. Even CoSN's annual survey of technology leaders found 95% say their districts changed how they engaged with parents during the pandemic. During this session, attendees will learn modern tips and tools for engaging families across the various layers of their school community—classroom, school, district, and groups (parent groups, student clubs, & athletics)—and considerations for technology leaders. We will also share how using a unified platform, rather than several different tools & apps, can help you protect privacy and security, streamline support & training, and gain visibility and oversight.
Join me as I share some of my top tech tools and websites that have stood the test of time and proven to be some of my top recommended resources for K-12 classrooms. Whether you're looking for tools to enhance student engagement, build positive classrooms, or support student achievement, this session will have something for you. Come see my Favorite Things as I showcase a collection of versatile, user-friendly tools that can be easily integrated into your teaching and planning.
Curious about incorporating STEM into your curriculum but unsure what tools to use? Step into this STEM Playground, where you’ll get hands-on with tools like Makey-Makey, Sphero Bolt and RVR, Ozobot Bit, Edison Robots, Micro:Bit and a drone. Explore everything from basic electronics to block coding and advanced programming. Not sure if you’ll have funds to pay for STEM materials? I’ve got you covered with resources and guidance to help you secure funding. Best of all, you’ll have time to play and discover which tools best fit your classroom!
I am a technology integration specialist and work with staff and students from preschool to 12th grade for Smoky Valley. My ultimate goal is to use technology to engage students with meaningful and relevant instruction and activities that enhance their learning. I am passionate about... Read More →
Looking to captivate your students and make your lessons more interactive? Join us for a hands-on session exploring how Pear Deck and EdPuzzle can transform your Google Slides presentations into engaging, interactive experiences. We’ll focus on Instant Pear Decks to help you create real-time, responsive activities that spark student interest and gauge understanding effortlessly. Then, discover how EdPuzzle’s video integration can deepen learning by embedding questions and tracking student responses. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for combining these tools, ensuring your lessons are both impactful and easy to implement. Ideal for educators aiming to enhance student engagement and make the most of technology in the classroom!
I have worked in education for 25+ years. I still get giddy when planning new ideas. Four years ago, we implemented a PBL Academy into our 7-12th grade classes. In the district, I wear several hats to keep me busy. I enjoy working in professional development to assist other educators... Read More →
In this session, I’ll share a hands-on approach to bringing AI into the classroom through a supportive, cohort-based model for teacher professional development. Each week, teachers in my cohorts meet to learn, discuss, and explore practical ways to integrate AI tools. I also meet with each teacher individually to reinforce what we cover and help them apply it to their unique classrooms.
This method is all about building confidence with AI and creating a community where teachers feel supported and inspired. Join me to learn how this model can help educators feel ready to bring AI into their teaching in meaningful ways.
I have been an educator for 17 years! For the last 5 years I have been serving as an educational technology integration specialist after spending 12 years as a secondary science teacher. I love trying to find meaningful ways to develop teachers' confidence and ability in effective... Read More →
