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Monday, January 20
 

9:15am EST

A Different Form of Advocacy
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 109
Advocacy means supporting our students, there are several ways to accomplish this. This poster session illustrates how to advocate for your students by showcasing their work and achievements publicly, safely, and appropriately. The goal is to build a bridge to the community to draw support for what your students are accomplishing in your classroom.


Objectives: 
  1. This session shows how to give voice to students from any socio-economic or ethnic background. The process shows how to utilize free resources to give voice to any and all students.
  2. Encourages educators to build out FREE Platforms to showcase student work in a safe manner utilizing best practices for a variety of classroom levels.
  3. Attendees will discuss and begin safely building out their platforms in ways to reach a broader community of parents and other educators to showcase student successes and build not only an audience for their work, but support for their efforts.
Speakers
avatar for Dominic Salvucci

Dominic Salvucci

Teacher, New Brighton School District
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 109
  Session, Engage and Connect

9:15am EST

Intro to micro:bit and micro:bit Create AI
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 113
Join us for an exciting introduction to the micro:bit, a pocket-sized computer that opens up a world of coding and physical computing! This interactive session will guide you through the basics of programming with MakeCode. We will also explore all the free resources available through the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. If you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone curious about micro:bit and not sure where to start. Let's build, code, and innovate together!

Dive into the future of creative coding with micro:bit CreateAI! This innovative tool combines the power of machine learning with the versatility of the micro:bit. In this session, you'll learn how to train your own AI models to recognize gestures. You'll then apply these models to create interactive code that blend the physical and digital worlds. Whether you're a seasoned coder or a curious beginner, this workshop will inspire you to explore the exciting possibilities of AI and micro:bit.

Objectives:
  1. Gain a foundational understanding of the micro:bit's capabilities: Participants will learn about the core features, sensors, and outputs of the micro:bit, and how it can be used to engage students in STEM learning.
  2. Explore the MakeCode platform and its potential for educational applications: Participants will become familiar with the user-friendly interface of MakeCode, accessibility features, and learn how to create simple programs to control the micro:bit's inputs and outputs.
  3. Discover a variety of resources and activities for incorporating micro:bit into the classroom: Participants will be introduced to the rich ecosystem of online resources, tutorials, and curriculum materials available for micro:bit, enabling them to implement engaging and effective STEM activities in their classrooms.
  4. Understand the basics of machine learning and its applications in education: Participants will gain a conceptual understanding of machine learning and how it can be used to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
  5. Learn how to train and deploy AI models on the micro:bit: Participants will acquire practical skills in using the micro:bit CreateAI tool to train custom gesture recognition models and integrate them into their code.
  6. Identify opportunities to integrate AI and micro:bit into existing curriculum: Participants will explore how to incorporate AI and micro:bit projects into subjects like science, math, and art, enhancing student engagement and fostering a deeper understanding of STEM concepts.
Speakers
AJ

Amanda Jeane

Director of Learning, CodeJoy
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 113
  Session, Engage and Connect

9:15am EST

The Power of Generative AI: Redefining Writing Instruction with WisdomK12
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 111
Imagine revolutionizing how students learn to write, with instant, personalized feedback that motivates them to improve faster than ever before. This lecture presents a groundbreaking case study on WisdomK12, an automated writing evaluation tool transforming writing instruction in Northeastern U.S. middle schools. This study, guided by Richard Elmore's renowned instructional core framework, reveals how public and private school teachers and students embrace technology to enhance learning outcomes. Participants found that WisdomK12 not only saves valuable time but also delivers authentic, encouraging feedback, inspiring students to write more and with greater confidence. If you’re invested in improving education with cutting-edge technology, this presentation is your gateway to understanding the future of writing instruction.


In "Generative AI in the Classroom: Redefining the Writing Process," we explore how local school districts have transformed writing instruction using the innovative WisdomK12 generative AI tool. This presentation will showcase qualitative and quantitative data highlighting the tool's impact on student engagement and writing proficiency. Attendees will gain insights from students, teachers, and administrators who have successfully integrated WisdomK12 into their curricula. Discover firsthand experiences and best practices that demonstrate how AI can enhance the writing process. Join us to learn how generative AI is reshaping education, making writing instruction more efficient and effective.

Objectives: 
  1. Apply AI to improve writing.
  2. Emphasize writing in cross-curricular assignments with AI affordances.Leverage AI to improve critical thinking and creativity.
  3. Understand the Integration of Generative AI in Writing Instruction: Participants will learn how the WisdomK12 generative AI tool is being used to redefine the teaching of writing, including the specific methods and strategies employed by local school districts.
  4. Analyze Data and Outcomes: Attendees will review and interpret qualitative and quantitative data collected from the implementation of the WisdomK12 tool, gaining insights into its effectiveness in improving student writing skills and engagement.
  5. Gain Practical Insights from Real-world Implementations: Participants will hear firsthand accounts from students, teachers, and administrators who have used the tool, enabling them to identify best practices and potential challenges in adopting generative AI in their own educational settings.
Speakers
avatar for Eric Sparkenbaugh

Eric Sparkenbaugh

Asst. Superintendent, Montour School District
avatar for Michael Marchionda

Michael Marchionda

CEO, WisdomK12
Michael Marchionda is a seasoned educator, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. As the founder and CEO of WisdomK12, Michael has revolutionized how educators and students collaborate, leveraging generative AI to enhance writing... Read More →
TR

Traci Ramey

Cheif Academic Officer, William Penn Academy
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 111
  Session, Listen & Learn

9:15am EST

IT Directors Forum
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Gregg Theater (Below the Cafeteria)
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Edward McKaveney

Dr. Edward McKaveney

Technology Director, Hampton School District
Having worked with educational technologies, media and security in higher education and K-12 for 25-years, Dr. McKaveney has been continuously focused on the advancement of student learning, faculty development and operational success through innovative use of technologies. In addition... Read More →
avatar for Norton Gusky

Norton Gusky

Educational Technology Broker, NLG-Consulting, LLC
For over 40 years I've been an educator - teacher, CTO, and now an educational technology broker. For more look at my website:https://nlg-consulting.net/about/
avatar for Rich Platts

Rich Platts

Chief Technology Officer, AIU
Speaker Biography: Rich Platts, CETL is Chief Technology Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), an education service agency serving the families, students and schools of Allegheny County and the greater Pittsburgh Region. Rich began his career as a middle school teacher passionate... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Gregg Theater (Below the Cafeteria)
  Forum, Engage and Connect

9:15am EST

AI-Powered Classrooms: Bridging the Gap between Humans and Machines
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 212
Let's focus on the uses of Artificial Intelligence and how these tools can transform learning. We will talk about Generative AI and dive into its uses, and concerns, and explore how it is evolving and the implications for education and the future of work.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the potential of AI for education and why we need to teach about it and use it in our classrooms.
 2. Identify how AI can be used to improve student learning and educator productivity and efficiency.
3. Understand the need for students to have these skills and be aware of resources for enhancing learning for academic success. 
Speakers
avatar for Rachelle Dené Poth

Rachelle Dené Poth

Spanish and STEAM Teacher, Consultant, Riverview SD and ThriveinEDU LLC
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s, and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 212
  Workshop, Create & Explore

9:15am EST

Be the Boss of AI
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 213
Generative artificial intelligence and AI chatbots have captured the public’s imagination in remarkable ways. This workshop turns the tables on our AI overlords and puts kids in-charge. Learn how chatbots may be used in playful ways to create, learn, write better, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills. Mind-blowing project ideas and tools will be shared to enhance learning long after this unique workshop.

Learning Objectives:
1. Become aware of indispensable AI tools for the classroom that are not chatbots.
2. Appreciate ways in which AI may be used to amplify the creative and intellectual potential of each learner.
3. Using AI as a partner in programming, writing, video editing, and oral communication.
Speakers
avatar for Gary Stager

Gary Stager

Founder, CEO, Professor, STEAM Educator, and Author, Constructing Modern Knowledge
In addition to being a popular keynote speaker at some of the world’s most prestigious education conferences, Gary Stager is a journalist, teacher educator, consultant, professor, software developer, publisher, and school administrator. An elementary teacher by training, he has... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 213
  Workshop, Create & Explore

9:15am EST

Conquering the Clock & Making Connections: Designing Meaningful Cross-Curricular Projects to Maximize Student Learning Time (with a little help from AI)
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 215
In this interactive workshop, we will inspire educators to embrace collaboration and Design Thinking in designing meaningful, cross-curricular projects that maximize learning time. As we showcase student projects, we will take you through our process, illustrating how we transformed the challenge of limited time into opportunities for creativity and deeper learning. We will share practical strategies for interacting with AI to streamline brainstorming, planning, and resource creation for projects.

You will witness how our students brought action verbs to life in STEAM class by creating stop motion animation films using props made in Art; see how they applied math concepts to design and 3D print cutting tools for clay projects; and feel their excitement as their bioluminescent organism paintings lit up using a paper circuit. Other example projects include coding activities and robotic creations that showcase how technology enhances learning experiences.

After showcasing some of our student projects, participants will embark on a choose-your-own-adventure style workshop, with options to create a hands-on project from a student’s perspective, workshop their own project ideas, or do a combination of both. Participant takeaways will vary depending on individual goals: some may leave with new strategies for effectively interacting with AI, others may leave with project ideas, and some may depart with a blueprint for endless possibilities in making learning meaningful for students.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand and apply collaborative strategies to design meaningful, cross-curricular projects that enhance student engagement and maximize learning time.
2. Explore how to effectively interact with AI to streamline brainstorming, planning, and resource creation for cross-curricular projects.
3. Create a hands-on project from a student’s perspective, or dive into planning a cross-curricular project or lesson, using us as coaches and brainstorming partners. 
Speakers
avatar for Colleen Hinrichsen

Colleen Hinrichsen

STEAM Teacher, Mars Area School District
Colleen currently teaches STEAM to 2nd-5th grade classes as part of the weekly "specials" rotation at Mars Area Elementary.
KF

Katherine Frye

Art Teacher, Mars Area School District
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 215
  Workshop, Create & Explore

9:15am EST

Introduction to Rapid Prototyping in Educational Game Design
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 110
Having students make educational games, as a means for presenting content knowledge, can be a fun alternative to writing a paper or doing a presentation. However, lack of coding or design skills can make this task seem intimidating for some learners and educators. This workshop will teach you how to use industry techniques for rapid prototyping, with no coding skills required, to have your students make a basic analog educational game in about an hour. You will leave being able to call yourself a game designer even if you have never tried it before! These skills are applicable for other design projects and all materials will be provided.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants should be able to utilize rapid prototyping techniques in their own classrooms.
2. Participants should be able to design a quick, basic, educational game.
3. Participants should be able to explain how these techniques may be utilized for other creative design assignments. 
Speakers
RS

Ryan Sittler

Professor, Pennsylvania Western University - California
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 110
  Workshop, Create & Explore

10:15am EST

High Schoolers Engaging Elementary Students Through Innovative STEM Lessons
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 105
Whether it’s VEX, SkillsUSA or FIRST, these youth robotics programs instill a passion for all things STEM. Garrett County Public Schools (Maryland) leverages this passion by allowing its high school robotics students to teach highly engaging, standards-based, and scalable lessons to all students, grades 2 though 5 - making a systemic impact in our district. These lessons produce many “ah-ha” moments and help ensure that elementary-aged students develop the skills needed for their success in STEM. This session will feature our high school students sharing about their lessons and the “gadgets” they use to teach them -including a LEGO Abacus and Top Spinner, a “math-magic” trick based on the rudiments of binary numbers, a set of LEGO calipers that exactly determine the Golden Ratio and homemade “Makey Makeys”.  Many “gadgets” will be given away. In fact, all participants will take at least one home! This program has been a huge “win-win” success and our students’ passion is contagious. They will inspire you with the difference they make! 

Objectives: 
  1. Participants will learn how high school students can be used effectively in teaching STEM lessons to upper elementary students to promote the development of essential STEM Skills such as spatial reasoning, proportionality, and those found in computational thinking.
  2. Participants will be presented with 5 highly engaging and scalable STEM lesson lessons that are easily replicable and reinforce concepts of multiplication, the binary number system, and the significance of the Fibonacci numbers.
  3. Participants will become familiar with FIRST Robotics and how its programs encourage its teams to make a systemic impact on the schools and communities they serve - making a difference to all students, whether they are on a robotics team or not.
Speakers
avatar for Chuck Trautwein

Chuck Trautwein

Teacher, STEAM Educator, Garrett County Public Schools, Maryland
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 105
  Session, Engage and Connect

10:15am EST

POD x TECH: Using Audio-Storytelling to Enhance Digital and Media Literacy
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 109
Since 2018, PART has operated a  K-12 digital literacy program in 8 school districts across the greater Pittsburgh region. We call our program POD x TECH, in abbreviation for two components that represent growing fields of increasing significance to students workforce readiness — podcasts and technology.

Now in its fourth year, the POD x TECH program, in which PART grew the program to 15 classrooms across 12 schools, PART works directly with students in supplementing their year-long curriculum in two equally important ways, where technology is at the intersection of each student's preparedness for continuing education and entry into the workforce.

Attendees will explore PART's methodology, our successes and failures, and leave with tools for their students and schools.

Mike Zula, or “Mr. Mike” is a Pittsburgh native with an education background spanning the state of Pennsylvania, culminating in matriculation from Penn State and Pitt Law—Mike understands the education landscape in Pennsylvania and abroad as it pertains to both higher education and career readiness programs.

Mr. Mike’s passion is situated somewhere between storytelling and technology—how we tell our stories utilizing technology profoundly impacts the way in which future generations will understand our use (hopefully the responsible use) of technology.

A staunch advocate of individualized education and multimodal education methods, bringing Mike and PART into your classrooms, libraries, or board rooms provides an energetic and entertaining look at how we interact with technology in our educational journeys—journeys which are lifelong.

The Partnership to Advance Responsible Technology (PART) is a Pittsburgh-based, independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit think-tank that engages key, multi-sector stakeholders to ensure the responsible research, development, deployment, and governance of emerging and data-driven technologies, notably artificial intelligence. The POD x Tech program is funded by the Grable Foundation.

Objectives : 
  1. Understand the methodology behind the POD x TECH program: Attendees will learn how PART integrates podcasts and technology into K-12 classrooms to enhance digital literacy and career readiness, and how this approach can be applied in their own schools.
  2. Identify key successes and challenges in implementing a digital literacy program: Attendees will gain insights into the growth and development of the program, including practical takeaways from both its successes and challenges, enabling them to better plan and adapt similar initiatives in their institutions.
  3. Gain tools and strategies for enhancing student workforce readiness: Attendees will leave with actionable tools and strategies to integrate technology and storytelling into their educational programs, fostering students’ preparedness for higher education and the workforce.
Speakers
MZ

Mike Zula

Education Program Manager, Partnership to Advance Responsible Technology
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 109
  Session, Engage and Connect

10:15am EST

Robotics - Where do I start?!
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 113
This session is ideal for individuals who are wondering how to bring robotics opportunities to their school/community.  Follow the journey of how a high school teacher brought robotics into a district through classroom curriculum and a K-12 after school club.

Obectives: 
  1. Become familiar with available educational robotics kits/materials
  2. Compare the framework of course vs. club implementation
  3. Consider your local support system & create a plan
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Smith

Tracy Smith

Teacher, STEAM Educator, Upper St. Clair School District
Speaker Bio:Tracy Smith has been teaching Physics at Upper St Clair High School since 2003. Last year, her courses grew to include robotics education. With a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and a Master's Degree in Automotive Systems from the University... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 113
  Session, Engage and Connect

1:45pm EST

Drone Soccer: Inspiring and Educating Students in STEM fields & Aviation
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 109
STEM education is pivotal for the future workforce, yet many students, particularly those from underrepresented communities and those with disabilities, lack access to engaging and hands-on STEM learning experiences.

According to the CDC, 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability, which includes both physical and mental impairments, while 4 in 10 children have persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. There is a growing demand for innovative educational programs that captivate students' interest and provide practical skills while also emphasizing interpersonal skills, collaboration, teamwork and fostering a sense of community.

Drone soccer is a thrilling team sport played with radio-controlled quadcopters in protective exoskeletons designed for collisions. Teams of five compete in a netted arena, ramming and blocking to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Before competing, students must learn to build, program, fly, and repair high-performance drones, gaining valuable engineering skills.

Objectives: 
  1. What is Drone Soccer?
  2. Resources needed for Drone Soccer
  3. How can United Drone Adventures support Drone Soccer Programs?
Speakers
KS

Kelly Shields

Lead Data Scientist, United Drone Adventures
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 109
  Session, Engage and Connect

1:45pm EST

De-mystifying AI in Education: Practical Tools for Teachers and Learners
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST
Oliver, Room 114
In this interactive 90-minute workshop, participants will explore practical, hands-on strategies for integrating AI into their teaching practices to empower both educators and students. Designed for teachers at any tech-comfort level, this session will focus on building personalized learning systems that address key concerns such as misinformation, academic integrity, bias, and equitable access. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify common teacher concerns about AI and explore how to overcome these challenges.
2. Experiment with AI tools that enhance lesson planning, student feedback, and classroom management.
3. Create personalized use cases for integrating AI in their unique educational environments. 
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Zipf

Sarah Zipf

Research Project Manager, Penn State University
Sarah Zipf, Ph.D., is a researcher with Teaching and Learning Technology, at Pennsylvania State University. In this role, she researches educational and instructional technology, learning spaces, and online education. Zipf is an adjunct instructor for the Penn State World Campus... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Petricini

Tiffany Petricini

Associate Teaching Professor, Penn State University
Tiffany Petricini is an Assistant Teaching Professor in Communication at Penn State Shenango and Program Coordinator of the Penn State Western Corporate Communication Consortium. She is co-chair of Penn State’s Joint Standing Committee on Responsible and Effective Use of Artificial... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST
Oliver, Room 114
  Workshop, Create & Explore

1:45pm EST

Let’s Bring AI into Your Class! A Co-Design Session to Embed AI Literacy into Traditional Subjects
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST
Oliver, Room 215
This interactive co-design session empowers K-12 teachers to seamlessly integrate AI concepts into their existing classroom activities, making learning both engaging and relevant for students. Teachers will work collaboratively with the speakers to develop activities that convey essential, practical AI knowledge, helping students build the foundational skills to become responsible, informed decision-makers in a future shaped by AI. No prior AI expertise is required—this session is designed to support all educators. By the end of the workshop, each team of teachers will have crafted an AI-enhanced activity ready to bring into the classroom, helping students build common-sense AI literacy through familiar subjects. Join us to explore accessible, innovative ways to bring AI into your teaching practice!

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify potential AI-related knowledge that suitable for existing learning activities.
2. Create a classroom-ready AI-embedded activity.
3. Design assessment criteria for this AI-embedded activity.
Speakers
RX

Ruiwei Xiao

PhD Student at Carnegie Mellon University, Carnegie Mellon University
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST
Oliver, Room 215
  Workshop, Create & Explore
 
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