TRETC 2025: Full Schedule

9:15am EST

ELLs in Your Content-Area Classroom: Empower them with Edtech (K-12)

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST

Are you looking for practical ways to better support English Language Learners (ELLs) in your classroom?

This session will equip you with dynamic strategies and user-friendly, tech-based resources that will unlock ELL learning and engagement in your classroom.
As you explore new techniques, you will see how enhancing your existing routines and curriculum will empower your ELLs to thrive in the content-area classroom.

This session is designed for those in a content-area or grade-level (K-12) setting in which English Language Learners are students in classrooms alongside those who speak English as a primary language.

Objectives:

Learn general strategies to support ELLs in the classroom and about edtech tools that can be used in order to effectively implement such strategies.
Understand gain a basic familiarity with a few low-prep, high impact edtech tools that can be incorporated into any teacher’s routine to better support their ELLs.
Gain a better understanding of both the needs and capabilities of our English-Language Learners.

Speakers

Rachel McVeagh

Instructional Innovation Coordinator, Allegheny Intermediate Unit (transformED)

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 105

Session, Engage and Connect

Audience Elementary Educators (k-5), Middle School Educators (6-8, High School Educators (9-12, Administrators, Computer Science Educators, Appropriate for All, EdTech Leaders, All Grade Levels (K-12)
Subject EdTech for Equity

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Amanda Jeane

Director of Learning, CodeJoy

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 113

Session, Engage and Connect

Audience Appropriate for All Audiences, All Grade Levels (k-12), Computer Science Educators
Subject EdTech for Equity, Robotics & Coding, Integrating AI into the Classroom

9:15am EST

IT Directors Forum

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST

Gregg Theater (Below the Cafeteria)

Speakers

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 →

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/

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

Audience Administrators, Appropriate for All Audiences, EdTech Leaders, Computer Science Educators

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

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

Company Riverview School District, Thrivein EDU LLC
Audience Elementary Educators (K-5), Middle School Educators (6-8), High School Educators (9-12), Computer Science Educators, Administrators, Appropriate for All Audiences

9:15am EST

Hacking Education: Integrating picoCTF into Your Cybersecurity Curriculum

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST

Oliver, Room 114

Hacking Education: Integrating picoCTF into Your Cybersecurity Curriculum
Join us for an interactive workshop designed to empower high school educators with the tools to bring cybersecurity into the classroom. This 45-minute session introduces the basics of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and demonstrates how picoCTF’s free, accessible platform can seamlessly integrate into programming or cybersecurity curricula. Educators will gain practical insights into engaging students with hands-on problem-solving challenges that foster critical thinking and technical skills. The workshop concludes with a short practice CTF, allowing participants to experience firsthand how these challenges work in an educational setting. Whether you're new to CTFs or looking for fresh ways to enhance your lessons, this session will equip you with everything you need to get started. With help from Carnegie Mellon grad students, you can become a hacker too! Don't miss this opportunity to inspire your students and prepare them for a future in cybersecurity!

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the basics of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions:
Educators will learn what CTFs are, how they work, and why they are effective tools for teaching cybersecurity concepts and problem-solving skills.
2. Incorporate picoCTF into classroom curriculum:
Participants will explore strategies for integrating picoCTF challenges into their existing programming or cybersecurity lessons to engage students and enhance learning outcomes.
3. Facilitate student participation in CTF activities:
Educators will gain hands-on experience with a practice CTF, enabling them to confidently guide their students through similar challenges and competitions in a classroom setting.

Speakers

Megan Kearns

Academic Outreach Program Director, Carnegie Mellon University

Taylor McCampbell

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University

If you are interested in having the picoCTF program (https://picoctf.com/) from Carnegie Mellon in your school please talk with me. picoCTF is cyber security learning platform and is completely free and designed to be as accessible as possible. Further, we love to get in the classroom and give cyber security lessons to students, assist teachers with resources... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 114

Workshop, Create & Explore

Company Carnegie Mellon University
Audience Middle School Educators (6-8), High School Educators (9-12), Computer Science Educators, Administrators, EdTech Leaders
Subject Cybersecurity

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

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:

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.
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.
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

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

Audience Elementary Educators (K-5), Middle School Educators (6-8), High School Educators (9-12), Computer Science Educators, Appropriate for All Audiences
Subject EdTech for Equity, Robotics & Coding, Computational Thinking Pathway

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:

What is Drone Soccer?
Resources needed for Drone Soccer
How can United Drone Adventures support Drone Soccer Programs?

Speakers

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

Audience Middle School Educators (6-8), High School Educators (9-12), Computer Science Educators, Administrators, Appropriate for All Audiences
Subject ESports and Gamificaiton

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

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

Company Carnegie Mellon University
Audience Elementary Educators (K-5), Middle School Educators (6-8), High School Educators (9-12), Computer Science Educators, Administrators, Appropriate for All Audiences, EdTech Leaders, All grade levels (k-12)
Subject AI for All (SEL), Data Driven Education, Integrating AI into the Classroom, EdTech for Equity, Design Thinking, Computational Thinking Pathway, Effective Assessment Strategies

TRETC 2025

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