TRETC 2025: Full Schedule

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9:15am EST

The Power of Generative AI: Redefining Writing Instruction with WisdomK12 LIMITED

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:

Apply AI to improve writing.
Emphasize writing in cross-curricular assignments with AI affordances.Leverage AI to improve critical thinking and creativity.
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.
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.
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

Eric Sparkenbaugh

Asst. Superintendent, Montour School District

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 →

Traci Eshelman Ramey, Ph.D.

Executive Director, EdTech by Design

An experienced and published researcher and director of an educational technology company with exceptional communication skills. Leverages skills to provide support to students experiencing homelessness and populations experiencing extreme poverty through research and educational... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 111

Session, Listen & Learn

12:00pm EST

Innovation Hall: Exhibitor, Vendor, Poster Sessions, and Student Showcase LIMITED

Monday January 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Snyder Gym

Earn TRETC Cash for just entering the Innovation Hall! Then collect more TRETC Cash as you visit each table. There is SO much to explore. You will use your TRETC cash at the TRETC Auction in the REA Auditorium at the end of the day!

Also,jump in and join the Goosechase!
https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Sponsors:
Fluxspace, Erin Whitaker
Point Park University, Abby Kneuss
Penn State University Extension, Matthew Crutchman
Eduaide, Thomas Thompson
College in High School, University of Pittsburgh, Lesa Skukan
American College of Education
Prisms, Beth Carr
XYCOM, Chad Hill, Sean Davis
Duolingo, Sean Bueford, Kendra Janelle Ross
DQE Communications, Remy Bibaud
Wisdom K12, CR Knight
Play Piper, Chris Bouman
Vex Robotics, AJ Nehme
Steelcase, Doug Rieger
Pittsburgh Opera, Wendy Parkulo
Sphero, Lindsay DeLong
Catalyst Connection, Scott Dietz, Heather Kusenko
Allegheny Education Systems, Melissa Charlson
Howard Industries, Inc, Neal Newmark
ThinkSync, Vince Duffy
Typesy, Matthew Strine
PAECT, Dominic Salvucci
Magic School, Kendall Howard
Goosechase, Zee Poerio

Student Showcase Exhibitors:
Band of Steel
Crohn’s Care Alliance
Girl Scouts Troop 28845
Girls of Steel Robotics
L.A.U.N.C.H.
North Catholic Robotics Team 5740 The Trojanators
Psyche & Cycle
Quasics Robotics
ROGO (Robotics Offering Girls Opportunities)
S.A.F.E. Club
Spark
United Drone Adventures
USC Robotics Club

Poster Sessions Presented By:
Ewrin Czerwinksi, CMU: Truly Useful Data Analysis: Lessons of CMU Learning Engineering
Hunter Dyer, Chatham University
Steven Maker, Beaver Area School District, The Magic Behind MagicSchool
Justin Starr, CCAC, Free Pathways to Implementing Industry Recognized Credentials
Kelsey Kman, NCWIT C4C, Fail Forward Mindset
Damola Idowu,Toyz Electronics Inc, TOYZSTEAM Empowering Gen Z To Be What They Want to Be
Rob Cierniakoski, Crawford Central School District, Leveling Up with Gaming: Students Build PCs to Develop Tech Skills
Melissa Krenzer, Grove City Area School District, Math in Space- My Gamified 6th Grade Math Class
Craig Wetzel, Keystone Oaks School District, Incorporating Entrepreneurship and Technology Education Through a Student Run Business

Sponsors

Allegheny Education Systems

Catalyst Connection

DQE Communications

Duolingo

Eduaide.Ai

Fluxspace

The mission of Fluxspace is to revolutionize learning environments and help educators understand the innovative programs, products, experiences, and mindsets that should take place in them.

Goosechase

Jump in and join the TRETC goosechase!https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Howard Industries, Inc

Kenall Howard

Sr. Events and Partnership Manager, Magic School Ai

Teachers are overworked and burnt out.More than four in ten K-12 teachers in the U.S. (44%) say they "always" or "very often" feel burnt out at work—outpacing all other industries nationally. (Gallup)At the core of teaching is interacting with a child to help them grow—a deeply... Read More →

PAECT

PAECT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-led organization supporting and speaking for educational technology in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our members consist of classroom faculty, educational technologists, librarians, school administrators and technology directors, spanning... Read More →

Penn State Extension

Pitt College in High School

Pittsburgh Opera

Play Piper

We founded Piper in 2014 with a simple vision: to create experiences around learning with technology that are hands-on, effective, and fun. Since then, Piper has grown into an award-winning EdTech company based in San Francisco, CA committed to providing quality STEAM educational... Read More →

Point Park University

Prisms

Prisms, founded in 2020, is pioneering efficacious learning experiences in virtual reality. Backed by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, Prisms is the first spatial learning platform for K-12 STEM education, scaling a new way of learning core math... Read More →

Sphero

Steelcase

ThinkSync

Typesy

The premium keyboarding program for education!Fast typing and computer skillsImproves state test resultsOver 16,507 standards-aligned lessonsStudents type and boost literacyTyping is an essential skill for every student.You have probably heard about the push to teach keyboarding (typing... Read More →

Vex Robotics

WisdomK12

XYCOM

Redefining What It Means To Be Connected.What do we do? We make technology work for businesses large and small. We like to call it technology construction because on the commercial level we fall between the IT guy and the electricians.Our team handles the installation, management... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Snyder Gym

Booth Showcase

Audience Appropriate for All
Subject AI for All (SEL), Career Connections, Computational Thinking Pathway, Data Driven Education, Design Thinking, EdTech Accessibility, EdTech for Equity, Effective Assessment Strategies, Emerging Tech, Ethics in AI, Inclusive Education Through Technology, Integrating A

12:50pm EST

Innovation Hall: Lighting Talks

Monday January 20, 2025 12:50pm - 1:45pm EST

Snyder Gym

Earn TRETC Cash for just entering the Innovation Hall! Then collect more TRETC Cash as you visit each table. There is SO much to explore. You will use your TRETC cash at the TRETC Auction in the REA Auditorium at the end of the day!
Earn TRETC Cash for just entering the Innovation Hall! Then collect more TRETC Cash as you visit each table. There is SO much to explore. You will use your TRETC cash at the TRETC Auction in the REA Auditorium at the end of the day!

Also,jump in and join the Goosechase!
https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Sponsors:
Fluxspace, Erin Whitaker
Point Park University, Abby Kneuss
Penn State University Extension, Matthew Crutchman
Eduaide, Thomas Thompson
College in High School, University of Pittsburgh, Lesa Skukan
American College of Education
Prisms, Beth Carr
XYCOM, Chad Hill, Sean Davis
Duolingo, Sean Bueford, Kendra Janelle Ross
DQE Communications, Remy Bibaud
Wisdom K12, CR Knight
Play Piper, Chris Bouman
Vex Robotics, AJ Nehme
Steelcase, Doug Rieger
Pittsburgh Opera, Wendy Parkulo
Sphero, Lindsay DeLong
Catalyst Connection, Scott Dietz, Heather Kusenko
Allegheny Education Systems, Melissa Charlson
Howard Industries, Inc, Neal Newmark
ThinkSync, Vince Duffy
Typesy, Matthew Strine
PAECT, Dominic Salvucci
Magic School, Kendall Howard
Goosechase, Zee Poerio

Student Showcase Exhibitors:
Band of Steel
Crohn’s Care Alliance
Girl Scouts Troop 28845
Girls of Steel Robotics
L.A.U.N.C.H.
North Catholic Robotics Team 5740 The Trojanators
Psyche & Cycle
Quasics Robotics
ROGO (Robotics Offering Girls Opportunities)
S.A.F.E. Club
Spark
United Drone Adventures

Poster Sessions Presented By:
Ewrin Czerwinksi, CMU: Truly Useful Data Analysis: Lessons of CMU Learning Engineering
Hunter Dyer, Chatham University
Steven Maker, Beaver Area School District, The Magic Behind MagicSchool
Justin Starr, CCAC, Free Pathways to Implementing Industry Recognized Credentials
Kelsey Kman, NCWIT C4C, Fail Forward Mindset
Damola Idowu,Toyz Electronics Inc, TOYZSTEAM Empowering Gen Z To Be What They Want to Be
Rob Cierniakoski, Crawford Central School District, Leveling Up with Gaming: Students Build PCs to Develop Tech Skills
Melissa Krenzer, Grove City Area School District, Math in Space- My Gamified 6th Grade Math Class
Craig Wetzel, Keystone Oaks School District, Incorporating Entrepreneurship and Technology Education Through a Student Run Business

Sponsors

Allegheny Education Systems

Catalyst Connection

DQE Communications

Duolingo

Eduaide.Ai

Fluxspace

The mission of Fluxspace is to revolutionize learning environments and help educators understand the innovative programs, products, experiences, and mindsets that should take place in them.

Goosechase

Jump in and join the TRETC goosechase!https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Howard Industries, Inc

Kenall Howard

Sr. Events and Partnership Manager, Magic School Ai

PAECT

Penn State Extension

Pitt College in High School

Pittsburgh Opera

Play Piper

Point Park University

Prisms

Sphero

Steelcase

ThinkSync

Typesy

Vex Robotics

WisdomK12

XYCOM

Monday January 20, 2025 12:50pm - 1:45pm EST
Snyder Gym

Booth Showcase, Create and Explore

Audience Appropriate for All
Subject AI for All (SEL), Career Connections, Computational Thinking Pathway, Data Driven Education, Design Thinking, EdTech Accessibility, EdTech for Equity, Effective Assessment Strategies, Emerging Tech, Ethics in AI, Inclusive Education Through Technology, Integrating A

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

1:45pm EST

Lights, Camera, Learn: Enhancing Science Assessments with Video Production LIMITED

Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST

Oliver, Room 213

In this workshop, participants will acquire practical knowledge that will empower them to incorporate video production as a creative and engaging form of assessment in their classes. They will be guided through the video production process, starting with brainstorming and storyboarding, followed by script writing, filming, and editing using tools like iMovie. Participants will explore examples of video assessment use in life science classes and consider how they could apply similar approaches to their subjects. Additionally, they will review example rubrics and design their own, tailored to their specific learning goals. In small teams, participants will have hands-on time to plan, film, and edit a short video, which they will share during the workshop. Afterward, we will discuss the successes and challenges of the process, brainstorming ways to adapt it to fit different classroom settings. By the end, participants will leave with practical ideas and tools to confidently implement video production assessments in their curricula.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand and explore the video production process: Participants can identify and apply the key steps of video production, including planning, filming, and editing. Participants examine examples of video production used for assessments in life science classes and brainstorm ways to apply this technique to their subjects.
2. Collaboratively create a video and design a rubric for video assessments: Working in small groups, participants will plan, film, and edit a video during the workshop to experience the entire creation process hands-on. They will also create personalized rubrics that align with their specific instructional goals, allowing them to assess student-created videos effectively.
3. Evaluate the process and refine their approach: Participants will reflect on what worked well and what challenges arose, discussing strategies for adapting video production to different classroom environments.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have concrete ideas and tools to integrate video production confidently into their science assessments.

Speakers