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strong>Integrating AI into the Classroom [clear filter]
Monday, January 20
 

9:15am EST

AI + Early Literacy Development: The Early Learning Collaborative a Model for Change
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
In partnership, the Early Excellence Project, The Center that CARES, and Jeremiah's Place have created the Early Learning Collaborative that leverages AI to enhance literacy development, focusing on addressing opportunity gaps for young learners. This project aims to address systemic inequities in literacy by targeting foundational challenges in early childhood education. With a commitment to equity and access, we integrate technology to deliver personalized, culturally responsive literacy support. Attendees will interact with the project’s AI powered curriculum, Waterford, firsthand and explore our approach to assessing impact and adapting to the needs of Black and other historically marginalized children. This session will illustrate how our collaborative model strives to create lasting change in early learning systems.

Objectives 
1. Understand Collaborative Approaches for Equitable Early Literacy Development:
Participants will explore how the Early Learning Collaborative leverages educational technology to bridge equity gaps in early literacy, emphasizing strategies that address root causes in early childhood development for lasting impact.

2. Identify Best Practices in Implementing AI for Early Learning Programs:
Through interactive discussion, participants will identify actionable steps for implementing technology in early learning environments, including key factors that enhance access and equity in literacy programs, to apply within their own schools or organizations.

3. Identify Best Practices in Implementing AI for Early Learning Programs:
Through interactive discussion, participants will identify actionable steps for implementing technology in early learning environments, including key factors that enhance access and equity in literacy programs, to apply within their own schools or organizations.



Speakers
SJ

Shinora Johnson

Chief Operations Officier, The Center That CARES
CB

Cassandra Brentley

Non Profit Leader, Early Excellence Project
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 103

9:15am EST

AI-Powered Tools for Enhancing Math Learning: Boosting Engagement Through Hybrid Tutoring, Goal Setting, and Parental Support
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
This session introduces AI-based tools designed to enhance middle school math homework through goal-setting, motivation, and parental involvement. Attendees will explore the Smart Homework Project, which showcases tools co-designed with students and parents to provide personalized support, helping students stay on track and empowering parents to assist with challenging homework. Additionally, the session will feature the PLUS Tutors program, which originated from the Personalized Learning² (PL²) project aimed at bridging opportunity gaps in the Pittsburgh region through math tutoring. By partnering with local afterschool programs, PLUS Tutors successfully reached underserved communities and doubled student math learning during the pandemic. Now focused on in-school math tutoring, PLUS Tutors currently reaches nearly 3,000 middle school students with 300 remote tutors. Attendees will experience an interactive demonstration of these tools and learn practical strategies for fostering stronger connections between home and school; the session will also explore opportunities for school partnerships to implement these AI tools in educational settings.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how AI-based tools can enhance middle school math homework by integrating goal-setting, motivation, and parental involvement to improve student engagement and achievement.
2. Explore practical strategies for incorporating AI-supported tools into school settings, empowering teachers to track student progress and enabling parents to assist with challenging homework tasks.
3. Learn about the PLUS Tutors program and its impact on bridging opportunity gaps through math tutoring, and identify ways to form school partnerships to implement similar AI tools in underserved communities. 
Speakers
avatar for Conrad Borchers

Conrad Borchers

PhD Student, Carnegie Mellon University
avatar for Erin Gatz

Erin Gatz

Head of Partnerships, Carnegie Mellon University
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
Middle School, Room 101

9:15am EST

Intro to micro:bit and micro:bit Create AI
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
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

9:15am EST

The Power of Generative AI: Redefining Writing Instruction with WisdomK12
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EST
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

9:15am EST

Be the Boss of AI
Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
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

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
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

10:15am EST

Differentiating the Writing Process with AI
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Many educators are concerned about the future of academic writing assignments due to the unethical and dishonest use of AI writing generators.  However, with a writing process approach, AI can enhance, not take over, student writing, and in fact, provide scaffolded support. During this presentation, attendees will learn how to use AI to differentiate instruction for students with diverse learning needs, providing customized support such as personalized feedback for brainstorming, outlining, editing, and revising based on student proficiency levels and needs. For each part of the writing process participants will learn about a specific AI tool that can support students. Participants will leave this session knowing how to apply these resources to their writing instruction. 

Objectives: 
1. Understand how to use AI to differentiate instruction for students with diverse learning needs.
2. Learn how to provide personalized feedback using AI for tasks such as brainstorming, outlining, editing, and revising.
3. Apply AI tools to customize support based on student proficiency levels and specific learning needs.
Speakers
avatar for Jenna Copper

Jenna Copper

Assistant Professor of Education, Slippery Rock University
S

Sam Fecich

Professor, Slippery Rock University
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 103

10:15am EST

Elevate Language Learning: Integrating AI and Tech Tools in the World Language Classroom
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Transform Your Language Classroom: Embrace AI with Diffit, Flint AI, and more! This workshop will showcase how AI and technology can enhance language learning by offering personalized and engaging experiences. Discover practical applications of these tools to boost student participation, provide instant feedback, and facilitate interactive learning. Through lesson examples in Italian and French with English translations, participants will gain insights into creating a tech-savvy, dynamic language classroom. Learn time-saving tips to streamline your teaching workflow, from lesson planning to assessment. Join me to explore the future of language education and how you can harness the power of AI to inspire and motivate your students.

Objectives: 
1. Educators will understand how to integrate AI applications and tech tools into their world language curriculum.
2. Educators will develop skills to utilize AI tools to personalize student learning and improve engagement.
3. Educators will acquire time-saving techniques for lesson planning and assessment using AI technology.
Speakers
MB

Marina Buratti

Teacher, Sewickley Academy
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 101

10:15am EST

POD x TECH: Using Audio-Storytelling to Enhance Digital and Media Literacy
Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
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

1:45pm EST

10 Ways to Elevate Teaching & Learning with Artificial Intelligence
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
This session will share 10 impactful ways AI can enhance education. Gain insights from an elementary teacher’s real-world integration, backed by teaching tools and student successes. Attendees will learn about teaching resources that are available to help integrate AI into their learning communities. Elevate your teaching by partnering with AI!

Obectives: 
  1. Attendees will have obtained an introduction to 10 ways to partner with AI in their classroom.
  2. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of practical strategies and will be equipped to incorporate AI into their teaching practices. 
  3. Attendees will develop one or two goals for partnering with AI in their learning communities to better meet the needs of their learners.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Toney

Jennifer Toney

3rd Grade Teacher, Sharpsville Area School District/Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT)
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 113

1:45pm EST

AI in the Elementary Level
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
AI is a part of computer science that is constantly shaping the future around us. Even the youngest learners need to learn this. Let's take a deep dive into some activities and resources to show off AI in the elementary classroom. This session will give background and hands-on activities for the youngest learners to learn about AI. 

Objectives: 
  1. I will understand background information about AI. 
  2. I will do a hands-on activity to introduce AI to the youngest learners.
  3. I will gain resources about AI in the elementary classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Brendan 	Powell

Brendan Powell

K-2 STEM Teacher, Collegium Charter School
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 107

1:45pm EST

Engaging Students Through AI Songwriting, Scratch Coding, and Makey Makey Activities
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Learn how to take your students’ ideas and turn them into engaging songs to help concepts stick. Leveraging AI, teachers can now be song writers and creators. Music sticks in our heads longer than most information, so why not learn to use that to your advantage. Learn to create amazing lesson hooks, engaging activities, and more with some great AI apps. 

Engage your students in creating virtual musical instruments, animations, and games with Scratch! Using Makey Makey, you can introduce them to interactive technology by turning everyday objects like fruit, aluminum foil, or even their own bodies into fun, hands-on controllers for their Scratch projects. Makey Makey lets students see the science behind conductors and insulators while exploring creativity and coding. It’s perfect for STEAM activities, sparking curiosity and making abstract concepts real through touch and play!

Objectives: 
1. Discuss AI and different uses in the classroom
2. Learn to create music with Suno AI, and utilize different programs to help with lyrics.
3. Utilize whiteboard programs to collect ideas and collaborate on this process.
4. Audience will learn to code with Scratch
5. Audience will learn how to use Makey Makey
6. Audience will explore how to use Scratch and Makey Makey in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Junko Yamamoto

Junko Yamamoto

Professor, Slippery Rock University
I used to be a high school Japanese teacher. I have been teaching at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania since 2005. I have taught instructional technology and world language teaching methodology. Hence, I like thinking about "What is a pedagogically sound use of technology in... Read More →
MK

Matt Karabinos

6th grade teacher, Williamsburg Community School District
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 103

1:45pm EST

Learning Adventures: An Expansive Approach to Authentic PBL and Prompt Setting
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
How would you like to attend school where these were the subjects?

Synthetic Synthetic Biology
Data Activism
Tiny Large Language Models
Dreamtime Design
Micronations
Codes and Cryptography
Inventing Hugo Cabret

Would you know how to teach in such a setting? Would students be more engaged? Would learning be natural and authentic?

Since our students will graduate into a technologically sophisticated and uncertain future, the best educators create environments and experiences that prepare children to solve problems none of us have ever anticipated. The greatest return on investment is when the learner herself is invested in their own growth. For these reasons, and more, the project should be a teacher’s smallest unit of concern.

Many educators share these ideals, but don’t know how or where to begin. Veteran educators strive to make their prompt setting more elegant, evocative, and effective.


Objectives: 
Set better promptsBe a better PBL practitionerBetter understand your own thinking and that of students
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 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 111

1:45pm EST

De-mystifying AI in Education: Practical Tools for Teachers and Learners
Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST
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

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
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

2:15pm EST

 
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