2023 Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent Sessions Round One

Session rooms, links to speaker resources, and speaker emails can be found under each session. 

10:15 - 11:15 | Tuesday

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, will be to experience multiple ways to motivate learners to show what they know through creativity and innovation. In order to accomplish this mission, you will work with 5 tech tools ensuring you are the hero of the school year.

Speakers: Chantel Kastrounis & Samira Khan 

Room: Africa 10

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-5
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: GE

This session will build from the pre-convention broadening participation session.

Speakers: Amy Bires & Colleen Lewis

Room: Africa 20

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

We will explore Chromebook Hardware, Google Docs/Slides/Drawings, Chrome Canvas, Google Cursive, Figjam, Gallery, Screenshots, Screencasts, and Accessibility Features.

Speaker: Tricia Louis

Room: Africa 30/40 

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,TI,LMS,GE

Join us for an interactive session on how Chat GPT technology can enhance your classroom experience. Discover the benefits of using AI-powered chatbots to support personalized learning, foster student engagement, and save time on administrative tasks. We’ll explore practical examples and provide resources to help you get started. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in edtech!

Speakers: Eric Benedict, Scott Fernholz & Rita Mortenson

Room: Africa 50

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

In today’s world, students are surrounded by technology. To inspire them to positively impact the digital world, we created an elementary student tech team. The process to become a member mirrors a real-world experience by having students submit an application and go through an interview process. Students selected for the team run a “Tech Help Center” for school staff. We have also built a connection with our local college’s IT department so students can see how what they are doing in elementary school connects to a job in the real world. If you’re interested in creating a student tech team at your school, join us to learn more about how we got started and about how our team has evolved.

Speakers: Becky Stapel & Stephanie Snyder 

Room: Africa 60

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-6
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,IT,TI,LMS, GE

This session will share ways teachers can use AI tools to enhance what they currently do. Featuring prompts and tools to help with assessment, planning, and styling content for instruction. We will also talk about policy language, AI Detection, and visuals that will help with responsible student use of AI.

Speaker: Jamie Averbeck

Room: Africa 70

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA, IC DA, IT, TI, CI, LMS, GE

You have a BIG JOB of working with people and technology! Whether you are a seasoned coach or brand new, come to this session to build your skills with both. We will talk about coaching language and stances to help facilitate conversations and build relationships. This will help you get in the door and sustain opportunities to work together. You will also have access to tools that can assist in the coaching process including checking in, planning, co-facilitating, observation, and reflection. There will be a digital space for all of us to collaborate, so if you have tools and protocols that you use, bring them to share! Looking forward to creating a coaching network!

Speaker: Beth Clarke

Room: Africa 80

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS

Are you looking for new ways to engage emergent readers and bilingual students in literacy, science, and coding? Come and learn how we have used Ozobots and coding to increase student engagement and provided disciplinary literacy skills for our K-2nd grade students in monolingual and two-way immersion classrooms. We will share a high-level overview as well as sample lessons in literacy and science (Spanish and English) and student feedback.

Speakers: Melissa Ruder, Danielle Nelson & Stephanie Olson 

Room: Africa 90

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-6
Experience Level: Intermediate 
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,GE

This session will describe the benefits of having an esports program at your school, including the ability to engage some of your lower students that may have a high interest/excitement in gaming, but not a high interest in school. I will also discuss on how digital citizenship plays a role in the esports realm, and how we can help students to build those skills that may not be taught at home or in school through the lens of esports. This will be a very open conversational presentation, with time for Q&A, and tips on how to get an esports program started as well.

Speaker: Jarrett Davidson

Room: Africa West Ballroom (Expo Hall)

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 9-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IT,TI,GE

This presentation will highlight the prevalence of mental health challenges among students AND teachers. The focus will be an overview of different strategies that can be used to support overall well-being, including mindfulness practices and apps, stress-management games, and digital tools for tracking and regulating emotions.

Speaker: Linda Schuerman 

Room: Suite D

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,GE

Participants will step into many different cultures. We will picture ourselves in an art masterpiece while we will explore Google Art and Culture. Have you ever wanted to mold a clay pot or create a musical composition? It can be done virtually. Many ideas will be looked at to inspire ideas for your classroom. Participants will be able to try these ideas and they can be done next week in your class. Your students will be actively involved in learning. We will look back into time and forward into marvelous places around the world. Many of the world’s masterpiece will be revealed. The students will be able to create their own masterpieces too!

Speaker: Cathy Houchin 

Room: Suite E

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-6
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,LMS,GE

In this session you will hear from district leaders in the field address the following topics through online learning: Retention: Leaders will discuss how they are committed to ensuring students have learning options that meet their needs within the resident district to avoid the negative fiscal impact of open enrollment out of the district. Reach: Leaders will go over course catalog options as a result of teacher shortages and/or a desire to offer educational choice to resident or nonresident district students for varying reasons. Readiness: Leaders will provide insight into why valuing online learning readiness as part of their responsibility to prepare students for their future.

Speaker: Melissa Schiek                                                                              

Room: Suite F

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,DA,GE

In this session we will focus on leveraging Book Creator (a free tool with premium upgrade available, device agnostic) for book creation and publishing. Digital storytelling is for all students engaging them across content areas and grade levels. We will share strategies for bringing student work from paper and pencil into the digital world. Digital storytelling allows accessibility and equity for students in creating and publishing their work.

Speakers: Shanna O’Connor & Todd Hartwig

Room: Guava/Tamarind

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Leadership teams need to create a strategic plan that encompasses technology growth needs, education technology funding options, and options to build human capacity to ensure a return on learning.  Teams will be able to discuss district opportunity gaps aligned to the Future Ready Framework, national resources guiding the National Education Tech Plan, and national CDW budget resource tools to work on an action plan with SLATE conference material.

Speaker: Janice Mertes

Room: Portia/Wisteria

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: DA,SA,CI,LMS,GE

Gone are the days of needing multiple programs to accomplish different tasks! With Canva, students can create many different final products all with one program. Learn how we’ve used Canva to provide more student choice while helping our students and teachers save time. Canva can provide a framework for scaffolded learning with the use of personalized templates and makes submission of work simple through LMS integration or using Canva’s own submission tool. Leave this session with an understanding of how students can use a FREE educational Canva account to create brochures, videos, posters, newsletters, comics, and more–all in the same program. Let’s grow together and learn how!

Speaker: Pamela Hitz    

Room: Suite C

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 9-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,TI,GE

12:45 - 1:45 | Tuesday

Learn how one school is using 5 tech tools that are more powerful than ChatGPT and how you can do the same. Part 2 offered at 2:15 pm.

Room: Africa 10
 
Speaker Resource Page
 
Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: GE
 

The end game is for all districts to offer K-12 computing education pathways for all students. But how do we get there? Explore ways to engage multi-level educators and decision makers with the tools, resources, and insights to develop a district-wide framework to expand both computing education and broaden participation in computing.

Speaker: Amy Bires 

Room: Arica 20

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Hello Google users. Are you looking to learn some time saving tips and tricks to share with your students and staff? Join us in this energetic presentation to learn features in Google Docs (voice comments, smart chips, building blocks, dropdowns, app script), Gmail (response templates, read receipts, mail merge), Chrome Extensions, and Google Slides (Autocrat, live captions, Slides with Canva). Join us and get ready to buckle up for a fun, informative and packed session. Part 1 and Part 2 are separate sessions. They do not build upon each other.

Speakers: Rita Mortenson & Teresa Voss

Room: Africa 30/40

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Join us for a journey through AI integration in a school district. Explore the initial vision, the strategic process of implementation, and the unvarnished reality of AI in education. Discover the successes, challenges, and transformative impact as we navigate this educational odyssey together.

Speakers: Danielle Bosanec, Rachel Yurk, Melinda Larson & Ben Lamp

Room: Africa 50

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT, CI, TI, LMS,GE

AI this, AI that. It’s everywhere. During this session we will explore practical opportunities for teachers to use AI in order to level-up current best practices in the realm of instructional design, personalized learning and assessment. Concrete strategies, examples, starting point resources, and time to apply and explore will be included. During this session we will explore the innovative possibilities AI tools provide for creating efficiency and ease when it comes to implementing a research-based professional practice.

Speakers: Caroline Haebig & Jennifer Schlie-Reed 

Room: Africa 60

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,GE

“Our kids are growing up on a digital playground, and no one is on recess duty.” During Covid, the cases of children being a target of human and sex trafficking have doubled due to social media and unsupervised screen time. Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself, your students, and your staff. Understand Data and Data Privacy and be able to apply Data Privacy in your own life and school.

This concurrent will also include the following:

– Human and Sex Trafficking

– Understand App Permissions and the dangers of wrongly permitting them

– Understand what Visual Privacy is and how to practice it

– Understand the relationship between data and visual data

Speaker: Aggie Salter

Room: Africa 70

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

There are benefits for ALL students when we proactively design learning environments and resources that are accessible. Armed with simple but effective best practices, we can begin to remove barriers to learning with online content. These improvements will benefit all learners, including students with disabilities, language needs, and varying learning styles. Designing accessible resources requires time, resources, and knowledge to implement, which is why we highlight “Low Effort, High Impact” tips that can help any educator or team get started. Participants will have a chance to apply the tips learned.

Speakers: Larissa Zompolas & Meri Tunison 

Room: Africa 80

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,CI,LMS,GE

This presentation details an observational study, conducted by the presenter, which examines the extent to which new digital media tools are being used in Advanced Placement classrooms to connect students to networks of other students in authentic ways. The presenter’s core finding is that while AP teachers often use digital tools to participate in vibrant peer participatory networks to share and improve their own teaching, AP courses typically display a “traditional” mode of instruction and rarely make use of digital tools to connect students to other networks in a way that enhances the core learning experience. It argues that such approaches ought to be explored by AP teachers.

Speaker: Brandon Pink

Room: Africa 90

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 9-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,IT,CI,TI,GE

The explosion of AI in education can be harnessed to create more equitable learning experiences for our students.  During this session, we will dive into the world of AI through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). When blended with AI, UDL can become even more powerful, creating a personalized learning experience for each student, no matter their individual strengths or challenges. By the end of our session, you will walk away with a UDL-AI aligned toolkit, equipped with strategies and tools to create more inclusive learning environments.

Speaker: Mia Chmiel 

Room: Suite C

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,CI,TI,GE

Social media may be used for good or evil, but there’s no denying the power of this platform in telling your school district’s story. This session will empower you to do this by reigning in rogue accounts and gaining control of usernames and passwords all while empowering more voices to tell your story. From recruitment to retainment, learn how to select, train, and inspire the students and adults in your school to take ownership of telling their school’s story. Walk away with some great tips for motivating others to create content!

Speaker: Jill Johnson  

Room: Africa West Ballroom (Expo Hall)

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

WISEdash Local and the School District of Waukesha are excited to share the success they’ve achieved in facilitating data-driven continuous improvement through their partnership. Learn how SDW leveraged the power of WDL’s customizable data dashboards to integrate a focus on district-wide Key Performance Indicators into daily practices at the district-wide, school-wide, and classroom levels.

Speakers: Shelby Renoos & Jennifer Gennerman 

Room: Suite E

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

We will be talking about how we use PBL as well as choice menu boards to give enrichment opportunities in math. We will go through differentiation in math, as well as connecting it to math standards. We will be giving examples of PBL activities that can be used at various levels, as well as how to create choice menu boards that still give enrichment opportunities. We will connect this with standards-based practices.

Speakers: Marquea Goike  & Daniel Krill 

Room: Suite F

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate 
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,GE

Is your STEAM curriculum equitable and inclusive for all your learners? This session will host a discussion forum with innovative educators from across the region to re-examine traditional STEAM projects. Participants will collaborate on how to determine the extent of inclusivity that exists in current projects, share ideas to include student and community voices that are typically marginalized to guide PBL, and discuss connecting classrooms to impactful local and community projects. The goal is to brainstorm and design STEAM projects that are more culturally responsive and sustaining for all learners.

Speaker: Frank Devereaux 

Room: Guava/Tamarind

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

School leaders are facing an increase in security threats from the system level to the classroom. Teams will be able to discuss national resources and leading industry solutions to ensure maximum security and support for human capacity growth. Teams will continue to build out district action plans with alignment to the national Infrastructure Guide, Future Ready Framework, and CDW industry resources for all district stakeholders.

Speakers: Janice Mertes & Tom Ashley

Room: Portia/Wisteria

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: TI,GE

2:15 - 3:15 | Tuesday

Continuing from 12:45-1:45 pm this workshop will show how one school is using 5 tech tools that are more powerful than ChatGPT and how you can do the same. 

Speakers: Darren Ellwein & Matt Dick

Room: Africa 10

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: GE

This session will cover an introduction to computer science and how you can integrate it into lessons you are already teaching. Many examples will be shared of lessons that cover a wide range of topics. Topics will include unplugged activities, robotics, programming, games design, and more.

Speakers: Amy Bires & Kyle Gregerson

Room: Africa 20

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Continuing from 12:45-1:45 pm this workshop is an energetic presentation which will give you ideas that you can begin implementing immediately. We will include tips on Chrome Toolbar, Google Calendar (calendar sharing, appointment scheduling, daily schedule), Google Forms (section breaks, self-correcting forms), Google Sheets (sorting data, splitting columns, filtering data, and more), and YouTube Music. There will be something for everyone! Part 1 and Part 2 are separate sessions. They do not build upon each other.

Speakers: Rita Mortenson  & Teresa Voss

Room: Africa 30/40

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

CESA #1 is teaming up with aiEDU to create equitable learning experiences that excite and empower students with AI literacy. We believe that everyone—especially those who are likely to be disproportionately impacted by AI systems—should have access to the conceptual knowledge and skills they need to thrive as workers, creators, consumers, and citizens. We use an interdisciplinary approach to technology education, with an emphasis on the humanities and project-based learning alongside STEM concepts. We want to help our educators feel empowered and knowledgeable to bring these tools and learning opportunities into every classroom.

Speakers: Eric Hill & Kayla Correll

Room: Africa 50

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 9-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Current and emerging technologies continually create opportunities for innovative and personalized learning. Technological advancements also present new challenges and possible risks. During this session we will share concrete steps, resources and real-life examples of what districts can do to create a robust, secure environment while supporting personalized and innovative learning. This session will explore effective strategies for school districts to create a secure network and environment without hindering instructional innovation. This session is great for attendees looking for practical solutions and ideas for addressing the cybersecurity challenges while maximizing learning.

Speakers: Caroline Haebig, Brandon Kostolni & Jennifer Schlie-Reed                  

Room: Africa 60

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IT,CI,TI

UWM’s Information Science & Technology Career Discovery is an interactive online tool that high school students can engage with to learn about IT topics. Modules use CANVAS to allow students to experience the online classroom. Modules contain 10-minute videos and an activity students can complete to demonstrate their new knowledge in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain & Bitcoin, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security and more. 

Students completing 6 modules and admitted to UWM’s IST program are awarded a $1000 scholarship. UWM IST advisors will demonstrate the modules and answer questions about using the tool. Participants will leave with how-to guides to get started.

Speakers: Susan Hersh & Angie Sadowsky

Room: Africa 70

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 9-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Is that ANOTHER Google of Workspace update? What’s the name of that newest/coolest tech tool this year?  How are teachers using “x” tool to transform their classrooms?  AND how the heck do you stay up on all these iterations? These are questions we as Tech Integrators love! During this session, we’ll try to answer all these questions while filling you in on the biggest updates in EdTech and then show you how can do it too…by creating an awesome Professional Learning Network filled possibly of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook friends and their podcasts and blogs they write. 

Speaker: Scott Fernholz

Room: Africa 80

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate 
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

School District of Beloit Turner’s library and technology departments collaborated to launch a sustainable EC- 5th Grade STEM program where teachers are empowered to lead lessons. We will explain the next iteration of our planning process, what STEM activities we’re doing, and share our website of lessons. With purposeful alignment of resources to goals, stakeholders are able to do “their part” to provide students with STEM lessons where they create and explore. We’ll explore Ozobots, Makey Makey, Bloxels, WeVideo, Bee-Bot, Sphero, 3D printing, and more. You’ll see how we were able to create and coordinate STEM lessons that teachers of all comfort levels were able to deliver successfully.

Speakers: Liz Langer, Dennis McCarthy & Mike Sindahl 

Room: Africa 90

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-6
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

This session is like no other at SLATE! Using a conversation cafe approach, participants will network with other like-role professionals from around the state. The goal is to exchange ideas about the effective integration of technology into the classroom, discuss barriers and solutions to tech integration in schools, and share their takeaways from the conference. By the end of the session, educators will have expanded their professional networks and gained new insights into how to use ed tech collaboratively to improve student outcomes.

Speakers: Mia Chmiel, Beth Clarke, Deanna Nelson & Linda Schuerman

Room: Suite C

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Are you an educator looking to simplify your teaching workload, increase productivity, and infuse creativity into your classroom? Join us for a one-hour hands-on workshop where we’ll introduce you to the exciting world of AI-powered tools tailored for educators. In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, finding efficient ways to manage administrative tasks, generate engaging learning materials, and inspire students is crucial. This workshop is designed to empower K-12 educators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to harness the power of AI to transform their teaching experience.

Speaker: Naomi Harm

Room: Suite D

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA, IC, DA, IT, CI, TI, LMS, GE

Participants will engage in short, collaborative writing-based activities, which will be sampled using a variety of formative tools. This work will provide insight into the power and potential of those tools and their ability to help teachers gauge readiness, reteach whole-class, and confer with small groups and individuals.

Speaker: Paul Walter

Room: Suite E

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 6-8
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,GE

During this session, we will share our new program and how we partner with districts across the state to deliver services to their identified learners. We will provide best practices, strong online literacy delivery and pedagogy. We will also provide examples of how our program supports students and districts from across WI in screening, identifying, monitoring growth, and reporting goal growth data in all needed literacy subareas, to invested stakeholders, in a personalized and high-quality manner. ​

Speaker: Shawna Stueck 

Room: Suite F

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,DA,CI,GE

Each week for almost 6 years I have emailed a weekly newsletter with all sorts of tech tips. This session will be LIVE version of that newsletter that will be jampacked with all sorts of sites, apps, extensions, and more that can enhance your learning space.

Speaker: Tricia Louis

Room: Guava/Tamarind

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: TI,LMS,GE

Get ready to revolutionize your teaching experience! In this session, we will explore how to use chatbots to make better use of your time and enhance your productivity using practical and innovative ways to leverage AI technology to enhance routine tasks, streamline lesson planning, and even provide personalized support to your students.

Speaker: Jason Schmidt 

Room: Portia/Wisteria

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Hear the latest and greatest from the Department of Public Instruction. We will introduce new faces, highlight recent and upcoming projects and initiatives, and share important information on a variety of topics, including school and public library information and collaborations, BadgerLink, broadband, computer science, and digital learning. You will leave with ideas and strategies to strengthen the work you are doing to address the unique needs of your learning community.

Speaker: Ben Miller

Room: Africa West Ballroom (Expo Hall)

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,DA,IT,TI,LMS,GE

3:30 - 4:30 | Tuesday

This session will explore the importance of authentic assessment and how it can be practiced effectively using iPads in the classroom. Participants will learn about research-based best practices for learning and teaching, and how they can be integrated into authentic assessment to promote student growth and achievement. The session will also highlight how ChatGPT can strengthen authentic assessment practices.

Speaker: Joe Robinson

Room: Africa 10

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

How do you keep up with all the new experiences and opportunities for students? Join this session for several speed dating rounds to learn and explore a wide variety of curriculums, clubs, and organizations districts are implementing to provide learning extensions. Girls Who Code, Robotic teams, Esports teams, NCWIT Aspirations, and CMU Academy are just a few of the speed dating rounds. 

Speaker: Amy Bires

Room: Africa 20

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

An overview of what’s new to Google for Education and the AI tools that are available within our products. AI tools can be used to enable and empower teachers and students within the classroom. This presentation will cover which AI tools currently exist, what’s to come in future, and how to leverage these tools in your everyday routine.

Speakers: Samantha Reeder & Tom Chapman

Room: Africa 30/40

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: CI, IT, CI, GE

With Canva Pro, available FREE to all educators, it is incredibly easy to make high-quality videos. Canva Video is an impressive feature of Canva that empowers educators to create visually appealing and engaging videos that can help students learn and retain information better. You can start with Canva’s library of free pre-made templates, then use the simple drag-and-drop tools to make awesome videos for your class, school or school’s social media in minutes. In this session, participants will get hands-on experience using Canva Video to edit and customize video templates, add multimedia elements, and publish their videos. Join me for this fun and energetic session.

Speakers: Rita Mortenson & Teresa Voss

Room: Africa 50

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Wondering if the makerspace is “dead” in the age of AI? This session will share concrete examples and strategies for how to reinvigorate the student problem solving, design thinking process with new opportunities and create awareness around AI while engaging in the foundational problem-solving steps of the design thinking process. Student examples, teacher planning tools, strategies, activities, and resources will be shared. We will discuss practical examples of how AI is already being used in the design thinking process, including in fields such as product design and user experience design. Participants will explore how AI can support & enhance their own design thinking.

Speakers: Caroline Haebig & Jennifer Schlie-Reed

Room: Africa 60

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Specials teachers can use technology to be efficient with their time, allow students to show their creativity, access the curriculum in a new way, and for student assessment. We will be sharing how to incorporate technology tools including Edpuzzle, PearDeck, WeVideo, and Seesaw to assess students’ progress toward the grade level standards. For example, students use Seesaw to record their recorder skills or jump roping skills to monitor progress and growth through the unit, or sharing solfege videos with students via Edpuzzle where students need to answer comprehension questions.

Speakers: Dee Price, Elizabeth Schmocker, Mike Dirkmann, Robin Hankins & Wendy Harrop

Room: Africa 70

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-6
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,IT,TI,GE

Wakelet is a social curation tool that allows users to collect, organize, and share content from across the web. Attendees will gain a basic knowledge of best practice uses of Wakelet as a creation and curation tool. Attendees will explore the use of Wakelet as a professional development tool. Attendees will create their own Wakelet, a group Wakelet, and will learn about apps that can be integrated.

Speakers: Scott Fernholz & Eric Benedict

Room: Africa 80

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

The School District of Beloit Turner has developed an innovative communication model that promotes the district’s vision and relevant progress on key performance indicators to all stakeholders. This communication model is unique as it leans upon proven target marketing strategies with clear branding across platforms to share our vision and actionable steps for stakeholders. The district’s vision and mission are aligned with the Redefining Ready! movement and their indicators for College, Career, and Life Readiness. Our team will share clear steps you can take to define your district’s narrative and provide clarity by communicating your vision and cultivating a “data for impact” culture.

Speakers: Mike Sindahl, Dennis McCarthy & Christopher Koeppen

Room: Africa 90

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,DA,IT,TI

Whether you are new to a Canvas district or have been using Canvas for years, there are always new features to explore. This session will start with the basics of building a course from the homepage up. We will also discuss visibility of courses and user roles. We will also touch on rubrics and mastery paths. There will be time for Q&A to get those “Can I do this in Canvas?” questions addressed, as well.

Speaker: Jen Charles

Room: Suite C

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,TI,GE

With classrooms that are made up of all ability levels the demands of teachers to meet various needs has only increased. Google Forms is a way to engage all learners- but using extensions like AutoCrat we can make the experience for everyone in the classroom the same. Mail merge is a tool that isn’t just for addressing envelopes- it has become powerful in empowering students to complete the work at their instructional level, while also being able to share with peers and teachers the end product that looks the same as everyone else in the class. Don’t underestimate the power of this tool- this is one way that is engaging, empowering and important.

Speaker: Rebecca Winkler

Room: Suite D

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: GE

RPGs, or role-playing games, have gone mainstream. In this session we’ll demonstrate how to employ RPGs in your classrooms to increase literacy skills, engagement, as well as social and emotional learning. Dungeons & Dragons is the most well-known RPG aided by a recent movie and featured in the show, Stranger Things. However, there is an infinite variety of RPGs that, thanks to the efficiency of modern technology, can take as little as a class period. Students are motivated by the fate of their character while distanced enough to take risks safely. Importantly, the episodic nature of these games allows for laser-focused practice on reading and writing skills. Attendees will benefit from examples, systems, and plans.

Speakers: David Fitzpatrick, Dave Riley & Heather Anstett 

Room: Suite E

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA, IC, DA, GE

In today’s digital age, online education has become a crucial tool in providing quality education to students. One question that many teachers and program leaders have is how to meet the needs of students and teachers while offering sound online curriculum. As a result, we are looking to offer a session offering tools and guidance on how to begin creating locally developed content online. These tools can be used at various levels including full course development, but also at an individual level as the teacher looks to augment the existing curriculum with digital content.

Speaker: Melissa Schiek

Room: Suite F

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,GE

Human: Write me a short description for a one-hour professional development training on how ChatGPT and other AI tools can be used in the classroom.

AI: This one-hour professional development training will explore the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools in the classroom. Participants will gain an understanding of how these cutting-edge technologies can be used to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. They will learn about various AI tools available for use in education and how to incorporate them into their teaching practices.

Speaker: Jake Boll

Room: Guava/Tamarind

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Designing the Modern Classroom of the Future involves alignment of learning outcomes, mobile and flexible access options, as well as tools to assist with teacher retention. Alignment to the Future Ready Framework, CDW Classroom Blueprint and industry tools, and emerging technology of Merlyn Minds classroom AI voice assistant will highlight the new options of designing an inclusive classroom for all learners. Participants will review the frameworks of the national AI Toolkit as well preview the National Education Technology Plan to build out their district action plan.

Speakers: Janice Mertes & Tom Ashley

Room: Portia/Wisteria

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice 
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA, IC, DA, IT, CI, TI, LMS, GE

Schools across the country know that Computer Science and Coding is an integral part of the education landscape if we want to prepare students for future careers. However, many educators (like myself in the past) focus on teaching students about computational thinking through game, web, or app design. This session will discuss the importance of shifting the mindset to physical computing. Student engagement increases when they have tangible goals that relate to the real world. With the availability and affordability of microcontrollers along with the range of peripherals and kits, there are endless possibilities for your students to program, design, and create personal programming projects.

Speaker: Frank Devereaux

Room: Africa West Ballroom (Expo Hall)

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

8:15 - 9:15 | Wednesday

In this session, we will explore how the use of Augmented Reality (AR) on iPad can transform learning experiences for students by providing an immersive and interactive learning environment. We will also discuss the best practices for integrating AR into the curriculum, including how to design meaningful AR experiences that align with learning objectives, how to scaffold learning activities to support students’ understanding, and how to assess learning outcomes in AR-based activities.

Speaker: Joe Robinson

Room: Africa 10

Speaker Resource Page

Grade Level: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

We will discuss the importance of offering cybersecurity course in High School and learn about the learning Standards towards equity and educator support in K-12 cybersecurity settings. We will also introduce curriculum options available for teachers.

Speakers: Amy Bires & Mary Walz

Room: Africa 20

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 9-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Let’s organize your digital life! Improve your online efficiency by optimizing your toolbar, tabs, bookmarks, Google Drive, and extensions. Learn useful tricks like how to collapse tabs into groups, create and organize folders, and customize your Chrome experience. We’ll also play with Google Keep to organize your life, demonstrate some hidden Google Workspace features, and learn about several great Google Chrome Extensions to improve your online organization.

Speaker: Jake Boll

Room: Africa 30/40

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Imagine a world where technology delivered on its promise to save you time.  When GPT-4 is carefully adapted to a learning environment like Khan Academy, it has enormous potential. AI can assist teachers with lesson planning, reviewing content, preparing different components of instruction, and creating engaging learning experiences for all students. Khan Academy has created Khanmigo, an AI tool designed to save valuable time so teachers can focus on what’s most important—their students. Join us to gain practical insights into how Khan Academy is leveraging AI to enhance instruction and create engaging learning experiences.

Speakers: Jason Feig, Christine Pitts & Stacie Johnson

Room: Africa 50

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: 
Experience Level: 
Convention Track: 
Audience: 

This session will provide participants with a framework for promoting student-led inquiry in elementary & secondary classrooms. We will look at effective strategies to promote questioning & critical thinking, cultivate curiosity, build student understanding and ownership of their learning, and provide entry points for all learners. Design thinking elements including empathy, identifying real world problems, open-ended challenges, student voice & choice, authenticity, and a public product created in a school Makerspace will also be discussed. We will focus on ways to integrate G Suite for Education, Chrome extensions, web apps, & iPad creation apps to support inquiry and design thinking.

Speaker: Jennifer Schlie-Reed

Room: Africa 60

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Learn practical ways to empower students to serve as tech leaders in your school. You will learn practical strategies to create a student tech leadership team which leads innovation in your school. 

Speakers: Jeana Lietz & Janet Myers

Room: Africa 70

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: TI, GE    

Come to hear districts share about their experiences working with their local communities to address digital equity. DPI will share information about the state’s new plans for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Plan and Digital Equity. Panelists will share examples of untangling the needs of their school district and funding to effectively address the unique needs of their learning community.

Speaker: Rachel Schemelin

Room: Africa 80

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Tech Professional
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,DA,IT,LMS

Districts spend a lot of time and money on digital learning resources. Unfortunately, too often these resources fall victim to any of the following – lack of usage/fidelity, inconsistent usage across teachers/grades, and/or student apathy. This session will walk through strategies for adopting, implementing, supporting, and analyzing impact of your digital resources so that they can work for the ultimate intended outcome – student learning and growth! This session will specifically speak to our use of two digital learning resources – one for ELA and one for math – but the strategies are applicable to all resources and any school or district.

Speaker: Pauline Zdonek

Room: Africa 90

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI

Come together with new coaches to collaborate, face common challenges, and build your coaches’ tool kit from defining your job, building relationships, and implementing coaching cycles, to Future Ready Coach. This New Coaches Session will be customized to fit your needs and focused on collaborative teacher-driven coaching practices. Walk away with tested coaching resources and ready-to-implement templates that will allow you to transform your coaching to the next level.

Speaker: Aggie Salter

Room: Suite C

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

The “right” professional learning can equip teachers to take ownership of their learning and enhance their agency. Teachers can acquire new knowledge and skills, adapt to changing educational contexts, and become reflective practitioners who continuously improve their pedagogy. This presentation will explore different types of professional learning that promote use of ed tech, such as choice and relevance of learning, collaboration, and opportunities for feedback and reflection. The presentation will focus on the importance of investing in professional learning to empower educators to become reflective practitioners and improve student success.

Speaker: Linda Schuerman

Room: Suite D

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,GE

In this session, we will explore how we are guiding educators to design intentional instruction that supports student-led learning through a Learning Management System. We will begin by discussing what student-led learning means and why it is essential to incorporate it into our teaching practices. Next, we will share our scaffolded approach to utilizing the LMS to facilitate this instructional goal. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical strategies to guide any implementation that promotes more active and engaged student learning through an LMS.

Speaker: Reginald Smith

Room: Suite E

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,IT,CI,TI,GE

Join Jessica as she takes you through the creation of the nationally-known podcast, the Proud Rural Teacher. She’ll explain the value in telling digital stories through podcasting, a logical workflow, and how the tool Soundtrap has made it easier. You’ll even have the opportunity to do a little recording yourself! You’ll be able to take these ideas back to your school to share with others in the district, apply yourself, or turn over to students – any way you look at it, it’ll be a win!

Speaker: John Spencer (Keynote Speaker)

Room: Suite F

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA, IC, DA, CI, TI, LMS, GE

As part of our communicating and marketing/branding plan, the Elkhorn Area School District began using Streamyard to host a podcast that lives stream to multiple social media accounts with the recording being uploaded to YouTube and shared across all of our social media platforms. Attendees will learn how easy it is to use Streamyard and Canva while leveraging YouTube to share your story to all social media sites: Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Beyond learning about Streamyard, attendees will get a deeper dive into making your YouTube videos stand out, utilizing Canva in all your social media posts, and understanding the power of social media in your storytelling.

Speakers: Chris Trottier & Jon Anzalone

Room: Guava/Tamarind

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Advanced
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,DA,IT,TI,LMS,GE

Evaluating the information, they encounter online is an increasingly crucial skill for students. In this session, we will give examples of lessons educators can use to foster critical thinking skills and teach students how to be savvy consumers of online information. Using the PBS/KQED Media Literacy Certification mini-credential as a guide, participants will learn skills like fact-checking, lateral reading, identifying misinformation, and how to find reliable sources. In this hands-on session, participants will try out fact-checking strategies that they can later implement in class. Participants will come away with concrete strategies for facilitating the analysis of online media.

Speaker: Nick Ostrem

Room: Portia/Wisteria

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Concurrent Sessions Round Six

9:30 - 10:30 | Wednesday

Learn how one school is leveraging the power of technology to strengthen student wellbeing for their students and staff. You will learn 5 creative tools to take your student wellbeing to the next level in your classroom and school. 

Speakers: Jeana Lietz & Jennifer Wargin

Room: Africa 10

Speaker Resource Page

Grade Level: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Cross walking standards and curriculum can be a daunting task. Join the West DePere Library Media team to learn how they are successfully implementing Computer Science standards utilizing the Seesaw platform and curriculum focusing on CS. 

Speakers: Amy Bires & Jen Wathke

Room: Africa 20

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-6
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

In this eye-opening session, we’ll delve into the fundamental principles of AI, explore Google’s ethical and responsible approach to AI development, and showcase three groundbreaking generative AI products: Bard, Duet AI, and Vertex AI.

Speakers: Samantha Reeder & Tom Chapman

Room: Africa 30/40

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,DA,IT,CI,TI,GE

Join me for this fun and creative Canva session!  Canva, the ultimate design platform, redefines creativity with its innovative features. Learn about the bulk creation feature to help create hundreds of certificates in a click, or use the magic design features to transform projects with intelligent suggestions. Easily remove backgrounds with precision, ensuring a polished and professional finish. Utilize the translation feature to make content accessible in over 100 languages, or seamlessly edit PDFs within the platform, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for all your design and document needs. Elevate your creative journey with Canva – where innovation, versatility, and user friendly design converge.

Speaker: Rita Mortenson

Room: Africa 50

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,DA,CI,TI,LMS,GE

The last digital divide in preparing our students for their lives beyond K-12 education lies in the digital skills students must support learning and navigating their world. Learn how Sarah Radcliffe has worked with key stakeholders to lead school districts to:

   – identify the skills students need,

   – develop a scope and sequence of technology skills, and

   – coach teachers to implement these skills in the classroom.

Until students can equitably achieve digital literacy skills in all classrooms, we are falling short on making sure that our students graduate ready to succeed in a digital world.

Speaker: Sarah Radcliffe

Room: Portia/Wisteria

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Tech Professional
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,IT,CI,TI,LMS

This year, Wisconsin eSchool Network engaged lead teachers throughout the schools and programs in the organization for its first “Lead Teachers Workshop”. This opportunity derived from success we’ve had with similar opportunities for program leaders. The key difference to this type of workshop is the participants drive the topic and sessions. It is up to them to determine what they ultimately get out of the opportunity. We would like to highlight and model the process used to support these opportunities, in the hopes that participants can explore ways to incorporate into their local professional learning.

Speaker: Melissa Schiek

Room: Africa 70

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: GE    

What place does Computer Science have in my classroom? Information and Technology Literacy standards? What does that even mean?! Learn how to teach students impactful 21st century skills that fulfill ITL & CS standards, as well as your content standards, all while engaging students in high interest, choice-based activities. Experience how incorporating these types of projects can transform your teaching and positively change the student experience. Come prepared with a unit or assessment in which you’d like to make changes!

Speaker: Teresa Cypert

Room: Africa 80

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

What does it mean to consider Assistive Technology (AT)? What does it mean to implement AT? Where do I go for resources or credentials in AT? How does AT support inclusive practices and remove barriers for students? If you or your school team have ever asked these questions, then this session is for you. Participants will leave with free tools and resources that answer these questions and more.

Speaker: Kathy White 

Room: Africa 90

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: LPD
Audience: SA,IC,DA,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Are you an educator looking to simplify your teaching workload, increase productivity, and infuse creativity into your classroom? Join us for a one-hour hands-on workshop where we’ll introduce you to the exciting world of AI-powered tools tailored for educators. In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, finding efficient ways to manage administrative tasks, generate engaging learning materials, and inspire students is crucial. This workshop is designed to empower K-12 educators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to harness the power of AI to transform their teaching experience.

Speakers: Naomi Harm

Room: Suite C

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA, IC, DA, IT, CI, TI, LMS, GE

Attendees will be introduced to the use of blended learning strategies in the classroom. The use of a station rotation format in a high school social studies classroom will be the focus. These strategies can easily be adapted to other learning environments. Attendees will leave this session with the tools/resources necessary to build a blended learning experience in their classroom.

Speaker: Linda Schuerman

Room: Suite D

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,GE

Online Learning has become an option for K-12 learners, but many still believe that online learning is not a suitable option for learners that have an IEP, 504, or other individualized plan. In this session I will share how Wisconsin Virtual School (a supplemental online option) has been a successful option for learners with individualized plans and how you can help learners with individualized plans be successful in an online learning environment.

Speaker: Larissa Zompolas

Room: Suite E

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Novice
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,DA,GE

In this session, we will explore how Kami can be used to create and design learning experiences for ALL students. With a focus on Universal Design for learning, this session will provide ideas for how to augment existing district adopted curriculum by providing opportunities for accessibility and differentiation. Specific ideas and strategies to create scaffolds and supports will be incorporated.

Speaker: Avra Robinson

Room: Suite F

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,IT,CI,TI,LMS,GE

We will be talking about the different types of virtual field trips, specifically how to align it to meet standards. We will talk about the benefits of virtual field trips, how to connect to the Triple E Framework, and where teachers can go to sign-up for them.

Speaker: Marquea Goike

Room: Guava/Tamarind

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-12
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: SA,IC,CI,TI,LMS,GE

Learn about the transition of how STEM was incorporated within an elementary school district and gather ideas on how the STEM activities were used to enhance problem solving and creativity experiences. Participate in STEM activities and leave this session with ideas you can bring back to the classroom to include engineering maker challenges, robotics, and coding.

Speakers: Renee Reszel , Zong Vang & Chee Vang

Room: Africa 60

Speaker Resource Page

Grades: K-8
Experience Level: Intermediate
Convention Track: DATL
Audience: CI,TI,LMS,GE

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