2024 Innovative Practices Conference (IPC)

In this presentation, we will explore the transformative power of makerspaces in the 21st-century classroom. We will discuss how these dynamic, collaborative environments foster the creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning experiences that students need to thrive in an increasingly technological world. By granting students access to cutting-edge tools and resources, makerspaces bridge the gap between theory and practice, significantly enhancing their technological literacy and preparedness for the workforce. We will also highlight the inherent ability of makerspaces to cultivate innovation, design thinking, and a growth mindset, empowering students to become resilient problem-solvers and lifelong learners. We will provide concrete examples and strategies for effectively integrating makerspaces into various educational settings, equipping teachers with the knowledge and confidence to revolutionize their classrooms. Finally, there will be a hands-on challenge where teachers will modify and adapt a current lesson plan of their to include a Design Challenge using makerspace mindsets and equipment.

In this session we’ll talk about ways educators can inspire students to see themselves in STEAM careers early on, empowering them through inquiry-based learning. Explore how STEAM heroes work to Rebuild the World while demonstrating the power of hands-on learning. You’ll experience free classroom resources developed with professionals in industries like bee rescue and ocean advocacy, expertly designed to spark joy and curiosity in the classroom! Come prepared to learn more about lessons that will enable students to explore skills and trades you'll find in the many Fortune 500 companies located in Cincinnati!

Join me to explore how young students can design, test, and create digital and hands on models to help them conceptualize the digital footprint at an earlier age.  This session combines tech, ELA, and Science standards in a hands-on and engaging way!  We will explore digital citizenship in light of early childhood development with a fun project suitable for elementary learners.  Learn how young students use AR, VR, create in 3D, evaluate designs, and bring these to life with 3D printing. You’ve never seen 6-year-olds capable of so much, but you will leave convinced that they can do much more! Grounded in research and tech-smashes the best tools.  This session was first presented at ISTE 2022, 2023, and at our local PBS CET station.  Don't miss your chance to transform teaching and inspire future digital pioneers! #ARVR4Littles.

Sit and Get? Not in this session! Come experience the LEGO® Education Learning System and the power of hands-on STEAM learning. In this playground experience, you will be the one getting hands-on as you explore what LEGO® Education has to offer for bringing computer science and STEAM learning to life and preparing students to be future ready. This is a station rotation session so feel free to stop by anytime during this time block.

In this session, I will share how I created and curated content in visually appealing interactive digital slides. All participants will walk away with templates for morning meeting routines, and sample templates for grade 1 math and ELA interactive resource slides.

Technology isn't merely a diversion or a time sink. Instead, when employed creatively and with intent, technological resources can significantly enrich educational practices. They facilitate improved instruction, enable the tracking of student progress, foster metacognitive skills and communication abilities, bolster confidence in public speaking, and inspire innovative information sharing among students. Citing examples from Pre-K to 6th grade students, you will explore and experiment with tech tools such as Google Slides, YouTube, Screencastify, Flip, and We Video, among others.

Experience how computational thinking lays the foundation for skills like coding and computer science, setting your students up for success. Learn how decomposition, pattern recognition, and more help students develop an understanding of programming.

Sit and Get? Not in this session! Come experience the LEGO® Education Learning System and the power of hands-on STEAM learning. In this playground experience, you will be the one getting hands-on as you explore what LEGO® Education has to offer for bringing computer science and STEAM learning to life and preparing students to be future ready. This is a station rotation session so feel free to stop by anytime during this time block.

Join us to explore how Newsela aligns with Ohio's approved High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) list, enhance literacy skills, foster diverse perspectives, and gain professional development credits. Plus, access a community of educators and claim one year of free premium access to Newsela's suite of products. Learn to leverage Newsela's tools effectively, integrate it into your teaching for improved outcomes, create assignments, and analyze student insights.

It’s time to learn to code, one brick at a time! Join us for an interactive session focused on LEGO Education Learning System, including how it can bring computer science learning to life in your classroom. Through this system, students learn to work collaboratively and solve problems creatively – all while “playing” with a familiar set of tools that are easy to manage. Come ready to get hands-on and discover the power of interactive learning through play at all ages.

Participants will engage in an immersive exploration aimed at uncovering and observing various methods to optimize instructional techniques utilizing Screencastify

Join us for an interactive workshop where you'll learn how centering and amplifying voices in your classroom, school and community can shift conversations, bridge divides and support a culture that values our shared humanity over the conflict and controversy that dominate media headlines. In our dynamic workshop, you will learn how to:
• Understand the Difference: Grasp the key distinctions between the stories and narratives that permeate school culture and community life.
• Identify Impacts: Recognize the dominant narratives that support stereotypes and limit progress as well as the counter narratives that can reshape our perspectives and expand our understanding.
• Build Narrative Power: Use your newfound knowledge to leverage stories' focus and power to connect people across divides in classroom, school and district-wide projects.