Innovation Institute 2022

Tired of spending $200+ on educational technology? This is the panel for you! Learn about cheaper and multi-use tech to teach with, and even some non-tech!

Have you ever wished you could create a space online to collect all your resources and information in one easy-to-find location? And, do you dream of having a place to share with other educators, students and parents? If so, this session is for you! Participants who have a Google account already established and a familiarity with Google products will benefit most. Together, we will discover how you can easily:
· Create your own site
· Update and personalize your site
· Share and collaborate with others
· Preview and publish your site
Come prepared to get started on your own site, as well as walk away with several ideas and resources to help you implement this learning in your work environment…no matter the subject matter or grade level.

This session will investigate Zaretta Hammond’s Ready for Rigor framework from her book Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Every student in our classroom should have the right to experience independent learning; however, each student’s readiness for the rigor it takes to be an independent learner is not the same. The components of awareness, learning partnerships, information processing, and the learning environment all play a role in being a culturally responsive teacher. Join us as we take a deeper look at the Ready for Rigor framework to understand better what it takes to build an independent learner who thrives when faced with a learning challenge.

Do you want to play with some LEGO robots? Obviously, the answer is yes! Come join us to gain hands on experience with programming and designing using LEGO robotics. You will have a ton of fun while getting a clear picture of how these tools could revolutionize learning in your class. We will also share about one specific way LEGO robotics can be used at your school: starting a FIRST LEGO League Robotics program!

Computer science, creativity, collaboration, problem solving...these are all characteristics of a FIRST LEGO League program. Starting an FLL program isn’t as hard as it sounds and it is an incredible chance to provide your students with life changing opportunities. While we will mostly be focused on providing hands on experience, we will also share about the benefits of FLL and provide some helpful tools to get you started. FLL is primarily for elementary through early junior high students, though all educators are welcome. You do not need any prior experience with robotics, LEGOs, or computer programming. You don’t even need a computer. Come join us, and learn about this excellent program your students will love!

In this session, participants will explore STEM and its connections to children's literature as a means of engagement, comprehension and conceptual understanding.