Content Area: Computer Science/Coding

BDTu1-PS 2023 Session	Google - All That and a Bag of Chips Deb Boisvert, Consultant, Google Certified Educator, NHSTE
*  Level: All levels Grades: All  Extensions	Smart Chips, Smart Canvas, Smart Formulas Building Blocks and AI summaries the list goes on. You can even build your own Building Blocks. As usual Google is flooding us with innovation without the time to digest. Find out which features are available to which kinds of Google account.Take the time in this session to play around with these new features, brainstorm ways to use them to make your life easier and which ones are not worth the effort.
BDTu3-HL 2023 Session	Exploring Engineering Design with the Young Inventors' Program Tina White, Project Director, Young Inventors' Program, University of New Hampshire Leitzel Center
Level: Beginner Grades: Pre-K, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, All	Explore strategies to bring engineering design into your classroom with an introduction to the Young Inventors' Program. This K-12 project-based curriculum meets core standards, including the NGSS, and provides hands-on STEM activities to take students on an invention journey through the design process, culminating in a showcase of original inventions that may lead to local, regional, national and international competitions. Learners will have an opportunity for expression and creativity as they develop and practice higher-order thinking skills. This workshop will provide you with all of the resources you need to bring the Young Inventors' Program curriculum to your classroom " all FREE for your school.
BDTu3-PS 2023 Session	Reaching All Learners with Nearpod Jennifer Scheffer, Instructional Technology Specialist, Burlington High School
Level: Beginner Grades: All	Learn how to make every lesson interactive, engaging, and exciting with Nearpod. Through the hands-on creation of a Nearpod lesson, attendees will walk away from the session having learned how to leverage Nearpod's interactive media including slides, PHET simulations, virtual field trips, 3D experiences, interactive video, and web content. In addition, participants will learn how to embed formative assessments into their lessons including polls, open ended questions, quizzes, drag and drop activities, matching pairs and memory games, and Nearpod's interactive game Time to Climb. Nearpod has the capacity to completely transform the way you teach. This session will show you how simple it can be to create standards-aligned lessons and gather meaningful post-lesson reports that can help you differentiate and drive future instruction. Come experience for yourself the transformative power of Nearpod and how you can make every lesson a fun, interactive, and engaging experience for every student in your classroom. Nearpod is suitable for use by teachers of all grade levels and subject areas making it a truly versatile and must have technology platform for every educator!
BDVTh1-Z3 2023 Session	AI for the Scared, Skeptical, & Short on Time Shane Peek, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Greenville County Schools (SC)
*  Level: Beginner Grades: All	AI is the way of the future, so what does this mean for the scared, skeptical, and short-on-time? This session will start with the basics (What is AI? How did we get here?), before focusing on practical tips for educators (How can I use AI to my advantage?). Last, we will survey user-friendly, powerful options for busy educators. By the end of this session, the scared, skeptical, and short-on-time will be equipped and invigorated!
BDVTh1-Z4 2023 Session	Engage Your Students in Computer Science Using Bitsbox Gail Rogers, Computer Science Teacher, Londonderry Middle School
*  Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8  Extensions	Learn to engage your students to write real code to create apps while having fun. This program is designed and scales for grades 4-8. NO CODING EXPERIENCE is required. This program engages students with a built in library of backgrounds, images, songs, sounds, fonts they learn to use as as they go. Bitsbox teaches kids to use real, typed Javascript code to build their own open-ended apps and share them with anyone on any device! Students love this program. ***You do need to bring a laptop, chromebook, or an ipad with a keyboard. **** This works best on Chrome, but it will work on any browser.
BDVTh4-Z3 2023 Session	Canva for the Busy #EDUleader Shane Peek, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Greenville County Schools (SC), and DeAnna Dixon
*  Level: Beginner Grades: All	Want to improve the look and feel of signs, forms, or other written communications in your school? Are you in a crunch for time, need a stunning yet informative flyer but feel overwhelmed by designing, organizing, and publishing? Let us introduce you to Canva, a free and easy-to-use, web-based design and publishing tool. We will start by exploring Canva's extensive template and themes library, then shift our focus to learning to create within the platform. Finally, participants will have an opportunity to observe an Administrator design and publish a flier using Canva in real time; then be placed in the driver's seat by creating a flier of their own that can be used for a future school event! Needing a high-quality graphic design school communication but having no skill and very little time, Canva for the Busy #EDUleader is for you!
BDWe2-PS 2023 Session	Leading the Quest for 22nd Century Digital Information Literacy Erin Henderson, Library Media Specialist, Pelham High School Library, and Dr. Jeanna Wagner, Pelham School District
*  Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12	Students globally and locally struggle to navigate the open internet - including social media, news sites, and sources for research. As educators, our challenge is to recognize the difficulties that students have with these tasks, identify the foundational skills that students need in order to develop this type of literacy, practice these skills ourselves, then plan for subsequent integration of the concepts organically into ongoing instruction. As we enter year three of our district-wide digital literacy pilot and shift toward integrating 22nd century skills like AI, join us to explore the skills and attempt the strategies our pilot teachers are integrating in their coursework and dive into the possibilities for yourself.
T1-04 2023 Session	Hands-On Learning in STEM: Strategies for Engaging Students Anthony Galgano, President & Founder, TRUE Robotics, Inc., and Emily Hajko, TRUE Robotics, Inc.
Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8 Repeated: T3-04	Our presentation showcases the results of our four-month market research project at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where we explored the challenges associated with hands-on education in STEM. Through our research, we discovered that hands-on learning is crucial in promoting student engagement, deeper understanding, and critical thinking skills. In our presentation, we will share successful hands-on learning models and techniques that educators can adopt to create effective and engaging learning experiences. We will also discuss the benefits of hands-on education and its importance as an essential component of STEM education.
T1-06 2023 Session	To Infinity & Beyond! The Power of Blended Learning in the K-12 Classroom Lucy McIntire, iLearnNH.org, and Becca Van Horn, iLearnNH.org
Level: Beginner Grades: All	You may have heard the term "blended learning" before, but what does it really mean? In this session, we'll explore how blended learning can combine the strengths of the in-person classroom with the power of ed tech to engage and empower more students than ever before. By looking at concrete, real-world ideas that you can apply to any learning management tool, we'll consider why blended learning is here to stay and how it might just be the ticket to a flexible, bite-sized transformation for both learning and teaching.
T2-04 2023 Session	Innovative Strategies for Teaching Robotics: A Hands-On Workshop Anthony Galgano, President & Founder, TRUE Robotics, Inc., and Emily Hajko, TRUE Robotics, Inc.
Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8 Repeated: T4-04	In this session participants will learn practical strategies for teaching robotics in a hands-on learning environment, including project-based learning and technology integration. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to build and program a robot while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and benefits of teaching robotics through hands-on learning. Our goal is to inspire educators to think creatively about how they can incorporate hands-on learning into their own teaching practices and to provide them with practical strategies for teaching robotics to students. Attendees will leave our presentation with a better understanding of how robotics can be used in the classroom, and practical insights they can apply to their own classrooms
T2-08 2023 Session	AI Tools (and Traps) for Teaching Charley Suter, M.Ed., Spaulding Academy & Family Services
Level: Intermediate Grades: All	AI is an inevitability, so how can we as educators harness this new tool while still protecting our students and their data? In this session we will discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help teachers and leaders in their day-to-day workflows, while highlighting the privacy and security pitfalls that could cause problems down the road. Charley Suter, M.Ed, Director of Technology & Innovation at Spaulding Academy & Family Services, will share his experiences implementing AI with classroom teachers, writing AI policies, and identifying potential problem areas. We will adjust the content to the comfort levels of attendees, so all roles and levels of experience are welcome! As a group we will look at and experiment with several AI tools and discuss their pros and cons, attendees will hear about sample use cases in various schools, and they will be encouraged to share their own experiences, ideas, and concerns in a discussion at the end of the session.
T3-03 2023 Session	Inform Your Instruction & Move Students Forward with Edulastic James Sgroi, K12 Digital Learning Specialist, North Reading Public Schools
*  Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12	This workshop will provide participants with an overview of Edulastic, a comprehensive assessment and learning management system that can help personalize and grow the student learning experience. Participants will learn how to use Edulastic to create and deliver standard-aligned assessments, monitor student progress, and provide feedback that is timely and actionable. They will also learn about the many features and resources that Edulastic offers to support student learning. Participants will experience a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on activities, specifically having the opportunity to create and administer assessments, analyze student data, and differentiate instruction using Edulastic. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences. By the end of this session, participants will have the tools and resources they need to use Edulastic to improve instruction and provide an equitable learning environment for all students.
T3-04 2023 Session	Hands-On Learning in STEM: Strategies for Engaging Students Anthony Galgano, President & Founder, TRUE Robotics, Inc., and Emily Hajko, TRUE Robotics, Inc.
Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8 Repeated: T1-04	Our presentation showcases the results of our four-month market research project at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where we explored the challenges associated with hands-on education in STEM. Through our research, we discovered that hands-on learning is crucial in promoting student engagement, deeper understanding, and critical thinking skills. In our presentation, we will share successful hands-on learning models and techniques that educators can adopt to create effective and engaging learning experiences. We will also discuss the benefits of hands-on education and its importance as an essential component of STEM education.
T3-07 2023 Session	Introducing the eXperiential Robotics Platform - Come Learn and Play! Ken St.Hilaire, FIRST New Hampshire Robotics, and Frank Grossman, FIRST New Hampshire Robotics
Level: Intermediate Grades: 6-8, 9-12	In this hands-on session, we will introduce you to the eXperiential Robotics Platform, (XRP), a low-cost, yet extremely capable, new robotics platform. You will learn about the features of the XRP and how the XRP can be easily integrated into your classroom to teach robotics, computer science/programming, and other course material. We will teach you how to program the robot using the Blockly graphical programming interface or Python programming language. And we will introduce you to the curriculum materials that have been developed exclusively for the XRP, and we will discuss the XRP professional development opportunities that are available for you as well. If that's not enough to get your attention, we will also present the unique funding opportunity that is available to NH middle and high school educators, where XRP robots can be acquired for your classroom at no cost to your school! Come learn and play with XRP! You'll be glad you did!
T4-04 2023 Session	Innovative Strategies for Teaching Robotics: A Hands-On Workshop Anthony Galgano, President & Founder, TRUE Robotics, Inc., and Emily Hajko, TRUE Robotics, Inc.
Level: Beginner Grades: K-5, 6-8 Repeated: T2-04	In this session participants will learn practical strategies for teaching robotics in a hands-on learning environment, including project-based learning and technology integration. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to build and program a robot while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and benefits of teaching robotics through hands-on learning. Our goal is to inspire educators to think creatively about how they can incorporate hands-on learning into their own teaching practices and to provide them with practical strategies for teaching robotics to students. Attendees will leave our presentation with a better understanding of how robotics can be used in the classroom, and practical insights they can apply to their own classrooms
VM2-11 2023 Session	Podcasting to & from the Classroom Eric Salmonsen, Social Studies Teacher, Everything is a Primary Source
*  Level: Intermediate Grades: All	In this session participants will be guided on ways to extend their content passion into a podcast of their own, incorporate the audio medium into the classroom in a meaningful way, and how to coordinate and advise a student-led podcast on the same level as other school-made media.
VTh3-12 2023 Session	Computer Science with Seesaw Cyndy Currier, Licensing Program Manager, NHSTE, and Hannah Abbruzzese
Level: Beginner Grades: All	Description: Learn how to integrate Computer Science into your K - 5 classroom! Learning outcomes include: - Explore Computer Science collections from Seesaw - Learn how to integrate Computer Science into instructional routines - Explore resources to support Computer Science instruction
W1-03 2023 Session	The Power of Technology ~ Expand Learning Opportunities with VLACS Julie Reece, Director & Teacher, VLACS, and Carey Glines, Virtual Learning Academy Charter School
Level: Beginner Grades: Pre-K, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, All	Blended learning offers many benefits to students and schools such as increasing equity through increased personalization, scheduling flexibility, acceleration and remediation, and access to a greater variety of content. In this interactive session, we will explore the variety of options available to all NH schools and students. In addition, we will examine the technology used to support customized learning at the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. Topics will include Canvas features that support student pace and progress, utilizing technology to enhance career exploration and relationships, and how you can access the student information system to support students and analyze data.
W1-04 2023 Session	Guiding Students to Soar: Empowering NH Educators Noah Kamsler, The Princeton Review & Tutor.com
Level: Beginner Grades: 6-8, 9-12 Repeated: W3-04	In this illuminating session, join us as we embark on a journey through the transformative partnership between Tutor.com and the New Hampshire Department of Education, providing boundless, no-cost access to 24/7 tutoring for every 4-12th grade student across the state. Through the lens of our "Reach for the Stars" theme, participants will uncover: Navigating the Cosmic Realm of Tutor.com: Delve into the inner workings of Tutor.com, and learn how students seamlessly connect with this invaluable resource through their learning platform. Shaping Constellations of Learning: Explore how Tutor.com serves as a celestial differentiation tool within the classroom, guiding educators in illuminating the unique strengths of every student. Outside of school hours, it becomes a radiant beacon of enrichment and homework assistance. Diverse Offerings: A Stellar Spectrum: Traverse the spectrum of services available, including bilingual English and Spanish 1-to-1 tutoring, drop-off writing review, and embark on a self-paced test prep journey with The Princeton Review. Launching into Orbit: Getting Started with Success: Equipped with knowledge of best practices, participants will leave with a clear trajectory for implementing Tutor.com and ensuring optimal support for student achievement. Join us in this cosmic odyssey, where we empower educators and students alike to elevate their educational experience and reach for the stars in their learning endeavors. Together, we'll make the sky the limit
W1-05 2023 Session	The Great Escape Owen Harrington, Curriculum Director, SAU 67
Level: Beginner Grades: All	Learn how schools/school districts can use Title funds to create a summer professional development experience that is developed by and for educators and is used to kickoff a school year in a positive manner towards a collective goal of continuous quality improvement and improved student learning opportunities.
W1-06 2023 Session	Let's Get Creative! Course Design Inspirations with UDL + Canvas Brad Moser, and Michelle Muldowney-Stevens
Level: Intermediate Grades: All  Extensions	Description: Are you looking for some fresh ideas to create courses in Canvas? Let's get creative AND make sure that our courses are designed with the best practices of instructional design, using Universal Design for Learning as our guide. We'll share how the right tools can make this work easy and intuitive. Join us to see example designs and learn about the design decisions that impact student success.
W2-06 2023 Session	Tackling the STEM Educator Shortage - the WGU Rural Education Initiative Gloria Bruce, Western Governors University
Level: Beginner Grades: All	Learn how one of the nation's largest universities, Western Governors University (WGU), is working to support the development of STEM educators in New Hampshire communities. Join WGU Strategic Partnerships Manager Gloria Bruce as she provides a behind-the-scenes look at the online, competency-based higher education model that WGU pioneered over 25 years ago and introduces the WGU Rural Education Initiative - a tri-state workforce development initiative designed as a supportive solution to help address the shortage of STEM educators in the Northern Forest region of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
W2-08 2023 Session	Podcasting to & from the Classroom Eric Salmonsen, Social Studies Teacher, Everything is a Primary Source
*  Level: Intermediate Grades: All	Hear from both teacher AND students on how to extend student content passion into podcasts developed BY students. Learn how to incorporate this audio medium into the classroom in a meaningful way and how to coordinate and advise a student-led podcast on the same level as other school-made media.
W3-04 2023 Session	Guiding Students to Soar: Empowering NH Educators Noah Kamsler, The Princeton Review & Tutor.com
Level: Beginner Grades: 6-8, 9-12 Repeated: W1-04	In this illuminating session, join us as we embark on a journey through the transformative partnership between Tutor.com and the New Hampshire Department of Education, providing boundless, no-cost access to 24/7 tutoring for every 4-12th grade student across the state. Through the lens of our "Reach for the Stars" theme, participants will uncover: Navigating the Cosmic Realm of Tutor.com: Delve into the inner workings of Tutor.com, and learn how students seamlessly connect with this invaluable resource through their learning platform. Shaping Constellations of Learning: Explore how Tutor.com serves as a celestial differentiation tool within the classroom, guiding educators in illuminating the unique strengths of every student. Outside of school hours, it becomes a radiant beacon of enrichment and homework assistance. Diverse Offerings: A Stellar Spectrum: Traverse the spectrum of services available, including bilingual English and Spanish 1-to-1 tutoring, drop-off writing review, and embark on a self-paced test prep journey with The Princeton Review. Launching into Orbit: Getting Started with Success: Equipped with knowledge of best practices, participants will leave with a clear trajectory for implementing Tutor.com and ensuring optimal support for student achievement. Join us in this cosmic odyssey, where we empower educators and students alike to elevate their educational experience and reach for the stars in their learning endeavors. Together, we'll make the sky the limit
W4-01 2023 Session	AI in K12. Turn that $%#! up to Eleven or Run Away Bravely? Ken Weeks, NHCTO SpotLight, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire
Level: Beginner Grades: All, Administrators and Board of Ed  Extensions	You've been hearing a lot about AI lately---from those who wholeheartedly endorse the use to those who warn of its potential darker implications and potential for sentience. Maybe you're wondering if AI has any relevance to you in K12 Education. The answer is---yes! In this session, Ken Weeks, CISO for the State of New Hampshire, will provide a thought-provoking discussion on the implications of AI in government and education, including a review on the States' "Code of Ethics for the Use and Development of Generative Artificial Intelligence" and the Policy for Use of AI by State Agencies to deliver government services. Here's a little Haiku composed by ChatGPT based on Ken's Presenter BIO: Navy's silent watch / Cyber realms and code he guards / Wolfhounds by his side. Not bad for a robot...Buckle up!
W4-08 2023 Session	Personalized Learning & Computer Science For All Michael Thompson, Computer and Technology Teacher, Profile Jr/Sr High
*  Level: Beginner Grades: 9-12	Join Michael for an introduction to a no cost online curriculum that meets NH Computer Science Standard 3A, and discover how to easily adapt and deliver the curriculum in a manner that fosters personalized learning for all students. Participants should bring a computing device to this session.