Vermont Fest 2014

This session will show how to utilize the *brand new* Google Play for Education platform, Android Tablets, and Applications in the classroom. Session will cover both individual Android accounts and how to roll out a school or district-wide complete Google experiences. Participants get a new Nexus 7 or bring their own Android tablet.

Come join us for ‘Appy Hour(s)’ in a hands-on 3 hour session that will be dedicated to iPad integration such as App Fluency, App Smashing, curation, and collaboration. This interactive workshop will be more than just how to use an iPad, but really dive deeper into the many possibilities of how iPads can help support learning. Participants will be given hands-on time to explore, practice and refine their skills, as we explore multi-app combination scenarios to create new multimedia content. Participants will be required to create an iTunes account prior to this session, an iTunes card for possible app purchase, and be ready to work with an innovative teaching and learning tool.
Participants get a new iPad or bring their own.

Site 

Maker Space Fundamentals will help educators explore and develop their own making practice. We see making as a fun yet serious learning endeavor—one that spans many disciplines and content areas and fosters connections between art, science, and technology in ways that can lead to deep discovery. Circuit-related activities (Scribblebots, squishy circuits, LittleBits and more) offer a wealth of opportunities for thinking through making. Learn how to develop and facilitate maker activities for your classroom and libraries that invite students to imagine, invent and innovate. Participants of this workshop will go through a design challenge where they ideate/brainstorm, problem-solve/ iterate/ prototype, build/make and present/share their projects.

Participants may participate without the toolkit option. Bring the following if you can: a pair of scissors, glue or glue gun, and needle nose pliers.

Participants may sign up to get a STEAM Kit that includes Little Bits, Makey Makey, and other Maker materials including coin cell batteries, LED’s, copper tape, etc.

Please bring a laptop

First a state-of-the-state reality check on the Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), Virtual Learning Systems, and major educational software and hardware systems available or in use today throughout the state (or the world) - then, a collaborative, think tank, knowledge session on what is needed for education to evolve, the problems VT faces, and what the future systems can, and *should* look like.

Come find out how to use your iPad in the K-8 classroom. We will be exploring content specific and productivity apps for the classroom teacher. There will be some basic operation information but the focus will be on educational use. Participants should know basic fundamental use of the iPad as those topics will not be covered. We will be downloading and demonstrating how to use programs that would be appropriate for use in the classroom by students and educators. Participants will be asked to share some of their favorite apps with others.

Participants will be given access to several good sites to find apps by content and grade level. The iPad can be a tool for individual use or by a group of students. We’ll discuss how use one iPad when you have a class of 20 students.

Participants receive a new iPad or bring their own.

In this session you will learn about how iPad applications can be used as an assessment tool, to increase student learning and engagement, and differentiate instruction in your classroom. You will leave with a list of applications and lesson ideas, to take with you and feel confident about using this device in your classroom with students of all abilities. (Will support participant owned devices of iOS 7 or later.)

Presentation

Participants in this workshop will explore new features of Google Play for EDU that leverage Chromebooks and Android Tablets to change the learning landscape and taking differentiation to a new level. Take student learning beyond the classroom walls using features like Cameras and GPS chips Give students choice of tools (mobile tablets for field work or movie creation or Chromebooks for extended desk work) with new ability to managing multiple users per tablet. Make true differentiation of materials possible by using teacher’s ability to push out specific books, videos and apps to different groups of learners using Google Play for EDU.


Participants get a new Android Nexus 7 or bring their own Android tablet.
Participants should also bring a laptop or Chromebook.

Understanding the basics of Google Drive and the Google Apps Suite is invaluable to educators, administrators, and students.
Join me as I walk through the basics of GAFE tools, such as organizing and searching Gmail messages; leveraging Calendar as a professional and classroom tool; and utilizing, organizing, and sharing Drive folders, Docs, Spreadsheets, Presentations, and Forms.
In addition, we'll be taking a look at the power of Google+ as a professional development tool; and exploring some powerful mobile features for all of these tools.

Want to MAKE make Cloud Based Recordings? Attend this 1.5 hour session and make recordings that can be done on any connected device and shared via the web to small groups or the whole world. If you’ve been looking for an authentic way for your students
to make their voices heard and share what they have learned, attend this session and leave with at least two recordings using SoundCloud and VoiceThread and some collaborative projects to participate in with other teachers around Vermont.

Want to know more attend the 25 min intro session Cloud Based Recording -What is it? Why do it? …From Substitution to Redefinition and then attending the MAKING OF CLOUD BASED RECORDINGS!

Presentation

UDL has been defined as flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences. The iPad is a powerful tool that can meet students where they are and mold to their individual needs. The iPads can do so much more than you have ever thought possible including pair with other tools like hearing aides, switches or braille readers. This workshop will introduce you to how iPads can make a huge difference for students with regard to UDL.

Presentation 

Attend this session to hear how two teachers, from different schools in Vermont connected here at Vermont Fest and how their early elementary students became mentors and models using Kidblog and Twitter as a platform to connect and engage in fun and meaningful learning activities!

Presentation

Our panel will bring their expertise on the following topics… • 1:1 initiatives - lots of devices! • Mobil Devices - iOS, Android, Windows Tablets • Wireless - high density, how many devices for each person in a room? • Cloud computing - GAFE, Windows 360, drop box. Please come and interact with a panel of people who have done it. Hear about lessons learned, successes and unresolved issues…. And add your ideas gained from your personal experiences.

Craig Lyndes - Facilitator
Keith Puffer - Mobile devices
Eric Hall - 1:1
Larry Dougher - High Density Wireless
Adam Provost - Cloud computing