Monday, March 26, 2018 • 1:30 – 5:00 PM
Workshops require a separate registration fee. 
W1: Make to Learn: Invention Kit
Author: David Slykhuis, James Madison University, USA & Glen Bull, University of Virginia, USA & James Rutter, University of Virginia, USA
Abstract: SITE is collaborating with the Smithsonian on the development of a series of Make to Learn Invention Kits. These Invention Kits allow students to use school makerspaces to reconstruct historic inventions such as the telephone, the telegraph, and early electric motors. Participants in the Invention Kit workshop will each receive two Make to Learn Invention Kits: (1) the Electric Motor Invention Kit and (2) the Dynamic Speaker Invention Kit.
The two Invention Kits will provide all of the physical components needed to construct modern versions of two historic inventions: a working motor and an audio speaker. Participants will also receive design software that will be used in the workshop. Middle school students from the Laboratory School for Advanced Manufacturing in Charlottesville, Virginia will serve as mentors, collaborating with teams of participants to design new mechanisms and inventions.
Curators from the Smithsonian will discuss ways in which artifacts from the Smithsonian collections can be used to tell the story of our nation through the lens of invention. The most recent 3D technologies that the Smithsonian is using to make its collections available to the public will be reviewed. Participants will have opportunities to explore resources on the Smithsonian X 3D web site that support use of Invention Kits in schools.
Case studies will provide an overview of ways in which Invention Kits are being used in social studies, language arts, science and mathematics, including connections to the National Council for the Social Studies 3C frame, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics technology guidelines. Collaborations between SITE and the Organization of Teacher Educators in Literacy incorporating Invention Kits into storytelling activities will also be discussed.
Methods for introducing Invention Kits in teacher education through makerspaces will be discussed. Participants’ feedback on potential directions for future collaborations with SITE’s peer teacher educator associations and the Smithsonian will also be solicited.
About the Workshop Presenters
Glen Bull, Joe Garofalo, and James Rutter direct the Make to Learn Laboratory in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Roger Sherman is associate curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Susan Ramsey is STEM Coordinator for the Charlottesville City Schools in Charlottesville, Virginia. David Slykhuis is the immediate past president of SITE. Denise Crawford is the current president of SITE.
W2: Breakout EDU: Try Something Different
Breakout EDU is an immersive learning game platform that can be used to facilitate content-area classroom challenges, much like an escape room concept. These challenges promote inquiry, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Learn how to use and create these game-based learning experiences to support learning and teaching throughout a teacher preparation program.
In this workshop, participants will experience a breakout and will learn how to design their own breakout games. Examples on how to integrate Breakout EDU into a teacher education program will be explored and numerous resources will be shared. Come and explore the possibilities of trying something different that is motivating and engaging!
About the Presenters:
Denise Crawford is the Director of the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching (CTLT) in the School of Education at Iowa State University. Denise has used BreakoutEDU experiences in her teacher preparation courses to immerse preservice and inservice teachers in collaborative and critical thinking activities around content area curriculum. Carrie Hillman is the K-12 Technology Integration Specialist for the Nevada Community School District in Nevada, IA. Carrie is the President of the Iowa Technology & Education Connection (ITEC), an ISTE affiliate. She has created and implemented numerous BreakoutEDU experiences within her district, and has worked closely with K-12 teachers across Iowa to integrate these learning games into classrooms.
Can’t attend the workshop? Want to know more?
Experience BreakoutEDU – Game on!
Tuesday at 10:15 & 11:30 AM, 1:45, 3:00, & 4:00 PM
Wednesday at 10:15 & 11:30 AM
Join colleagues in this dynamic FREE session to experience BreakoutEDU first hand. BreakoutEDU is an ultra-engaging learning game designed for learners of all ages. Ignite your natural drive to problem-solve by participating in a breakout game that will teach teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting. Great activity to incorporate into any teacher education program.
Limit to 12 attendees per session. No cost, but sign-up required! See SITE Registration Desk to join.
W3: Leading the Way: Preparing Teacher Candidates for Blended Learning
Author: Jayme Linton, Lenoir-Rhyne University, USA & David Schouweiler, Lenoir-Rhyne University, USA
Abstract: This hands-on, minds-on design workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss, explore, critique, and reflect on methods and resources for preparing teacher candidates for success in blended learning environments The goal of this session is building capacity in teacher educators to prepare teacher candidates for innovative K-12 settings Participants will discuss what blended learning is and is not, view examples from K-12 blended classrooms, and explore methods and resources for preparing teacher candidates to design and facilitate instruction in blended settings
W4: Engaging Digital Natives in an Educational Setting
Author: Shonda Brooks, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA & Tarrah Davis, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA
Abstract: One of the biggest problems facing education today is the Digital Immigrant teaching the Digital Native. According to research, students of today are not being adequately instructed because a majority of their teachers are not utilizing 21st century learning techniques. The current generation of students were born into this digital age; their lives consist of computers, video games, digital music players, smartphones, and other technologies. Unless Digital Immigrants are aware of the differences and consciously work to overcome them, the differences in communication can be a hindrance to learning in the classroom. Immediate and effective educational reform is required if school systems hope to adequately teach Digital Natives. Using various free and widely available technologies, educators can transform their learning environments from stagnant places of rote memory that do not engage Digital Natives to dynamic spaces that engross, support, and challenge learners. Digital Natives are used to instant and unfettered access to information, multitasking, dynamic graphics, and nonlinear learning. Digital Immigrants will explore and apply digital resources to create innovative and meaningful learning environments to accommodate the needs of diverse Digital Natives.
W5: Expanding the Walls of the Classroom: Creating a Digital Learning Portfolio Using Google Sites
Author: Gabrielle Read, University of Louisville, USA
Abstract: Expand the walls of your classroom! Students and teachers of all ages can create a digital learning portfolio to share with family, friends, and for potential interviews and applications In this 35 hour BYOL-Bring Your Own Laptop session, participants will create an online learning portfolio using Google Sites This workshop is appropriate for all levels of technology learners
Participants have the option to create a digital learning portfolio for “Max/Maxine”, a fictitious student in their classroom to showcase their work Or, for a younger environment of learners (elementary/middle school), a teacher managed classroom page In this session, step-by-step instructions will be provided, as well as a resource site with “help” videos and tutorials By the end of this session, participants will be able to walk away with a model site and the tools needed to implement a digital learning portfolio within their own levels of instruction The possibilities are endless!
With Google Sites, students have the opportunity to share their hard work and creativity with whom they chose from anywhere in the world From elementary, middle, secondary, to higher education, learn to equip your students with the best technologies to make them standout out above the rest!
