VermontFest 2013

In this session we will discuss the key learning challenges that 1:1 Learning programs address as well as a new sustainable, comprehensive 1:1 learning solution available to schools in Vermont. We’ll focus this discussion on these key topics: Academic challenges/trends across the US, Common Core standards & Smarter Balanced assessment guidelines, Nine Key Performance Indicators that 1:1 Learning programs address, and the NASPO LTI (Learning Technology Initiative) full 1:1 learning program available to Vermont schools.

Your students already have devices, so why not bring them into the classroom and utilize them? The hurdles seem to be tall and in great numbers, but they really aren’t! Alleviate your stress and feel confident in taking the next step by joining us in a thought provoking discussion as Greg Connors, Director of Technology at the Rutland Central Supervisory Union, Jay Power, ENA’s Director of Solutions Engineering, and others discuss how to take that next step and ensure success. The truth is, results are waiting behind the door in front of you; there only consequences if you're too afraid to open it.

Codesmyths (pronounced “code-smiths”) is an enrichment opportunity for 4th-8th grade students that allow them to learn computer-programming skills using Stencyl, a cross-platform visual interface (similar to Scratch). The main focus of this course is teaching them how to learn and teach themselves. Eventually, the students will learn to program apps for iOS devices using Xcode (Apple’s preferred programming language). Throughout the course, they’ll develop design, engineering/problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Teachers have been making books with their students forever. But what if those books could be digital? And what if those books could include all types of media, from text and still images to video, 3-dimensional objects, independent assessment, note-card generation, interactive images, audio recordings and more? Apple's new iBooks Author does all of this, allowing users to create highly interactive and engaging content that can be leveraged to help a teacher improve a lesson, or to help a student tell the story of their accomplishments. Applicable across all grade levels and curriculum areas. Head here www.apple.com/ibooks- author/ to learn more, and then come to this session to see how easy it is build these books, and to view them on iPad. We will be also sharing ideas of what other educators like yourself have been designing with this extraordinary application.

Students in Vermont schools are earning badges as concrete recognition that they have mastered a concept or skill. Join us to see how teachers are using resources like ClassBadges and Badgestack to create an environment that fosters self-directed, asynchronous, proficiency-based online learning.