2021 Sessions | Teaching and Learning with Technology

Each session title is linked to a recording of the presentation. Use the password you were given when attending the conference to access each presentation.

10:30 – 10:55 a.m. – Screen 1

Engaging Students with Nearpod
Dana Martin
Conard High School, West Hartford Public Schools

During an unprecedented school year fraught with challenges juggling remote and in-person learning, Nearpod has helped to create interactive, shared learning experiences for all students. Google Slideshows created with the Nearpod add-on provide engaging lessons that allow for quick formative assessment and hold students accountable for their learning. Nearpod produces reports, and the data can inform instruction and provide information for students with IEPs, 504s, and more. The advantages of using Nearpod surely extend beyond this school year as the benefits have positively changed my lessons and helped inspire a more creative classroom. Feedback from students has been also been positive.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Nearpod
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

10:30 – 10:55 a.m. – Screen 2

Curriculum Design for Student-Centered Learning: Practical Technology Tips & Tricks
Bryan Kirby
Norwalk Public Schools
Jessica Stargardter
Norwalk Public Schools

Unlock the key to student-centered learning by integrating technology into your curriculum design process. Learn practical tips and tricks that you can try in your classroom tomorrow! Student-centered learning can increase student engagement in hybrid, remote, and in-person learning environments. Hear from teachers who are using these strategies to engage all learners. Participants will walk away with curriculum design tips and accommodations for gifted, special education, and English language learners–as well as lots of resources!

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include:
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 6, 7, 8
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

10:30 – 10:55 a.m. – Screen 3

Code Anywhere: Programming on Any Device
Andrew Abate
Riverdale Country School

In this session, learn about Repl.it, the online coding interface to incorporate collaborative programming in your classroom. We will examine how to use this device-independent coding platform to create programs and projects in several different languages including Java, Python, Swift, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. We will also discuss best practices and strategies on how to use the repl.it platform for the classroom including creating student coding tasks, collaborating in real time, and submitting student work for in-person, hybrid, and remote learning scenarios.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: it (https://repl.it)
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Mathematics
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate – Expert

11:00 – 11:25 a.m. – Screen 1

Leveraging Technology Resources to Support Literacy Learning
Download Dr. Richards’ Slides Here
Susannah Richards
Eastern CT State University

What are the ways that we leverage technology to increase student equity and access to learning? This session will provide an overview of Internet sites, technology tools, and strategies that may help increase student success in terms of literacy and content delivery. Highlights will include strategies to build schema and demonstrate comprehension in textual and visual formats. While the overall focus will be on literacy, examples will feature content from mathematics, science, and social studies.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

11:00 – 11:25 a.m. – Screen 2

Beyond the Classroom Walls: Engaging, Assessing & Communicating with All Learners
Sarah Harris
Wethersfield Public School

Student engagement and assessment can be particularly challenging in a hybrid or remote classroom. This workshop will focus on tools and strategies to engage both in-person and remote learners through opportunities for communication, collaboration, and formative assessment. We will explore four tools (Jamboard, Whiteboard.fi, Pear Deck, and GoGuardian) with a focus on how they can be used to deliver instruction that is accessible and engaging for both in-person and remote learners, differentiated to address individual needs, and infused with formative assessment practices to ensure that we get to know our students as individual learners.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Jamboard, Whiteboard.fi, Pear Deck, GoGuardian
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

11:00 – 11:25 a.m. – Screen 3

Integrating Webcam Software with Virtual Teaching for Engagement
Stacy Hayden
University of Connecticut

In response to the pandemic, teachers are utilizing video conferencing software more than ever. Teachers quickly learned how to best utilize online video platforms; however, there is so much more that can be done to make class time engaging. In this session, the presenter will share her experiences teaching English to students in China virtually and the webcam software used to engage learners. CamTwist, ManyCam, and OBS are webcam software that can be used with any video conferencing program. Participants will learn how this software can enhance their teaching in the virtual classroom, regardless of age or subject.

This presentation will focus more on how to use a specific app.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: ManyCam, OBS, CamTwist
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

11:30 – 11:55 a.m. – Screen 1

Getting Started with Digital Notebooks
Carla Woitovich
East Lyme Middle School

This session is for educators who are new to digital notebooks and are interested in learning how to get started making one. During this session, participants will have the opportunity for hands-on practice as they follow along with the instructor. We will review how to make a basic digital notebook and discuss best practices for using them.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include:
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice

11:30 – 11:55 a.m. – Screen 2

Remote Learning with Virtual Instruction and Multimedia
Jeffrey Spivey
Coventry Public Schools

With the incredible amount of reliance on engaging students through virtual learning brought about by COVID-19, this presentation will showcase tools for teachers who want to strategize ways to make impactful educational experiences through remote learning. Teachers will be able to see how they can create virtual lessons that include time for reflection, engagement, and formative assessment. See how to use cloud-based recordings and presentation platforms to transform your online instruction and provide students with relevant instruction.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: EdPuzzle, Screencastify, YouTube
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate – Expert

11:30 – 11:55 a.m. – Screen 3

Virtual Robots: Coding and Robotics with a Virtual Bot!
Andrew Abate
Riverdale Country School

Teach the principles of coding and robotics right from your browser using a virtual robot. With VEXcode VR, students can code a virtual robot using either a block-based coding environment or in a text-based environment using Python. No software installations or logins required! Code the virtual robot to drive or use a variety of sensors such as distance, eye, bumpers, or magnets! With a variety of activities, lesson plans, and different playgrounds to choose from, this is a great platform to introduce students to coding while exploring principles of robotics hands-on all from the browser!

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include:
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Mathematics, Science
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate – Expert

12:00 – 12:25 p.m. – Screen 1

BrainPOP: More than Just Videos!
Leah Brown-Swanson
Roger Ludlowe Middle School

Nicki Callahan
Roger Ludlowe Middle School

BrainPOP has many features that teachers can use for instruction and to deepen understanding for their students on a wide range of topics. The movies that students have always loved are still there, but there are quizzes that can be assigned after the video to check for understanding. Most videos have related readings that allow students to explore topics in more depth. Students can also create videos, concept maps, and coding projects to share their learning. Leah Brown-Swanson has taken the BrainPOP course to become a certified BrainPOP Educator.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: BrainPOP
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

12:00 – 2:25 p.m. – Screen 2

Curating Learning with Wakelet
Becky Renegar
Milton Union Exempted Village Schools

As students take on the important tasks of learning how to find, evaluate, and use information, it is part of our role as educators to facilitate that process. Enter Wakelet, an online bookmarking application that allows people to collaborate as they curate boards of resources together. Wakelet houses URLs, videos, text, images, and other online media in a visually appealing and user-friendly manner that keeps everything organized and accessible. In this session, participants will learn how to leverage Wakelet for student learning, engaging them in collaborative research that enables them as contributors to their learning and the learning of others.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Wakelet (www.wakelet.com)
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

12:00 – 12:25 p.m. – Screen 3

Build Positive Culture and Climate with Canva (and Adobe Spark!)
Carlye Kohs
Regional School District 17 / Haddam-Killingworth High School

Ann Deibert
Regional School District 17 / Haddam-Killingworth High School

After the last crazy 14 months, it is more important than ever to share and celebrate our students’ accomplishments. For the past few years, we have been using Canva and Adobe Spark Post to celebrate special events, class functions, school productions, sports team news, and more. More importantly, we’ve been putting the word out in the places most convenient for students and families–social media! By sharing and celebrating the school and our students in this way and sharing through Instagram and Twitter, we have been able to create and build on a positive and healthy school climate.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Canva, Adobe Spark Post
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice

1:30 – 1:55 p.m. – Screen 1

Clips for Class
Veronica Lima
Darien High School

Allyson Power
Ridgefield High School

This lively session will introduce participants to the versatile Clips application. Presenters will share several sample Clips and then give participants a step-by-step tour of the app. Participants will learn how to use their own photos and live videos, the Clips library of posters, stickers, and emojis, and even dubbing and subtitles to create getting-to-know-you videos, mini-films for unit introductions, voice-over and dubbing projects, and much more! Please have an iPhone or iPad ready so that you can follow along! There will be time for sharing and Q&A.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Clips for iPad and iPhone
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate – Expert

1:30 – 1:55 p.m. – Screen 2

Differentiation Made Easier with GradeCam
Becky Renegar
Milton-Union Exempted Village Schools

Providing students with specific and timely feedback is essential for their academic growth. GradeCam is an app that helps teachers manage grading, feedback, and data analysis. With this program, teachers can create individualized answer documents, scan student work (pencil/paper tasks and digital), and utilize auto-grading functions to generate student and item-specific reports. In this session, participants will learn how to use GradeCam to create and score assignments and generate reports that will enable them to differentiate and target student learning.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: GradeCam
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

1:30 – 1:55 p.m. – Screen 3

Learn to Code by Building iPhone, Android, and Web Apps with Thunkable
Andrew Abate
Riverdale Country School

In this session, we will discuss how students can learn the principles of computer science and programming by building iPhone, Android, and web apps using Thunkable, an online coding and development platform. Using Thunkable’s drag and drop interface, students apply the fundamentals of app design and programming to build mobile applications for Android, iOS, and the web using the same code blocks! During the session, we will examine the Thunkable platform and build some basic mobile applications that you can run directly on your own device, and you’ll learn some programming concepts along the way!

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Thunkable (www.thunkable.com)
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate – Expert

2:00 – 2:25 p.m. – Screen 1

Remote and In-Person Learning – Using FlipGrid and Pear Deck
Laura McCaffrey
Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools

Liz Plasky
St. Mary School

This presentation will demonstrate how the schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford are integrating FlipGrid and Pear Deck in their lesson plans for both remote learners and in-person instruction. We will show examples of both programs of how teachers in the Archdiocese of Hartford are using FlipGrid and Pear Deck in their classrooms, and also how they are multitasking and using them with their remote learners. Attendees will leave this session with examples of how to use these two programs in their lesson plans. The examples will be for upper elementary and middle school grades.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include:
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Mathematics, Social Studies
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

2:00 – 2:25 p.m. – Screen 2

Technology Integration and Social Justice Curriculum
Jessica Stargardter
Norwalk Public Schools

Bryan Kirby
Norwalk Public Schools

Enhance your social justice curriculum with technology integration! Come to this session to learn how two teachers are incorporating technology into conversations, assignments, and projects about social issues. With increased access to news sources and social media, students need a place to talk about these issues now more than ever. This session will outline ways to build relationships, inspire student-led discussions, and empower future leaders through a technology-infused, social justice focused classroom.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include:
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Language Arts, Social Studies
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate – Expert

2:00 – 2:25 p.m. – Screen 3

Quick Tips for Using Google Rubrics
Brooke Kleinman
Horace W. Porter School

Using rubrics to grade assignments offers both teachers and students many benefits. I will show you some shortcuts for making quick, effective, and fairly scored rubrics on Google Classroom.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include:
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies,
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

# # #

2:30 – 2:55 p.m. – Screen 1

Video Recording and Live Streaming with OBS Studio
Del Siegle
University of Connecticut

Although Zoom and WebEx allow for recording presentations, sometimes students and educators want more control over the presentation format. OBS Studio is a free app that allows users to customize input windows that can vary in size, shape, and location on the screen. Now you and your students can create professional-looking broadcast presentations.

This presentation will focus more on how to use a specific app.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: OBS Studio
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Social Studies
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Intermediate

2:30 – 2:55 p.m. – Screen 2

Engaging Students with Baamboozle
Becky Renegar
Milton Union Exempted Village Schools

Educators have long known that games and play are some of the best ways to engage student attention and motivation for learning. In remote environments, this is even more important, especially when students are reluctant participants to video meetings. Baamboozle is a website that enables teachers to quickly create and share educational games that can be played quickly–online or in person, without a need for student logins or devices. In this session, learn how to find, create, and play games in Baamboozle that cover a wide span of content and engage your students in active participation and learning.

This presentation will focus more on how to use specific apps.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Baamboozle
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate

2:30 – 2:55 p.m. – Screen 3

Integrating High Yield Strategies Across All Learning Models (In-Person, Hybrid, and Remote)

(Supplemental Resources in Addition to the Video Recording)

Cathie Drury
Coventry Public Schools

Kara Hennessey
Coventry Public Schools

Reaching and connecting with students is essential to supporting student growth, especially during these challenging times. This presentation is designed to connect the dots between technology tools and best practices in the classroom utilizing Hattie and Marzano’s strategies to support student engagement and inform instruction, no matter your district’s instructional model. We will provide resources and strategies to integrate across grade levels and disciplines to support integrating feedback and formative assessments into your daily practices.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: G Suite for Education, Jamboard, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, Padlet, Seesaw
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Intermediate

3:00 – 3:25 p.m. – Screen 1

Research is More Than Googling: Making Research Fun by Using Technology to Collect and Interpret Data
Del Siegle
University of Connecticut

When students think of research, they usually think about looking something up on the Internet and writing a report. However, a more exciting type of research exists that involves collecting and analyzing data. Students of all ages love to pose questions and search for answers. We will also share how to use existing, free, or low-cost software to better understand data and make research more meaningful for your students.

This presentation will focus more on how to use a specific app.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Living Earth, Post IT, Dollar Street, Gapminder
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice

3:00 – 3:25 p.m. – Screen 2

SEL Implementation Practices and Strategies for Educators
Slides with Links for this Presentation are Here
Lisa Zielinski
Jane Ryan Elementary School

Lauren Zielinski
University of Connecticut

With many schools either remote or hybrid due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social-emotional learning (SEL) many times gets pushed to the back-burner. Now more than ever, SEL needs to be our focus as a powerful tool to connect with our students and their feelings. We will discuss strategies for managing anxiety and worry as well as improving positive social connections. We have effectively utilized daily Google form check-ins into our distance learning schedule this past year. We will share creative ideas for incorporating many different engaging curriculum areas into these check-ins. Another way to effectively utilize these check-ins is to use them as mini-lessons including a variety of components of SEL such as empathy, friendship, respect, growth mindset, bullying, diversity appreciation, anger management, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and understanding gender. These daily check-ins can also be adapted to be used as a warm-up for learning to come. We will discuss the importance of SEL as it relates to and supports both student and teacher wellness. SEL instruction helps students learn coping strategies around their worries and stress. It also creates a safe, inclusive learning environment where students’ feelings are validated by talking about their emotions and behaviors. SEL allows students to heal and grow through challenges by building connections with both teachers and peers. Finally, we will discuss the many real-world life skills children will develop as a result of SEL including problem-solving, self-regulation, communication, positive choices, tolerance for differences, and relationship building.

This presentation will focus more on an effective online teaching strategy.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: Google forms, go noodle, youtube, epic books.
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration, Art, Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate -Expert

3:00 – 3:25 p.m. – Screen 3

EOS-503: Game-Based Teacher Preparation & Professional Development
Find Information about the Two Summers Program Here
Colter Moos
University of Connecticut

Stephen Slota
University of Connecticut

This presentation will showcase EOS-503, an in-development browser-based game for teaching and assessment of problem-solving and instructional technology integration skills. Born of a collaboration between the University of Connecticut’s ‘Two Summers’ Educational Technology Program and the Digital Media & Design Program, EOS-503 encourages users to explore a fictitious space station, dialog with a variety of stakeholders, and help them overcome richly authentic challenges. We will discuss the game’s development process, demonstrate some early gameplay, and describe its potential applications for pre- and in-service K-12 and college-level educators.

This presentation will focus more on how to use a specific app.
App(s) featured in this presentation include: EOS-503
This presentation is appropriate for the following grades: K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Content from this presentation can be applied to the following: Administration
The presenter indicated individuals with the following skill levels will find this presentation useful: Novice – Intermediate -Expert