Midwest Summit Spring 2017: Full Schedule

The Spring Midwest Summit is a two-day, hands-on conference focusing on integrating Google for Education in K-12 and Higher Ed learning environments. All presentations will be from Google for Education Certified Innovators and Certified Trainers, and local Googley talent!

Midwest Summit Site
Midwest Summit Resources
Conference Center Map
Sign Up for Breakout Edu Sessions Here

9:15am CDT

Coding, Digital Citizenship and the 4C’s

Coding, digital citizenship, collaboration and innovation are the new necessary skills that need to find place in today's curriculum. Learn how one district makes this possible. Rather you are a media specialist, classroom teacher or technology integrator this session will allow you to increases your students experiences, exposures, and skill sets to the world beyond your classroom. Various resources and tools will be shared to include both coding, digital citizenship while embracing the 4C’s in your classroom. From kindergarten to middle school help your students learn the skills for tomorrow’s jobs.

Speakers

David Lockstein

Aggie Salter

ITS, CESA 5

Agnieszka Salter (@AggieSalterITS) is the Technology Integration Specialist for CESA5. Aggie is a Google Educator and Google Education Trainer, iPad/Tablet and Flipped Classroom certified educator who provides training for various districts. Aggie has spent several years as the Technology... Read More →

GS2017 pdf

Monday March 13, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Sandstone 3

9:15am CDT

A+ Integration: Changing Attitude, Achievement and Assessment through Authentic Audiences

We want our students to create quality work with an attitude that portrays that what they’re doing matters. Far too often, students feel that their work is trivial, thus they do the bare minimum to get the projects done. As teachers, we strive to change this mindset. It is essential to show students that what they do in school has meaning and value outside the four walls of our classrooms. This session will focus on tools and strategies that will help increase student engagement and performance by using authentic audiences. As a technology coach, I have seen first hand how students' engagement dramatically increases when they know their work will have a real audience. Come learn how to successfully integrate technology to make student work significant and meaningful.

Speakers

Jamie Averbeck

Instructional Technology and Data AssessmentCoordinator, Ashwaubenon School District

Follow me @AverbeckTech

Mandy Schroeder

Technology Integration Coach, Ashwaubenon Public Schools

I work with all learners to help determine the best use of technology in the classroom in order to grow innovative thinkers. I am the technology integration coach for 4K through 12th grade in Ashwaubenon, WI. I am also a Certified Google Educator and a Seesaw Ambassador.

Monday March 13, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Wilderness 4

9:15am CDT

Manage Your Life, Classroom, and Work With Free Google API Tools

Throw away the sticky notes stuck below your keyboard, say goodbye to lost files and documents in the analog and digital world, manage a personalized classroom of 40 students doing 40 different tasks at once, and/or plan a wedding or birthday party. It's all possible with free tools that sync with Drive for immediate file access, and give you the ability to save to your Google Calendar. This session WILL get you organized and inspired.

Speakers

Cory Klinge

Instructional Excellence Coordinator, Eden Prairie Schools, MN

Cory Klinge has 15 years of education and technology experience. He is an Instructional Excellence Coordinator for Eden Prairie Schools in Eden Prairie, MN. Cory earned his Masters of Arts in Education at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He is an adjunct instructor at St Mary's... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Tundra C/D

9:15am CDT

Avenge Your Gmail!

We all fall into that trap where our Gmail gets away from us! It’s time to heed the call and take all of that back as you work your way from SHIELD Agent to full fledged Avenger! Suit up and strap in as we explore features in Gmail that you can use to become a hero of all things messaging. Digital badges can be earned during this session as well! Gmail Avengers Assemble!

Speakers

Chad Kafka

Technology Integration Specialist, Franklin Public Schools

Chad Kafka works as a district Technology Integration Specialist for Franklin Public Schools in Wisconsin where he collaborates with teachers to enhance students' learning. Chad enjoys presenting and networking with educators at the state and national level. Chad has presented for... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Wilderness 2/5

beginner, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach

9:15am CDT

New Google Sites: Beyond Websites, Structuring Inquiry Based Learning

This session provides educators with the necessary supports to allow students to use the new Google Sites. Specifically, we will focus on a brief overview of the new Google Sites’ features and then provide instructional strategies for structuring inquiry based learning experiences. The New Google Sites tool is a great way for educators to scaffold projects, while still affording learners opportunities for personalization. We will also connect to how other G-Suite apps can be integrated into these student sites.

Speakers

Caroline Haebig

Innovative, Inclusive Learning Consultant & Coach

Caroline D. Haebig works for the School District of New Berlin, a pK-12 district, in New Berlin, WI leading change by redefining learning using maker technology and design thinking, specializing in coaching for educators and administrators.

Monday March 13, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Tundra E/F

beginner, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | good for administrators, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach

9:15am CDT

OK Google, What's New?

Things are getting better all the time! Come learn about some of the recent updates to Google for Education you can use with other educators and students! We will explore Google Cast for Education, Quizzes, Expeditions, and updates to Sites, Slides and Classroom to get started. Bring your questions and we'll try to get some answers.

Speakers

Stacy Behmer

Coordinator of Digital Learning/Media Services, Grant Wood AEA

Stacy is a former elementary and middle school teacher and also spent some time as a district technology director. She is currently the Coordinator of Digital Learning & Media Services at Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she works with a team of digital learning consultants... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Sandstone 8/9

10:30am CDT

I Do! The Marriage of Literacy and Digital Learning

Literacy and digital learning go hand in hand! During this session, participants will hear about ways to merge the two worlds together. The presenter will give several lesson ideas for writing, reading, and speaking/listening, and then the group will work in grade level bands to brainstorm additional ideas for integration.

Speakers

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District

Jen is a Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialist for the School District of West De Pere. Jen has a passion for creatively blending the world of literacy and technology. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics including Google Apps... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Wilderness 4

10:30am CDT

Digital Storytelling- Let’s explore the power of for visual creation!

Harness the power of Google Apps for Education GAFE to create a multitude of audio and video projects. Give students a voice in your classroom, provide alternative methods to demonstrate mastery, and create opportunities for peer evaluation. In this session, we will explore how to create audio-video projects that showcase student learning. Participants will learn a variety of tools to create products of learning and explore tools to create their own products to take back to their classrooms. We will look at the process from creation to award shows and all the steps in between. The use of Google Slides, Forms, Classroom, Docs and more will be infused into this session to produce dynamic learning products. The session would be a show and share and then participants creating their own products.

Speakers

Ben Brazeau

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Shawano School District

Ben Brazeau is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Shawano School District, and adjunct professor at UWGB. He has infused technology to create engaging lessons for students in his own classroom and now supports teachers to integrate technology with their students. Ben is... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Sandstone 3

advanced, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher | beginner, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher | intermediate, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher

10:30am CDT

Gamify EVERYTHING with Google Tools

Join me for a totally "geeked-out" gamified session experience where you will learn how to leverage Google Sites, Sheets, Docs and more to gamify your classroom. Quality pedagogy will be our star pilot, but good old fashioned fun will be our goal as we explore how to get students excited, motivated, and engaged in your class. Finally, as with all of my sessions, you'll leave with a ton of usable templates, tools, and resources to use however you see fit.

Speakers

Cory Klinge

Instructional Excellence Coordinator, Eden Prairie Schools, MN

Monday March 13, 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Tundra C/D

advanced, Instructional coach, Teacher | intermediate, Instructional coach, Teacher

10:30am CDT

Enhancing Student-Centered Learning with Inquiry

This session will focus on student-centered learning that is driven by inquiry-based learning. Inquiry-based learning is an active learning approach that focuses on questioning, critical thinking, and problem solving. Utilizing inquiry-based learning within your classroom will promote student-centered learning and building student understanding and ownership of their learning. This session will focus on ways to integrate GAFE, Google Web Apps/Add-Ons, and iPad creation apps to support inquiry. We will look at the importance of “checking for understanding” and how formative assessment can be used to improve student achievement. During the session, we will also discuss the design principles for inquiry-based learning activities/projects and strategies for students to reflect and provide peer feedback. You’ll come away with hands-on experiences, sample lessons/activities, and best practices/classroom applications.

Speakers

Jennifer Schlie-Reed

Digital Learning Coach, School District of New Berlin

Jennifer Schlie-Reed is an ISTE Emerging Leader (2014), a Google Certified Innovator, a Google for Education Trainer and a PBS Digital Innovator (2015). She is a Digital Learning Coach in the School District of New Berlin and works with educators in grades K-12. She has also taught... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Tundra E/F

beginner, Teacher, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

10:30am CDT

Personalize Learning with Google Arts and Culture!

Looking for ways to get kids excited about learning and to personalize their experiences? Look no further than the new and improved Google Arts and Cultural! The Institute is completely redesigned and is a user-friendly, immersive way to bring the world to our students. Using creation features already built into the Institute, students can create and share content while visiting places around the globe. Visit an art museum in Paris, take a journey through India, listen to a Holocaust survivor tell his story, or swim along the Great Barrier Reef all through the dynamic displays and resources in the Cultural Institute. After this hands on session you will have all that you need to get started the very next day!

Speakers

Tammy Lind

Instructional Technology Coach,Google Certified Trainer and Innovator

Tammy is an Instructional Coach in Southeastern Wisconsin. She is a Google Education Trainer and a Google Certified Innovator as well as an Intel Master Teacher. A former special education teacher, Tammy is passionate about finding web-based technologies to make the curriculum... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Sandstone 8/9

beginner, Teacher, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

10:30am CDT

Share Your Story: Podcasting with Chromebooks

Storytelling allows your students to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a multitude of forms. By using their voice in the form of Podcasting, students are given a creative outlet that allows interaction between peers and community through the broadcast of published work. The Podcasting process allows students develop creativity, work as a team, and communicate a story as they create rich, multimedia-driven and authentic projects. During this session we will break down the steps necessary in bringing Podcasting to your classroom, and will learn how to use the web-based tool, SoundTrap. You will walk away with tips and tricks on the Podcasting process as well as ways to implement this project type into your own learning environment.

Speakers

Corey Holmer

EdTech, Lake Forest High School

Corey Holmer is a Google Certified Innovator and authorized Google for Education Certified Trainer who leverages educational technologies to engage all learners. Corey has been recognized by the ISTE organization as the 2015 Outstanding Young Educator for his work in coaching and... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Wilderness 1

intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

1:30pm CDT

Google Apps Strategies for School Administrators

Speakers

Hank Thiele

Superintendent, Community High School District 99

Monday March 13, 2017 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Wilderness 2/5

1:30pm CDT

Go Go Gadgets

Come see and experience all of the interesting technology gadgets that are trending currently. Some are educational and some are just plain amazing to see in action. If you are a gadget person who loves to see the coolest educational and personal technologies around, then this is the session for you. Disclaimer: Impulsive buyers beware! Don't bring your wallet to this session because you will end up maxing out your credit card.

Speakers

Michael Jaber

Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Sheboygan Area School District

Michael Jaber is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for the Sheboygan Area School District in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Michael spent the first seventeen years of his career as a secondary social studies teacher for the Fond du Lac School District. After 17 years in the classroom... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Sandstone 8/9

1:30pm CDT

Crafting Creators: Using GSuite Tools to Develop Independence & Innovation

In this session, attendants will learn the many GSuite tools and tips used to facilitate students in the design process as they work on their own Genius Hour/20% Time Projects or other independent learning. From identifying problems, proposing solutions, research and evaluation, the GSuite Apps, Add-Ons and Extensions can make the process easier, more productive and more collaborative for students and teachers. Everyone will leave this session with something new that they can bring to their classrooms today!

Speakers

Jennifer Buelow

Teacher, CCSD15

As a National Board Certified middle school ELA teacher for the past 17 years, I have a passion for integrating technology to reach and teach all learners. I am a Google Certified Educator and Google Certified Trainer, and I love showing teachers how they can leverage the Google suite... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Glacier A/B

intermediate, Teacher, Technology Director, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Technology Director, Instructional coach

2:45pm CDT

Automate Classroom Processes with Google Sheets and Autocrat

Sick and tired of spending valuable planning time performing mundane and arduous tasks? Want to streamline classroom efficiency? Google Sheets, Autocrat, and Corey are here for you. In this hands-on session, users will learn the basics of Autocrat, a Google Sheets Add-on that allows mass creation of personalized documents, runs mail merges, and provides individualized student feedback. You will be amazed how simple it is to be a Google Sheets and Autocrat wizard.

Speakers

Corey Holmer

EdTech, Lake Forest High School

Monday March 13, 2017 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Tundra A/B

2:45pm CDT

Thinking Outside the Docs: Using Google Slides & Drawings for Comics, Magazines, CYOAs, & More!

Google Slides and Drawings provide incredible options for students to create innovative demonstrations of knowledge. We will explore ways to create Choose-your-own-Adventure games, comic strips, interactive textbooks, magazines, movie poster templates, and even Pokemon Go character cards all within Google Slides and Drawings. Who even needs Google Docs?!

Speakers

Jon Spike

Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Integration Services, UW-Whitewater

Jon Spike started his career as a high school English teacher and K-12 Technology Coach. He currently works as a Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Integration Services at UW-Whitewater, collaborating with preservice teachers and College of Education instructors to leverage... Read More →

Monday March 13, 2017 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Wilderness 4

intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

8:30am CDT

Make Your Learning Vision A Reality

Developing and sustaining a district vision can be a daunting task. Learn how Downers Grove High School District 99 refined its vision for students to become more Collaborative, Reflective, and Empowered. This is being accomplished through collaborative leadership, purposeful technology adoption, and “just in time” professional development.This vision has been bolstered through 1:1 Chromebook utilization and G Suite adoption. During the session, you will have an opportunity to share your vision for student learning and apply techniques to begin to realize that vision.

Speakers

Lisa Lichtman

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Downers Grove North High School

Instructional Technology Coordinator at Downers Grove North High School.

Jon Orech

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Downers Grove South High School

Jon Orech taught English and coached football for 24 years before becoming the instructional technology coordinator at Downers Grove South High School in Illinois. He also is an instructor for Aurora University where he teaches Graduate classes in Instructional Technology. In the... Read More →

Gina Ziccardi

Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning, Community High School District 99

Gina Ziccardi has been the Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning in District 99 for four years. She also served as the Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, Social Studies Department Chair, and social studies teacher. This is her twenty-sixth year in educati... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2017 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Glacier A/B

advanced, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director | beginner, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director | intermediate, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director

8:30am CDT

Screencasting: Making Thinking Visible

Screencasting is a powerful way for students to visualize their thinking. This session will focus on integrating screencasting into your instructional practices and creating opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding. Screencasting allows students to practice speaking and listening skills, give and receive feedback and self-reflect on their learning. Screencasting can be integrated across content areas to create meaningful learning experiences that engage your students and promote the 4Cs. This session will focus on effective strategies for embedding screencasting tools into your learning environment. We will explore apps that can be integrated with G-Suite for Education including Screencastify, Movenote, Explain Everything, Lensoo Create and Snagit. Using these tools allows students to create and publish authentic artifacts that demonstrate mastery of classroom content and learning goals. You’ll come away with hands-on experiences, sample lessons, and best practice-based classroom application.

Speakers

Jennifer Schlie-Reed

Digital Learning Coach, School District of New Berlin

Tuesday March 14, 2017 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Tundra E/F

beginner, Teacher, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

8:30am CDT

What’s New with Google: Amplifying the 4C’s

The four C’s, communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, are the heart of an engaging, effective 21st century classroom. Experience this hands on session designed to introduce educators to some of Google’s newest tools all designed to bring the four C’s to life in the classroom. Come learn about how Google Classroom enhances communication by streamlining digital workflow and how Google Forms promotes critical thinking through its new quiz feature. See how Google Expeditions will spark creativity as students design and share landscapes and how Google Spaces improves collaboration by syncing all Google tools in one place. Not only will participants explore some of Google’s newest tools and features, they will also discover the direct correlation between Google and the four C’s, and will be prepared to increase student engagement, participation, and motivation.

Speakers

Corey Holmer

EdTech, Lake Forest High School

Tuesday March 14, 2017 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Wilderness 1

beginner, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach

8:30am CDT

Sharing Stories in Schools

Speakers

Hank Thiele

Superintendent, Community High School District 99

Tuesday March 14, 2017 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Tundra A/B

8:30am CDT

What's new in Chromebooks

Right now there are TONS of new Chromebooks coming to market, which ones are best, which ones are toughest, which ones are fastest, what should I buy? We will talk tools, buying practices and what's new in the Chrome hardware world!

Speakers

Karl Hehr

Director of Technology, Ames Community Schools

Tuesday March 14, 2017 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Tundra C/D

9:45am CDT

Expeditions and Beyond!

Come see how learning can soar to new heights by using Google Expeditions! Then we will examine other ways to have students experience VR using Google Arts & Culture, 360 Videos, Google Street View and other cardboard apps! Finally, we'll think about how we can have students create their own 360 or VR experiences! Field trips don't have to be culminating activities anymore!

Speakers

Stacy Behmer

Coordinator of Digital Learning/Media Services, Grant Wood AEA

Tuesday March 14, 2017 9:45am - 11:45am CDT
Sandstone 8/9

9:45am CDT

Where are they at?!: Visible Thinking Strategies & Formative Assessment

This session will provide an overview of specific visible thinking and formative assessment strategies that educators can take an use to check for understanding. We will show examples and examine how these tools and instructional strategies can best be used together to provide a meaningful learning experiences. Our goal is to have educators leave with a formative assessment activity they can directly implement into their classroom or next faculty meeting and professional learning session. We will leverage tools within Google Classroom, Google Forms and other features of Drive.

Speakers

Caroline Haebig

Innovative, Inclusive Learning Consultant & Coach

Tuesday March 14, 2017 9:45am - 11:45am CDT
Tundra E/F

9:45am CDT

Advance Forms and More

This two hour workshop will be a hands on session covering Google forms. We will look at some advanced features including add-ons, branching forms, and quizzes. This workshop will discuss the differences between Quizzes and the add-on Flubaroo and when to choose one over the other. Come spend two hours having fun with forms.

Speakers

Lance Lennon

Technology Director, Eagle Grove Community Schools

Lance Lennon has been in education for 20 + years, the last 18 have been as a technology director and technology integrationist. He is a Certified Casper Administrator, a DEN Star Educator, an Apple Teacher, a Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Administrator, and a Google... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2017 9:45am - 11:45am CDT
Tundra C/D

intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

12:45pm CDT

Using Google's Newest Apps, Extensions and Classroom to Create Engaging, Relevant and Meaningful Classroom Activities

Technology is an outstanding tool for enhancing students learning experiences and student outcomes. Come together with fellow educators to discover new tools to create meaningful, engaging and relevant learning environment, that will transform your classroom. We will cover newest Google apps, extensions, and Google Classroom tools for all grades and subjects (yes even math).

Speakers

Aggie Salter

ITS, CESA 5

GS2017 pdf

Tuesday March 14, 2017 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Sandstone 3

12:45pm CDT

Empowering Students through Feedback & Reflection

Collaboration and communication through the implementation of digital learning practices help prepare all students to succeed as lifelong learners. Formative assessment can be used to improve student achievement and, when students receive descriptive feedback on their work, they are able to analyze what they have done well and identify areas for improvement. Digital Tools including G Suite for Education and iPad apps can provide students with effective tools to help learners receive and provide feedback, along with opportunities to reflect on the learning outcomes. This session will focus on checking for understanding and providing targeted feedback and opportunities for reflection through the use of G Suite for Education tools, G Suite Add-Ons, Web Apps and iPad Apps. We will also look at the use of digital portfolios with the app Seesaw to create opportunities for students to give and receive meaningful feedback. You’ll come away with hands-on experiences, sample lessons/activities, and best practices/classroom applications for creating growth in the use of feedback through designing digital learning experiences.

Speakers

Jennifer Schlie-Reed

Digital Learning Coach, School District of New Berlin

Tuesday March 14, 2017 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Tundra E/F

beginner, Teacher, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Instructional coach

12:45pm CDT

Digital Differentiation

Differentiation is not something that can be downloaded; however, thanks to digital tools like Google Drive and Google Classroom, creating differentiated learning experiences has never been more achievable. Attendees of this session will receive an overview of the basics of differentiation theory and then delve into ways technology tools can support instruction that meets the needs of a diverse audience of learners.

Speakers

Joseph Tita

Manager of Instructional Technology, Lake Park High School

Tuesday March 14, 2017 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Glacier A/B

12:45pm CDT

Creating Karaoke Kids: Promoting Innovative Projects with GAFE and Digital Citizenship

Our students have entered a tipping point in internet culture - the era of negative commentary, cyber-bullying, and uncensored social media posts. So how do we cultivate "Karaoke Kids" - students who care about sharing their knowledge and giving judgement-free support to others who create?

In this session, we will talk about how to pursue innovative projects that encourage students to create projects that aim to teach others around the world, and how to breed a culture of supportive internet commentary through their peers' work. Topics will range from innovative video projects to creative visual arts, emphasizing Google Apps for Education and other tools that allow for commentary and sharing.

In addition, we will talk about how a "Karaoke Kid" culture inherently teaches Digital Citizenship without painful lectures and campy videos. Get ready to sing like no one's listening!

Speakers

Jon Spike

Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Integration Services, UW-Whitewater

Tuesday March 14, 2017 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Wilderness 4

beginner, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach | higher ed, Teacher, School Leader, Instructional coach