Midwest Summit Spring 2017

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Are we preparing students for the jobs of the future and equipping them with the skills they need? Are you able to deliver computer science to your students today or are you looking for ways to do so? Join Google Certified Trainer and Innovator Michael Jaber for a discussion of computer science, why it’s important and how you can help your students learn about computer science and enhance their CS skills.