Instructional Technology Initiative / Leading Edge EdTech Summit

Leading Edge EdTech Summit

The Leading Edge EdTech Summit or LEETS is the premier professional learning experience geared toward building the bridge between educational technology research, policy, and practice; and the synergy between edtech thought leaders, experts, and LAUSD practitioners.

Theme:

“EdTech for Global Citizenship: Connecting Purpose, Planet, and People"

In the era of interconnected classrooms and digital innovation, the Leading Edge EdTech Summit or LEETS24 will explore how education technology serves as a catalyst for global citizenship, fostering connections to purpose, the planet, and people. The theme is inspired by the collective desire of educators and students to engage in meaningful, purpose-driven learning experiences.

LEETS24 Program
Saturday, March 2, 2024
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608

7:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST

8:30 a.m.

GRAND BALLROOM: WELCOME PLENARY

9:55 a.m.

Welcome

Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director
Soheil Katal, Chief Information Officer
Dr. Frances Baez, Chief Academic Officer
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho (Pre-Recorded)

Leading Edge Overview

The 2024 National EdTech Plan

Inspirational Stories

Trasey Nomachi, Climate Action Champion and Japanese Language Teacher
Dr. Jennifer Williams, Keynote Speaker

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 1 (50 mins)

Room: Grand Ballroom

Build the Change: Take Action with the UN SDGs

Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Williams (Take Action Global)

Let’s take action for the planet and for people with Learning through Play in K12 classrooms! Join global educator Jennifer Williams to "build the change" and create planet-friendly solutions in response to a global sustainability mini-mission based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Jump into a design challenge in this hands-on building Spark Session with LEGOs. Session attendees will have access to a library of LEGO Build the Change Mini-Missions and resources as offered for free by Take Action Global and LEGO Group.

Room: Producers and Writer-Director’s Rooms

iDREAM and Esports Pop-Up

Presenters: Soledad Aranda, Wen-Wen Cheng, Maria Franco, and Renee Sanchez, James Hicks, Fred Tapia (LAUSD)

Join us for an immersive session where you'll dive into Sustainable Development Goal or SDG #14, 'Life Below Water,' through the iDREAM (Immersive Delivery of Rigorous Experiences for Academic Mastery) and esports pilot. Explore marine and ocean challenges through hands-on activities in computer science, STEAM, maker, and esports. Discover the interconnectedness between innovative technologies, effective teaching and learning practices, and flexible learning environments. By the end of the session, you'll have a deeper understanding of SDG #14 and the skills to tackle real-world marine and ocean challenges. Don't miss out!

Room: Studio I

Inspire Students to Make Small Changes That Make a Significant Impact!

Presenter: Sarah Johangiry (Discovery Education)

Join Discovery Education to learn about engaging lessons and interactives that will empower students to take on local sustainability challenges in their own communities. Educators will walk away with resources that will encourage students to learn about young changemakers, explore real world solutions they can make today, and learn how to lead us to a healthier world.

Room: Studio II

Express Yourself With Adobe Express: A Magical Journey into Creativity

Presenters: Martin Cisneros, Jackson Shaad, and Jeffery Heil (Adobe)

Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of digital creativity with "Unleash Your Inner Artist: Fun and Easy Steps with Adobe Express." This engaging, hands-on workshop is designed for educators, leaders, and aspiring creatives who wish to explore the boundless possibilities of Adobe Express. Why is this important? In a world increasingly driven by visual communication, the ability to quickly create, edit, and share eye-catching graphics, videos, and web pages is more essential than ever. Adobe Express, known for its user-friendly interface, offers a powerful platform for rich visual storytelling in every classroom, grade level, and subject-area!

Room: Studio III

Breaking News: The Power of Podcasting

Presenters: Matthew Piwowarczyk and Michelle Touceda (LAUSD)

How can the medium of podcasting be leveraged to empower students to explore global issues? Learn how to collaborate on Soundtrap to create a newscast and share world news.

Room: Studio IV

Empowering Student Leaders to Build Digital Citizenship Competencies

Presenters: Gabriel Duran, Haifa Hamdan, and Lisandra Navarro-Perez (LAUSD)

Attendees will hear from student leaders on how they create a school wide digital citizenship culture. Including how schools can leverage AI tools in a positive and ethical manner. Teacher and administrator will speak on building student capacity in order to create a sustainable program and school wide efforts to keep digital citizenship at the forefront of our work. You will walk away with strategies, templates and new ideas to integrate digital citizenship on Monday.

Room: Terrace A

Flocabulary’s ‘Week in Rap’: Fostering a Community of Global Citizens

Presenter: Dr. Mervin Jenkins (Flocabulary by Nearpod)

Using the Week in Rap “WiR” Fostering a community of global citizens by exposing the youth to worldwide current events that inspire them to be knowledgeable and purposeful with the impact they want to make in this world.

Room: Terrace B

Global Citizenship: Fostering Curiosity for a Better Tomorrow

Presenters: Eve Aguilera and Patricia Tyler (LAUSD)

In this session, we will discuss how to create an environment that fosters students' sense of curiosity in solving personal issues leading to global challenges and local impact by using digital technology, instilling hope and empowerment.

Room: Terrace C

Global Voices, Tech Choice: Nurturing Global Citizenship through TechTales

Presenters: Gloria Amador and Violet Avelar-Romo (LAUSD)

“Global Voices Tech Choices: Nurturing Global Citizenship through TechTales" integrates Global Citizenship themed picture books with Educational Technology Tools to ignite Student Agency and foster the next generation of Global Citizens. The fusion of literature and technology connects learners to their purpose, deepens their understanding of the planet, and nurtures their sense of global responsibility. In this transformative space, learners evolve into informed, purpose-driven individuals that are poised for a future, where their actions contribute positively to the global community as People with Purpose and Power on this Planet!

Room: Terrace D

Preschoolers and Technology: Growing Global Conversationalists, Curators, and Creators in the Preschool Classroom and Beyond

Presenters: Sandy Dominguez, Scarlett Ramirez Holguin, Adam Ramirez, Stacey Ramirez, and Sasha Simon (LAUSD)

In this session, participants will define what global conversations look like in the preschool classroom, engage in a nature walk and create a digital reflection to communicate their learning with their preschool peers.

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 2 (50 mins)

Room: Grand Ballroom

Chat and Book Signing with Dr. Williams

Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Williams (Take Action Global)

Join an intimate conversation with Keynote Speaker Dr. Jennifer Williams and for an opportunity to get your copy of the book “Teach Boldly” signed by her.

Room: Producers and Writer-Director’s Rooms

iDREAM and Esports Pop-Up

Presenters: Soledad Aranda, Wen-Wen Cheng, Maria Franco, Renee Sanchez, James Hicks, and Fred Tapia (LAUSD)

Room: Studio I

No Permission Slips or Passports Required! Dive Into Virtual Field Trips with Discovery Education!

Presenter: Sarah Johangiry (Discovery Education)

Discovery Education’s virtual experiences let educators take students beyond the walls of their classroom to amazing places. As students travel to diverse locations, they will make connections to conservation and sustainability efforts and learn how we can all come together to create solutions to care for people, our planet, and communities. Join us to learn about engaging resources and ready-to-use lessons.

Room: Studio II

Fantasy Fabrication: Weave Magic into Learning with Adobe’s Challenges

Presenters: Martin Cisneros, Jackson Shaad, and Jeffery Heil (Adobe)

In this interactive and immersive workshop, you'll dive deep into the world of Adobe Express through two engaging design challenges. This session is tailored to not only enhance your proficiency in using Adobe Express's advanced features but also to equip you with innovative strategies for integrating design challenges into your educational curriculum, no matter the grade level or subject area. You'll gain hands-on experience in crafting and customizing your own unique challenges, tailored to inspire and motivate your students. By participating in this session, you'll walk away with valuable skills to foster creativity and digital literacy in your classroom, leveraging the full potential of Adobe Express!

Room: Studio III

Language and Equity in Training AI: Leverage the Power of Words

Presenter: Dr. Saul Duarte (LAUSD)

This session will explore why and how AI Machine Learning models can empower educators to teach students the power of words in the development of AI programs. From a brief description of AI’s influence on social media, digital citizenship, and equity, educators will explore how to use and create their Machine Learning Models to teach students the way AI models are created through our own words.

Room: Studio IV

Uplevel your Instruction with Pear Deck Engagement

Presenter: Amber Trout (GoGuardian)

Discover how to create engaging lessons that captivate your students' attention and ensure full participation using the Pear Deck Add-on! This session will walk you through the process of incorporating formative assessments, polls, and interactive activities into your presentations, as well as leveraging templates to elevate your slides. Plus, gain valuable insights from real-world examples to foster an interactive and stimulating classroom environment with Pear Deck, suitable for any educational setting.

Room: Terrace A

Empowering Future Innovators with OctoStudio

Presenters: Sandra Castro and Lorena Cisneros (LAUSD)

Our world is full of creative possibilities and opportunities. This workshop will showcase how technology engages children in meaningful ways. In the process of creating, we will develop a solution to a global problem with OctoStudio using 21st century skills, engagement, a growth mindset, collaboration, critical thinking, and inclusion.

Room: Terrace B

#InspireInclusion: Centering the Needs, Interests, & Aspirations of Women and Girls In All Spaces

Presenters: Dr. Christine Gayle Corpus, Sandra Cuautle Herrera, and Rohya Prudhomme (LAUSD)

Join our session as we learn how to use Canva Video Editor to #InspireInclusion and amplify the voices of women and girls worldwide. In this interactive experience, participants will have the opportunity to see firsthand how Canva Video Editor can be utilized to invite students to collaborate, create, and speak out about issues they care about both locally and globally. We welcome all participants to join us in accelerating women’s equality as part of this year’s International Women’s Day. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion by celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Room: Terrace C

Integrating Computer Science in Special ED & World Languages

Presenters: Carmen Callen, Michelle Peraza, and Victor Hugo Rodriguez (LAUSD)

Integrating platforms like Code.org and Makeblock into your SPED curriculum, you can create engaging and accessible learning experiences that empower students with disabilities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and coding skills. With the right support and resources, SPED students can thrive in the exciting world of computer science.

Room: Terrace D

Challenge for Change: A Learning Framework

Presenter: Marco Torres (Apple Education)

Spark active learning in your classroom and lead change in your community with Challenge Based Learning (CBL) — a collaborative learning experience in which teachers and students work together to learn about compelling issues, global and local issues that are affecting us all today, propose solutions to real problems, and take action. Explore fun and engaging activities designed to help learners of all ages develop better questions, investigate ideas, and create and implement solutions throughout the CBL process.

11:50 a.m.

Lunch Break

12:50 p.m.

Grand Ballroom:
Lunch Reception

Producers’ and Writer-Director’s Rooms:
iDREAM and Esports Pop-Up

12:50 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 3 (50 mins)

Room: Grand Ballroom

Gaming for Green: Level Up Los Angeles and Esports for Climate Action

Presenters: Raquel Cordova, Jamie Galgana, and Derrick Walker (LAUSD)

Join us for an interactive panel presentation where climate literacy champions and gaming enthusiasts come together to share their experiences with esports and climate action through the lens of Level Up Los Angeles. Engage in a moderated conversation followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Room: Studio I

Explore Real Challenges and Develop Possible Solutions Through STEM Connect

Presenter: Sarah Johangiry (Discovery Education)

Join us to learn about Discovery Education's interdisciplinary K-8 resource that blends dynamic digital content with ready-to-use lessons and hands-on activities to enhance core curriculum and cultivate design thinking to prepare students for the future. Built around the 4Cs framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, STEM Connect purposefully integrates across disciplines and provides the necessary resources for teachers to introduce students to real-world problems related to climate action, clean water and sanitation, sustainable communities, and much more.

Room: Studio II

Bridging Borders: Fostering Global Citizenship and Connection with Book Creator

Presenters: Catherine Cappiello and Jen Cousins (Book Creator)

Join us as we explore how Book Creator can help educators and students worldwide be better global citizens and help them connect with their goals, the Earth & each other. In this session, we'll delve into innovative approaches for using Book Creator to empower individuals to become active global citizens, equipped with the skills and awareness to address pressing global challenges. From cultivating empathy and cultural understanding to promoting environmental consciousness and fostering understanding and empathy. Discover how Book Creator serves as a powerful tool for sparking meaningful dialogue and collaboration across borders. We will uncover how Book Creator can be used to document personal experiences, goals, and aspirations.

Room: Studio III

Growing Global Citizens with BrainPOP

Presenter: Michele Robinson and Marley Zeno (BrainPOP)

Join us for a hands-on session on fostering global citizenship with BrainPOP! Learn strategies for empowering students as investigators and creators who will have a global impact. Leave with an understanding of how BrainPOP can support your students building literacy and computational thinking.

Room: Studio IV

Unlocking Learning Potential with Pear Practice - Where Practice Meets Progress

Presenter: Amber Trout (GoGuardian)

Connect with students, eliminate distractions, and gain back valuable teaching time with GoGuardian Teacher. Our leading classroom management software offers real-time views of student screens, the ability to pre-populate tabs on student devices, chat with students during sessions, and more. Join us to learn the basics and best practices of GoGuardian Teacher, and see just how powerful this teaching tool can be!

Room: Terrace A

Nurture and Develop Student Voice with Seesaw

Presenter: Danielle Orange-Scott and Gabbie Rittikaidachar (Seesaw)

Seesaw is a learning experience platform designed specifically for elementary students to share the power of their voice and thinking. Designed around solving a real world problem, this session will teach participants how to capture student thinking in the classroom in ways that are joyful for students and a low lift for educators. After engaging in an interactive activity showcasing Seesaw’s multimodal tools in action, participants will leave with ideas and sharing resources that can be used immediately. Seesaw is currently available to all TK - 5 educators in LAUSD.

Room: Terrace B

Empowering Students Through Tech- Connect

Presenters: Alejandro Flores and Delmy Hernandez (LAUSD)

Participants will be able to learn, share, and take ideas of using technology in the classroom as a gateway of connecting students to the world they live in. The session will focus on students building meaningful interactions with tech such as students collaborating with grade level peers through video calls, building prototypes to solve for a specific real life issue/cause, and gaining insight on how A.I may promote and provide meaningful student interactions.

Room: Terrace C

Enhancing Global Citizenship Through Canva for Education

Presenter: Amy DeLair (Canva for Education)

In this workshop, we will delve into the world of Canva for Education to discover how this platform can be a powerful tool in fostering global citizenship among students. Through hands-on activities focused on designing visual content, educators will learn practical ways to incorporate Canva into their lesson plans, encouraging students to think critically and creatively about global issues. Step into the world of digital creativity and empower your students to become active global citizens with Canva

Room: Terrace D

Best Practices for Integrating and Enhancing Creativity in the Classroom

Presenter: Marco Torres (Apple Education)

Creativity is critical to effective problem solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration. But it can be challenging to clearly define —much less cultivate — in the classroom. Join us to discuss best practices for integrating and showcasing creativity into your school’s curriculum. NOTE: This session will have ideas, tips, and edtech frameworks and resources for a multi platform classroom. However, for this session, the tech examples will be for iOS and MacOS (and back).

1:50 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 4 (50 mins)

Room: Studio I

Creating, Collaborating, and Building Solutions with Adobe Express

Presenters: Deborah Boswell, Chau Cao, and Nancy Reyes (LAUSD)

Participants will focus on the role of edtech in raising awareness and empowering students to collaborate and build solutions for global issues and global goals. Using Adobe Express, participants will engage in a variety of applications that focus on engaging students to create, explore, and innovate solutions dedicated to the UN Global Goals.

Room: Studio II

Bridging Borders: Fostering Global Citizenship and Connection with Book Creator

Presenters: Catherine Cappiello and Jen Cousins (Book Creator)

Room: Studio III

Growing Global Citizens with BrainPOP

Presenters: Michele Robinson and Marley Zeno (BrainPOP)

Room: Studio IV

Gain Back your Instructional Time with GoGuardian Teacher

Presenter: Amber Trout (GoGuardian)

Feel the power of practice through Pear Practice, a new gamified learning tool for inside and outside the classroom. Pear Practice is easy to navigate and offers high-quality, standards-aligned, ready to use content. In this session you'll experience how Pear Practice encourages student collaboration, fosters a love for learning, and nurtures a growth mindset to accelerate learning through practice!

Room: Terrace A

ClassDojo 2.0, Beyond Points: How Schools and Teachers Can Use ClassDojo to Increase Student Motivation and Family Engagement

Presenter: Jess Zhou (ClassDojo)

During this interactive demo, we’ll showcase a series of tips and new tools available to schools and teachers including: 100+ languages: How you can get all family communication automatically translated into over 100 languages. Updates to family engagement: scheduled posts, group messages, quiet hours, and more. Schoolwide features: How ClassDojo can become a central hub for your school’s family engagement—to share one-way announcements or two-way messaging. Plus, a sneak peak of schoolwide points coming soon! Readymade activities: Share an example of Mojo’s Activity Corner, where new activities are added each week. Student rewards and engagement: A demo of Dojo Islands, a collaborative space for classmates to explore and build together.

Room: Terrace B

The Global Goals Project and Other Ways to Connect Elementary Students with the World

Presenters: Jaime Choi and Yisel Meza (LAUSD)

Want to connect your elementary students globally through purposeful engagement in authentic learning about the UN’s Global Goals and the design process? Come and learn all about the Global Goals Project and how to get your students started. Whether you’re a veteran at global collaboration or just diving in for the first time, we will show you how to connect your class at a level that’s comfortable for you.

Room: Terrace C

Enhancing Global Citizenship Through Canva for Education

Presenter: Amy DeLair (Canva for Education)

Room: Terrace D

Challenge for Change: A Learning Framework

Presenter: Marco Torres (Apple Education)

2:40 p.m.

CLOSING PLENARY

3:30 p.m.

Grand Ballroom

Take Action: LEETS24 Reflections

SDGs in Action with Dr. Jennifer Williams

Acknowledgments:

LEETS 2023

LEETS23 Program

Saturday, March 11, 2023
7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608

7:30 a.m.

Registration: Sign-in and Breakfast

8:20 a.m.

Great Hall and Grand Ballroom

Registration, Welcome Breakfast and Networking

8:20 a.m.

Morning Plenary: Welcome Reception & Keynote Session

9:45 a.m.

Grand Ballroom

ITI Welcome: Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director

LAUSD Leadership Spotlight:

Board Member Scott Schmerelson, Board of Education Vice President

LAUSD Partner Spotlight:

Nery Paiz, AALA President
Alex Orozco, UTLA Treasurer
Lisa Dachs-Ornelas, ACSA President

Welcome Keynote: Dr. Victor Rios, Author and Professor

LEETS23 Partner Spotlight:

Amy DeLair, Canva for Education
Marco Antonio Torres, Apple Education

LEETS23 Overview: Dominic Caguioa, ITI Coordinator

10:00 a.m.

Spark Sessions - Round 1

10:40 a.m.

Breakout Rooms

Book Signing with Dr. Rios
Grand Ballroom

Dr. Victor Rios, Author and Professor

Join Dr. Rios for an informal meet & greet immediately following his welcome keynote where he will be signing copies of his book “Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph.D.”

Discovery Education’s Transformative Tools for Teaching and Learning
Producer’s Room

Toni Robinson and Sarah Johangiry, Discovery Education

Discovery Education Experience encourages students to engage in high-quality, multimodal content, follow their curiosity, and explore their rapidly changing world. In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will explore engaging and practical ways to use Discovery Education’s digital resources to create engaging and dynamic learning environments that promote student agency and foster wellness and STEM for all learners.

BrainPOP Playground for All Learners
Writer-Director’s Room

Maria M-Toledo and Lisa Burnette, LAUSD;
Marley Zeno and Michele Robinson, BrainPOP

What are you teaching next week? Looking for new activities to engage your students? Come explore easy ways to integrate BrainPOP learning activities into your upcoming lessons or units. Choose your own learning adventure by selecting from activities that develop academic vocabulary, build background knowledge, check for understanding, and easily facilitate differentiated instruction. Experience interactive BrainPOP activities and strategies to support all learners in this fun and flexible professional learning experience!

Boost Student Engagement with Pear Deck
Studio I

Renee Sanchez and Jennifer Schwartz, LAUSD; Amber Trout, GoGuardian

Learn and explore how PearDeck is being utilized throughout LA Unified to enhance instruction and engage every stakeholder!

Engaging the Whole Child: Sensory Maze
Studio II

Maria Franco and Vilma Olmedo, LAUSD

Social and emotional skills are critical to being a good citizen. Through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) our students engage in the SEL core competencies as they build their self-efficacy, increase social-awareness, improve self management, and adopt a growth mindset. Through the use of a sensory maze you can engage the whole child in a social, emotional, physical and mental experience to promote wellness. The sensory maze used in this presentation is designed using an algorithm coded in Scratch 3.0 that is connected to a circuit board called a Makey Makey.

What’s New and Cool with Apple and Learning : An Overview of How Apple is Helping Today’s Teachers
Studio III

Dr. George Cheung, Apple Education

This session will focus on the global lessons learned from the pandemic, our current social and economic context and what that means for educators and learners today. We will share what we learned and how the power of creativity in learning is affecting digital citizenship, redefining computer sciences, accelerating future-ready teaching, and revolutionizing learning & leadership.

Your One-stop Shop for an Engaging, Interactive, and Fun Instructional Platform
Studio IV

Dr. David Franklin, Nearpod

Getting Started With Nearpod - Your One-stop Shop for an Engaging, Interactive, and Fun Instructional Platform

Unlocking Student Voice with Soundtrap: Beginner to Advanced CS Integration Using Audio
Terrace A

Jamie Galgana and Matthew Piwowarczyk, LAUSD; Jostin Grimes, Soundtrap for Education

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced practitioner of Soundtrap, this differentiated session will spark your interest by providing resources and time to apply new learning through hands-on practice. It is recommended to have headphones and a microphone to optimize this creative experience.

Disrupting CS: Elevating Culturally Responsive CS Education
Terrace B

Dr. Christine Gayle Corpus, Sandra Cuautle-Herrera, and Rohya Prudhomme, LAUSD

Grounded in Kapor Center’s Culturally Responsive Sustaining CS Education framework, educators will be able to identify actionable steps to intentionally reform the full pathway of access, engagement, and achievement for all of their students and close equity gaps in computer science. Participants will express their commitment to “Disrupting CS” by creating a digital poster using the graphic design platform, Canva.

Getting Started with Canva for Education
Terrace C

Amy DeLair, Canva for Education

New to Canva for Education? Come learn more about how you and your students can use Canva to design a better future! Participants will walk away with the basic knowledge of how to use Canva in the classroom.

LEGO Building Confidence… Building Futures (10:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.)

Terrace D

Juan Gutierrez, Cecilia Reyes, Michelle Touceda, Angela Yamagata, and Eduardo Zurita, LAUSD; Paulette Donnellon, LEGO Education

From “Play Well” to “Learn Well,” Research has shown that through play, children flex and find their way. Instead of noting down rigid facts and figures, they hone ways of thinking, creating, working together and testing ideas. These are crucial skills they’ll need to thrive throughout their lives. In this session we will explore “Purposeful Play” that helps students make connections to content standards, hone their engineering skills, and increase their ability to collaborate to solve a problem.

10:40 a.m.

Spark Sessions - Round 2

11:20 a.m.

Breakout Rooms

Creating Ecosystems of Cariño via Prosperity-Based Education
Grand Ballroom

Dr. Victor Rios

Go behind the inspirational keynote by unpacking Dr. Rios’ book “From Risk to Promise: A School Leader’s Guide to Professional Learning in Prosperity-Based Education” for administrators and education leaders.

Bring Literacy Alive with 5 in 35!
Producer’s Room

Toni Robinson and Sarah Johangiry, Discovery Education

Discover meaningful, effective, and innovative ways to bring learning alive using digital resources that foster student collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will explore research-based instructional strategies and multimodal resources to create robust and engaging lessons that promote student agency and support accelerated learning for all students.

BrainPOP Playground for All Learners
Writer-Director’s Room

Maria M-Toledo and Lisa Burnette, LAUSD; Marley Zeno and Michele Robinson, BrainPOP

Boost Student Engagement with Pear Deck
Studio I

Renee Sanchez and Jennifer Schwartz, LAUSD; Amber Trout, GoGuardian

Learn and explore how PearDeck is being utilized throughout LA Unified to enhance instruction and engage every stakeholder!

Engaging the Whole Child: Sensory Maze
Studio II

Maria Franco and Vilma Olmedo, LAUSD

What’s New and Cool with Apple and Learning : An Overview of How Apple is Helping Today’s Teachers
Studio III

Dr. George Cheung, Apple Education

Engaging Learning with Flocabulary: A Hands-On Learning Session and Live-Demo for Educators
Studio IV

Jamie Galgana, LAUSD; Dr. David Franklin, Dr. Mervin Jenkins, and Tracy Quinn, Nearpod+Flocabulary

This professional learning session will introduce you to Flocabulary, outlining the benefits of this powerful tool to boost engagement in the classroom and sharing resources that can be used immediately. Through an interactive activity, participants will engage in learning through a rigor, rhythm and repetition activity showcasing Flocabulary in action.

The Schoology Shuffle: Dancing Through Digital Applications
Terrace A

Nicole Allison, Beto Cedeńo, and Antonio Hernandez, LAUSD

This presentation explores Schoology's digital content integration, app types, and installing apps using the LMS App Center. Participants will learn about Performance Matters, a progress monitoring tool integrated with Schoology. Best practices for AMS and digital content, including upcoming features, will also be shared. Get ready to shuffle through Schoology's digital applications and dance your way to digital success!

Disrupting CS: Elevating Culturally Responsive CS Education
Terrace B

Dr. Christine Gayle Corpus, Sandra Cuautle-Herrera, and Rohya Prudhomme, LAUSD

Getting Started with Canva for Education
Terrace C

Amy DeLair, Canva for Education

11:20 a.m.

Lunch

12:10 p.m.

Ballroom Circle - Outdoor Patio

12:10 p.m.

Recognition Program

1:00 p.m.

Grand Ballroom

Presented by Nearpod+Flocabulary, the Instructional Technology Initiative shines the spotlight on LAUSD’s champions, advocates, leaders, and partners who cultivate inclusive and equitable learning experiences through instructional technology.

Partner Spotlight: Nearpod+Flocabulary:

Dr. Mervin Jenkins, Senior Manager, Nearpod+Flocabulary

ITI Through the Years:

Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director

Recognition Categories:

Digital Citizenship Advocate - Student
Digital Citizenship Advocate - Educator
Digital Citizenship Advocate - Administrator
Computer Science Champion - Student
Computer Science Champion - Educator
Computer Science Champion - Administrator
Parent and Family Advocate
Teacher Leader
Impact Team
Future Ready Implementation
Leading for Impact
Community Partner

1:00 p.m.

Spark Sessions - Round 3

1:40 p.m.

Breakout Rooms

Discovery Education’s Transformative Tools for Teaching and Learning
Producer’s Room

Toni Robinson and Sarah Johangiry, Discovery Education

Supporting EL Students in Science and Social Studies
Writer-Director’s Room

Michele Robinson and Marley Zeno, BrainPOP

Looking for strategies to support English language learners in your class? Join us to learn how to use BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. to support your ELL students as they engage with science and social studies content.

How to Create Engagement with Any Lesson!
Studio I

Amber Trout, GoGuardian

Join me to transform a plain Google Slides lesson into something engaging and interactive in a matter of minutes! We will learn how to add Pear Deck interactivity to any lesson to create an assignment that will be sure to engage any audience!

Accessibility for All
Studio II

Andrea Lugo and Velia Casilias, LAUSD

Accessibility for All provides a look at simple tools that support inclusion and equity. Accessibility tools that are easily included in all devices can be used for every student; removing any stigma and providing support to all students. In this engaging session, come learn about tools such as Immersive Reader for Website, Google Translate, and Voice In to make classrooms more inclusive by promoting these tools as tools for all!

The Power of Creativity in Learning Today
Studio III

Marco Torres, Apple Education

This session is a resource session overview of new and exciting programs and the professional learning support for teachers. Apple’s accessibility and commitment to inclusive design is integrated into the operating system to better address the learning needs of all students. We also will share initiatives, classroom stories that Apple is leading and supporting to help nurture the love of learning for everyone.

Your One-stop Shop for an Engaging, Interactive, and Fun Instructional Platform
Studio IV

Dr. David Franklin, Nearpod

Getting Started With Nearpod - Your One-stop Shop for an Engaging, Interactive, and Fun Instructional Platform

Unlocking Student Voice with Soundtrap: Beginner to Advanced CS Integration Using Audio
Terrace A

Jamie Galgana and Matthew Piwowarczyk, LAUSD; Jostin Grimes, Soundtrap for Education

Accelerate Learning with Micro-Bits
Terrace B

Gohar Hamo and Brian Iraheta, LAUSD

Create, explore, and get active with physical computing using Micro-bits. Join our session to create a pedometer and get active with data collection.

Capturing Student Learning in Canva
Terrace C

Amy DeLair, Canva for Education

Unlock student creativity and design potential in Canva for Education. This session will showcase the myriad of ways students can utilize Canva to make their thinking and learning visible to others across a variety of mediums.

Curious About the World: Learning Through Play (1:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.)

Terrace D

Juan Gutierrez, Cecilia Reyes, Michelle Touceda, Angela Yamagata, and Eduardo Zurita, LAUSD; Paulette Donnellon, LEGO Education

Participants will work with a partner through a series of LEGO builds while addressing computer science competencies of computational thinking, collaborating around computing, creativity, ideation, and design. These are crucial skills they’ll need to be ready for the world. In this session, we will leverage Lego to spark curiosity and to make connections to literacy, numeracy, and SEL goals.

1:40 p.m.

Spark Sessions - Round 4

2:20 p.m.

Breakout Rooms

Empowering English Learners with Discovery Education
Producer’s Room

Pedro Manuel Barajas, LAUSD; Sarah Johangiry, Discovery Education

Please join us to learn how to engage and inspire students while strengthening their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Walk away with a variety of ready-to-use lessons and resources designed to spark a sense of wonder, uncover understanding, and help learners investigate the amazing world around them.

Growing Vocabulary Through Coding
Writer-Director’s Room

Michele Robinson and Marley Zeno, BrainPOP

Let’s deepen students’ understanding of key vocabulary by putting that knowledge to use. Explore easy-to-use BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. coding projects designed to apply academic vocabulary in context…a perfect addition to your next unit or project!

How to Differentiate Instruction Using GoGuardian Teacher
Studio I

Amber Trout, GoGuardian

In this session, we will discuss differentiating with scenes and best practices when using them within GoGuardian Teacher. We will break down how to create scenes to use them with different student groups for varying ability levels and content. Some workshop time will be incorporated to help make sure everyone has some time to start building a scene to best fit their classroom.

Accessibility for All
Studio II

Andrea Lugo and Velia Casilias, LAUSD

The Power of Creativity in Learning Today
Studio III

Marco Torres, Apple Education

Engaging Learning with Flocabulary: A Hands-On Learning Session and Live-Demo for Educators
Studio IV

Jamie Galgana, LAUSD; Dr. David Franklin, Dr. Mervin Jenkins, and Tracy Quinn, Nearpod+Flocabulary

The Schoology Shuffle: Dancing Through Digital Applications
Terrace A

Nicole Allison, Beto Cedeńo, and Antonio Hernandez, LAUSD

Accelerate Learning with Micro-Bits
Terrace B

Gohar Hamo and Brian Iraheta, LAUSD

Create, explore, and get active with physical computing using Micro-bits. Join our session to create a pedometer and get active with data collection.

Capturing Student Learning in Canva
Terrace C

Amy DeLair, Canva for Education

2:20 p.m.

Afternoon Plenary: Keynote & Closing Session

3:00 p.m.

Grand Ballroom

Closing Keynote: Jackie Smalls, Vice President for Social Impact Coalitions, Discovery Education

LEETS23 Partner Spotlight:

Shauna McLoughlin, BrainPop

Closing Remarks: Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director

3:00 p.m.

World Cafe Reception: Extended Networking (Optional)

4:00 p.m.

Ballroom Circle - Outdoor Patio

Presented by BrainPOP and Discovery Education, the Instructional Technology Initiative provides this optional and informal setting for the LAUSD edtech community to network and collaborate to further ignite their passion for future ready teaching, learning and leadership with instructional technology.

LEETS23 is made possible in collaboration with

LEETS 2022

The Leading Edge EdTech Summit or LEETS is L.A. Unified’s premier educational technology conference, powered by the Division of Instruction’s Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI). Now in its fourth year, LEETS is transitioning back into an in-person edtech summit.

This year’s theme is “Humanizing EdTech: People First, Technology Second” to emphasize the impact and power of instructional technology to promote discourse and dialogue, foster relationships and connections, and cultivate collaboration, reflection, and a sense of community. Make your mark, share your learning, and stay inspired using #LEETS22.

LEETS Keynote Flyer

LEETS22 Program
Saturday, April 23, 2022
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
333 Universal Hollywood Dr,
Universal City, CA 91608

8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.		Registration: Sign-in and Breakfast Great Hall and Grand Ballroom
9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.		Morning Plenary: Welcome Reception, Keynote and Mainstage Session Grand Ballroom
Welcome Remarks Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director Alberto M. Carvalho, L.A. Unified Superintendent Scott Schmerelson, L.A. Unified Board District 3 Board Member Alison Yoshimoto-Towery, L.A. Unified Chief Academic Officer Nery Paiz, Associated Administrators of Los Angeles President Lisa Dachs-Ornelas, Association of California School Administrators-Region 16 President Darrell Stewart, Intel Corp Education Development Manager Keynote Speaker: Blair Imani Blair lmani is a critically acclaimed historian, author, educator, and influencer. Her work centers women and girls, global Black communities, and the LGBTQ community. She is dedicated to making the world a better place and amplifying the voices and work of those fighting the good fight. Blair will be signing her book in the Grand Ballroom right after the Morning Plenary.
10:40 a.m. 11:25 a.m.		Morning Breakout Sessions Breakout Rooms
Leadership Workshop with Blair Imani Grand Ballroom Keynote Speaker Blair Imani will complement her inspirational keynote message with a small group intimate workshop and conversation to explore how her work may be applied in teaching and learning, and digital leadership. Cultivating Connections with Nearpod Director/Writers’ Room Presented by Marcela Labrador and Dr. Mervin Jenkins, Nearpod Senior Brand Ambassadors Struggling with student engagement? Need ready made content across all content areas? Nearpod’s got you! Whether you’re in person or teaching remotely, teaching live or assigning a student-paced lesson, Nearpod cultivates connections with your students and audience through interactive and engaging content and activities. From Digital Citizenship & Literacy, Social Emotional Learning, and English Learner content, learn how Nearpod serves as the technological vehicle for creating meaningful human connections in your classroom and beyond. Pear Deck for Instructional Practice and Beyond Terrace A Presented by Amber Trout, Pear Deck Advocates Lead Pear Deck is a great engagement tool for not just the classroom! You can use it to present professional development, gather feedback from staff, and engage your audience! Let's learn all the ways you can utilize this robust tool. Beyond the Essay: Prioritizing Student Choice and Elevating Engagement Terrace B Presented by Dana Antillon and Natalie Neal-Peters, Teacher Leaders Offering students different ways to show what they know after, or instead of, the traditional culminating task essay leads to increased student engagement and improved learner outcomes. Not to mention, they are a lot more fun to grade! Participants will see a sample culminating task from start to finish and walk through how to present 30+ choices to students as well as tips for consistently scoring and providing feedback. Embodiment and Education in the Metaverse Terrace C Presented by James Emley and Maria Franco, Instructional Technology Facilitators In the Metaverse, a vision for merging the virtual world with the real world, makes it possible for transactions in the Metaverse to actually apply to decisions and actions carried out in real-time. The expansion of the Metaverse could mean limitless applications for how people carry out their everyday tasks, activity, and lifestyles with increased access Today, we will explore what Education and Embodiment may look like in a hybrid classroom. Humanizing EdTech Through SEL Terrace D Presented by Gohar Hamo, Andrea Lugo, and Astrid Martinez, EdTech Coaches and Teacher Leaders Participants will work with partners through a series of EdTech challenges while addressing SEL competencies of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Goal Directed Behavior, Personal Responsibility, Decision Making, and Optimistic Thinking.
11:35 a.m. 11:55 a.m.		Morning Affinity Groups and Networking Breakout Rooms Prompt: How might you collaborate with peers and colleagues to scale promising instructional technology practices in your Local District and CoS?
Local District Northeast and Local District Northwest Terrace A Facilitated by Renee Sanchez, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist Local District South and Local District West Terrace B Facilitated by Jamie Galgana, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist Local District East and Local District Central Terrace C Facilitated by Eduardo Zurita, Readiness and Integration Specialist Central Offices, Virtual Academy, and Open to All Terrace D Facilitated by Maria Magnanimo-Toledo, Readiness and Integration Specialist
12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.		Roundtable Luncheon: Lunch Reception and Impact Sessions Grand Ballroom
Partnerships Panel: Better Together Moderated by Francisco Canche, Program and Policy Development Specialist Impact Talk: Digital Futures Guide Presented by Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director Impact Talk: Leadership Strategies for Change - Embracing Computer Science Education in L.A. Unified Presented by Allison Jonas, Readiness and Integration Coordinator Impact Talk: Demystifying Computer Science - Calling All Educators Presented by Maria Magnanimo-Toledo, Readiness and Integration Specialist Impact Talk: From Personalized Learning and Teaching to Digital Citizenship Presented by Eduardo Zurita, Readiness and Integration Specialist Impact Talk: Taking IT to the Summit - Certification in EdTech Presented by Jamie Galgana, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist
1:10 p.m. 1:55 p.m.		Afternoon Breakout Sessions Breakout Rooms
Strategies for Activating SEL in Project Based Learning Grand Ballroom Presented by Jorge Valenzuela, Author and Expert In classrooms, social and emotional learning (SEL) is used to improve academic learning and help students improve their emotional intelligence (EQ) skills. This session assists educators in considering their own SEL, along with a helpful framework and actionable steps we can take for equitable implementation for all students in project based learning. Music Connecting Communities by Flocabulary Director/Writers’ Room Presented by Marcela Labrador and Dr. Mervin Jenkins, Nearpod Senior Brand Ambassadors Let’s Flo! Music is a universal language that brings people together. Flocabulary combines powerful standards-aligned hip-hop videos and activities that increase vocabulary, improve comprehension and spark creativity and community in your classroom. Learn about Flocabulary’s newest features and experience the magic of music combined with literacy strategies that create community in the classroom! Join this session for a special treat–there may or may not be an opportunity to step up and show us your “flo” too! ISTE Certification for Educators, Standards, and Membership Terrace A Presented by Carolyn Sykora, Carmalita Seitz, Heidi Ellis, ISTE Directors Stretch your practice with ISTE! Come learn how you can grow and strengthen your practice using technology for learning. Advancing student learning outcomes across content is the hallmark of the ISTE Standards and the foundation for all of ISTE’s work. The ISTE Team invites you to explore amazing opportunities with ISTE made possible by your LA Unified leaders! Teachers Supporting Teachers: Global Collaboration in Action Terrace B Presented by Michelle Touceda and Mia Young-Adeyeba, Instructional Technology Facilitator and Instructional Coach At the onset of the pandemic, two L.A. Unified English teachers came together to create the Facebook group: Distance Learning Educators. Within six months there were more than 25,000 teachers from all arouond the world coming together to share resources and provide springboards for ideas in navigating a changing learning landscape. Awakening the Dreamer: Visualizing our Dreams Through Digital Multimedia Terrace C Presented by Dr. Christine Gayle Corpus and Sandra Cuautle-Herrera, Instructional Technology Facilitators Inspired by Dr. Ginwright’s work on Healing Centered Engagement, participants will have the opportunity to connect with self and others by visualizing and sharing their personal/professional dreams using digital multimedia tools. Interviewing for Empathy with EdTech Terrace D Presented by Matthew Piwowarczyk and Genaro Ulloa, Instructional Technology Facilitators How can you know the learning experiences you’re designing reflect the values and perspectives of your students or colleagues? As part of the Design Thinking Process, participants will use instructional technology to conduct empathy interviews to discover new insights about the needs of their audience.
2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m.		Afternoon Affinity Groups and Networking Breakout Rooms Prompt: How might these instructional technology practices promote inclusive, equitable, and rigorous learning for both student and adult learners?
Taking IT to the Summit: Certifications in EdTech Terrace A Facilitated by Jamie Galgana and Eduardo Zurita, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist and Readiness and Integration Specialist Digital Leadership for Leaders and Administrators Terrace B Facilitated by Allison Jonas, Readiness and Integration Coordinator Computer Science Terrace C Facilitated by Maria Magnanimo-Toledo, Readiness and Integration Specialist Digital Citizenship Terrace D Facilitated by Renee Sanchez, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist
2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.		Afternoon Plenary: Ignite Talks, Keynote and Closing Session Grand Ballroom
Partner Remarks Alyssa Wing, Nearpod Senior Customer Success Manager Susan Casey, Pear Deck Strategic Accounts Executive Carolyn Sykora, Senior Director of ISTE Standards Program Carmalita Seitz, Director of ISTE Certification Heidi Ellis, Senior Director of ISTE Membership and District Strategy Impact Talk: Professional Learning on the Edge Presented by Dominic Caguioa, Instructional Leadership Support Coordinator Impact Talk: Always Learning - Collaboration for Success Presented by Renee Sanchez, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist Ignite Talk: Fremont Reads: Engaging Readers Through Podcasting Presented by Michelle Touceda, Instructional Technology Facilitator Ignite Talk: The Human Behind the Technology Presented by Andrea Lugo, Verizon Innovative Learning School/VILS Coach Keynote Speaker: Brandon Tory Brandon Tory is an artist and the founder at FORMLESS, a Web3 music technology company. He was a former Staff Engineer in Machine Intelligence at Google and a former Senior Apple Engineer. He created "Multi Dream Theory," with the mentorship of Timbaland, as a metaphor for switching between the music and technology dreams in his life. He is a self-taught coder, starting at the age of 13, a proud Brockton, Massachusetts native, and a believer that all things are possible. Closing Remarks Sophia Mendoza, ITI Director
3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.		World Cafe Reception: Closing and Extended Networking Session (RSVP Required) Ballroom Circle - Outdoor Patio

LEETS 2021

Scroll down to preview the flyer and the clickable program for each day of LEETSFest21,
including keynote and breakout session times.

Day 1 - Wednesday, April 7, 2021

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Welcome and Keynote

Welcome and Keynote

Ken Shelton (3:40 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.)
Vikas Gupta and Dr. Daniela Schmeinck (4:20 p.m. - 4:55 p.m.)

LEETSFest21 begins with leading speakers and thinkers in the field of educational technology with Ken Shelton, education technologist and global keynote speaker, as opening keynote speaker highlighting equity and inclusion; along with Vikas Gupta, Wonder Workshop Founder and CEO, and Dr. Schmeinck, professor and researcher specializing in robotics in the elementary grades.

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Developing Programming Skills: Wonder Workshop:
Amy Adams and Mabel Lung, Instructional Technology Facilitators
Participants will understand the value of providing all students access to computer science education. Educators will learn how to leverage Wonder Dash robots and Wonder Class Connect to successfully integrate coding and robotics. Educators will explore resources and the Wonder Workshop curriculum.
Teaching Computer Science in Distance Education - Dash’s Neighborhood and Class Connect
Bryan L. Miller - Sr Director Global Strategic Outreach - Wonder Workshop
Wonder Workshop brings you its virtual platforms to continue engaging students in computational thinking and computer science concepts in remote and distance learning environments.

Day 2 - Thursday, April 8, 2021

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE

Welcome and Keynote

Dr. Jennifer Williams

Day 2 of LEETSFest21 encompasses collaboration beyond the classroom, incorporating the ISTE Standards for Students, specifically Digital Citizen and Global Collaborator, with keynote from Dr. Jennifer Williams highlighting her work around UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global collaboration, and using EdTech for good.

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Digital Citizenship Through Nearpod and Flocabulary
Amy Adams, Instructional Technology Facilitator
Debbie Bermeo, VILS Coach
Participants will develop Digital Citizenship practices that will inspire their students to positively contribute to and responsibly participate in the digital world. Educators can leverage Nearpod and Flocabulary to model safe, legal and ethical explorations of Digital Citizenship themes, scenarios and discussions.
Developing Student English Language Through Engaging Google Slides/Nearpod
Renee Sanchez, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist
Jeannette Tarin, Teacher, El Dorado Ave ES
Adan Martinez, Principal, El Dorado Ave ES
Participants will develop an engaging Google slide deck with Nearpod add ons to further their students’ English Language Development (ELD) skills in vocabulary development, writing, and speaking. Facilitators will take participants through the whole process of creating a 5 slides presentation that can be implemented the next day in the classrooms using the process of ‘I Do, You Do, We Do’.
Engaging Diverse Learners Through Nearpod
Gohar Hamo, Instructional Technology Facilitator
AJ Lugo, Resource Specialist Teacher, Sylmar Leadership Academy
Engage diverse learners with Nearpod multi modal learning features that allow all students to access content. During this learning session teachers and leaders will gain a better understanding of using Nearpod to enhance student engagement specific to the content standards. Educators and leaders will explore features such as Note Taking, Drawing, Virtual Reality, Immersive Reader, Audio/Video responses, as well as participating in game-based learning. This session will empower participants to use Nearpod to accommodate different learners.
Nearpod 101
Michelle Singh, Nearpod PD Facilitator
Discover teaching with Nearpod while experiencing an interactive lesson. Then learn how to log into your account, explore the Nearpod Library of lessons, find, edit and launch lessons in both LIVE and Student-Paced mode. Examine information available in reports to monitor student learning. Participants are eligible to begin the Nearpod Certified Educator (NCE) process after this session.
Elevating English Learners with Nearpod (4:35 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.)
Alyssa Navarette, Nearpod PD Facilitator
Learn how to use Nearpod to provide your students access to rigorous academic content with interactive EL strategies and scaffolds.
Elevating English Learners with Nearpod (5:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Alyssa Navarette, Nearpod PD Facilitator
Learn how to use Nearpod to provide your students access to rigorous academic content with interactive EL strategies and scaffolds.
A Pedagogical Approach to Nearpod (4:35 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.)
David Franklin, Nearpod PD Facilitator
Learn how to use Nearpod to create lessons that incorporate the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) model into your instruction.
A Pedagogical Approach to Nearpod (5:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
David Franklin, Nearpod PD Facilitator
Learn how to use Nearpod to create lessons that incorporate the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) model into your instruction.
Flocabulary: Building Academic Vocabulary for All Learners (4:35 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.)
Ike Ramos and Mervin Jenkins, Nearpod PD Facilitators
Learn about Flocabulary’s engaging videos and interactive, inspirational vocabulary development lessons. In this introductory session, we will explore the Flocabulary site and discover lesson features and grade-level content.
Flocabulary: Building Academic Vocabulary for All Learners (5:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Ike Ramos, Nearpod PD Facilitators and Mervin Jenkins, Nearpod PD Facilitators
Learn about Flocabulary’s engaging videos and interactive, inspirational vocabulary development lessons. In this introductory session, we will explore the Flocabulary site and discover lesson features and grade-level content.

Day 3 - Friday, April 9, 2021

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE

Welcome and Keynote

Dr. Sharla Berry (3:40 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.)
Stephen Reid (4:20 p.m. - 4:55 p.m.)

Day 3 of LEETSFest21 brings you the convergence of inclusive and engaging online learning that supports diverse students and the principles of game design to the learning process, beginning with keynote speeches from Dr. Sharla Berry, researcher, professor, and practitioner, along with Stephen Reid, Senior Program Manager with Microsoft, as they underscore relevant, meaningful, impactful, and real-world learning through online and game-based learning; followed by hands-on workshops leveraging Minecraft: Education Edition.

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Enhancing Instruction with Game-Based Learning & Minecraft Education Edition
Sandra Cuautle Herrera and Rohya Prudhomme, Instructional Technology Facilitators
During this session, participants will have the opportunity to explore game-based learning with Minecraft: Education Edition. Join us to learn how you can use Minecraft: Education Edition to foster student engagement, build community, and help your students develop problem solving skills in any content area. If planning to attend, please make sure to download Minecraft Education Edition prior to the learning session.
Demonstrating Mastery Through Game-Based Learning
AJ Lugo, Resource Specialist Teacher, Sylmar Leadership Academy
Maria Muniz, CTE Teacher, Sylmar Leadership Academy
The intent of “Demonstrating Mastery Through Game-Based Learning” is to help educators and leaders learn how to assess students’ mastery through Minecraft: Education Edition. Participants will learn about game-based learning by engaging in hands-on experiences and exploration. Educators and education leaders will leave with a basic understanding of how to incorporate Minecraft EDU in the classroom by making the connections to the ISTE standards. **If planning to attend, please make sure to download Minecraft Education Edition prior to the learning session.
Code Across the Curriculum with Minecraft Education
Haronid Moncivais and Afeez Bello, M:EE PD Facilitators
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time with over 50% of US children having played the game. Learning coding and computer science through Minecraft Education increases student access to these skills, using an immersive, creative platform that is both familiar and engaging. Students learn to code, collaborate and solve problems through play and projects that matter to them. Minecraft Education’s curriculum is easy to follow, empowering teachers of all backgrounds to deliver coding across the curriculum. With over 150 hours of curriculum, students can learn block (visual) programming and advance to Python and JavaScript (text-based languages). In this session, you will be guided by Minecraft Education’s lead developer through different in-game coding experiences and see how easy it is to incorporate coding and computer science into your classes. Please make sure to download Minecraft Education Edition prior to the learning s ession.
Minecraft: Education Edition: A New Opportunity for Esports in Education
Aria Azizi and Laylah Bulman, M:EE PD Facilitators
Minecraft: Education Edition contains special features for immersive and connected learning, from specialized blocks to enhanced multiplayer and a camera and portfolio for assessment. As a competitive esports title, its strength is that it gives students the opportunity to design, create, build, and code their own game experiences. With over 99% of students having played one competitive video game in the last year, it’s nearly certain that esports is a part of your students’ lives. If you are interested in scholastic esports but not sure where to start, we offer thirteen brand new Minecraft worlds, build challenge examples and an evidence-based scholastic esports framework, to support competitive play in the classroom. Meet students where they’re at with Minecraft Education Esports. An overview and live demo of the worlds, build challenges and framework will be presented. Please make sure to download Minecraft Education Edition prior to the learning session.

Day 4 - Saturday, April 10, 2021

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE

Welcome and Keynote

Dr. Mitchel Resnick (9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)

LEETSFest21 will conclude with sessions highlighting creative and playful learning beginning with keynote speaker Dr. Mitchel Resnick, MIT Professor and Founder and Creator of Scratch, sharing about the Four P’s (Projects, Peers, Passion, and Play) to develop creative thinkers. To complement this keynote, breakout sessions will showcase how to bring creative learning and computational thinking in the classroom through digital storytelling, creative computing and programming, as well as virtual and simulated robotics and makerspaces.

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Creative Solutions with Scratch and LEGO WeDo 2.0
Amy Adams, Instructional Technology Facilitator
Jamie Galgana, Instructional Leadership Support Specialist
In this LEETSFest session, participants will make connections to their role and engage in a unique experience converging digital platforms, virtual environments, and hands-on makerspaces. Participants will understand the role of creative play, find opportunities for computational thinking and engage in hands-on learning.
Eliciting the Innovative Designer Through Digital Storytelling
Maria Franco, Instrctional Technology Facilitator and
Elizabeth Lester, Assistant Principal at Madison MS
Participants will be developing their skills as a facilitator as they learn how to plan digital storytelling activities that will use a design process and computational thinking strategies (Facilitator). As a result, they will learn how to engage their students as innovative designers with this design process and a variety of tools to create original digital stories explaining a solution to a problem / content topic (innovative Designer). Participants will in turn learn how to develop their students’ creative communicator skills as they use a variety of digital platforms and tools to express themselves creatively (Creative Communicator). By targeting a specific audience for their digital stories, the students will be diving into their ability to customize their message for an intended audience engaging the students in complex thinking. Through learning how to use block coding, participants will be able to engage their students in computational thinking strategies as they use algorithmic thinking to code their stories.
Engage Students Through Playful Learning to Think Critically and Solve Complex Problems
Paulette Donellon, Enterprise Account Manager LEGO Education
Betty Justus, LEGO Education Solutions Architect
Engage students regardless of their learning level in thinking critically, analyzing data and solving complex problems with real-world relevance.  In this session we will learn about LEGO Education’s newest solution SPIKE Prime! The SPIKE Prime solution brings together LEGO bricks, a programmable, multi-port Hub, coding language based on Scratch and STEAM learning units to help  students of all learning levels build confidence and critical thinking skills. Join us for some fun and engaging tricks and tips you can take back to your classroom.
Building Confidence in Your Learners with LEGO Education
Paulette Donellon, Enterprise Account Manager LEGO Education
STEAM learning is all about building confidence in learners. Join us for a look at current data around confidence in STEAM learning and ways to build confidence amongst teachers and students through using LEGO Bricks for hands-on activities. In this session, we will share with you LEGO® Education materials to experience how easy entry lessons can lead to limitless creative designs. LEGO® Education engages students in thinking critically, analyzing data and solving complex problems through working through real-world, relevant challenges. Educators will walk away thinking about how building confidence in students early and often will lead to pathways of success in building 21st century skills and preparing for college and careers.
Inspiration on How to Develop Data Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Students
Bettly Justus, LEGO Education Solutions Architect
This engaging session will provide a sneak peek and a chance to meet the newest hands-on STEAM solution from LEGO Education that encourages students to discover physical science in action! LEGO® Education BricQ Motion engages elementary and middle-school students in STEAM learning as they experiment with forces, motion and interactions in the context of sports. BricQ Motion provides easy, hands-on learning experiences that spark cool “aha” moments, as students set LEGO bricks in motion without the need for technology.

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 1 (50 mins)

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 2 (50 mins)

12:50 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 3 (50 mins)

1:50 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS - ROUND 4 (50 mins)

LEETS 2023

LEETS 2022

LEETS 2021

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Welcome and Keynote

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - WELCOME AND KEYNOTE

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

LEETS 2020

LEETS 2019