WEMTA 2025 - Ignite and Inspire: Impacting Learning Together: Full Schedule

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12:30pm CDT

Sparking Curiosity: Using Passive Programming to Engage Students in the Library Makerspace

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

In this session, learn how to use the power of passive programming to engage students in your library's makerspace, even when you’re not actively leading a lesson. We’ll explore a variety of low-maintenance, self-directed activities that encourage students to explore, create, and innovate on their own. From hands-on activities to collaborative projects, these strategies allow students to engage at their own pace while fostering a dynamic, creative environment. Whether you’re working with limited resources or looking for ways to make your makerspace more accessible, this session will provide you with practical ideas and easy-to-implement activities to engage students in your library every day.

Speakers

Michele Green

Library Media Technology Specialist, School District of Greenwood

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
BCC Collaborate C

Beginner, Middle School, High School

Company Library Space, Makerspace, Students as Creators

12:30pm CDT

The Perfect Board and Card Games to Use in Your Library, Classroom, Makerspace, and More!

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 7

We are living in the renaissance of amazing board, card, and digital games, especially for educational and skill development possibilities. In this session, we will explore games that are not only fun to play, but also build crucial skills such as persuasive speaking, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Best of all, we'll explore games that spur meaningful conversations about topics such as digital literacy, storytelling, and course content too! If you want a great collection of game ideas to utilize as well as some ready-made lessons to go along with them, join us!

Speakers

Jon Spike

CEO, GamestormEDU

Jon Spike began his career as a high school English teacher, then served as a Technology Integration Specialist in K-12 schools. He currently serves as a Coordinator of Instructional Technology & Integration Services at UW-Whitewater and the Chief Executive & Creative Officer of GamestormEDU... Read More →

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 7

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Budget & Resources, Makerspace, Students as Creators

1:45pm CDT

VR (Virtual Reality) to Boldly Go Where You May Not Have Gone Before: Creating Learning Experiences to Ignite and Inspire Learning Together in the Library and Beyond.

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Students' excitement while wearing the goggles “brings down the house”. Their voices of joy, “saying look at this”are contagious during these immersive experiences. Their oohs and ahhs tell me life is good. Learners run to show their classroom teacher showing them what they are seeing. The sheer volume has brought administrators into the LMC to see what’s going on. Come discover how virtual reality (VR) can ignite a passion for learning and inspire your students by:
Participate in a hands-on Virtual Reality field trip to space and beyond
Steps for preparing students for virtual reality experiences.
What The Robot LAB Standard VR Kit is and how easy it is to use
Exploring what VR field trips are already available
How to use a Ricoh 360-Degree Camera for making the Images to create your own VR tours
Experience some of the VR experiences successfully done with students
Brainstorming VR ideas to inspire creating VR experiences impacting learning together

Speakers

Jeff Carpenter

School Library Media Specialist, Appleton Area School District

Jeff celebrates 35 years serving the AASD as a library media specialist and is a longtime WEMTA member. He earned a Master’s in Library Science (UW-Madison), and a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education (UW-La Crosse). One of his proudest achievements was receiving the special... Read More →

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Collaborative Leadership, Makerspace, Students as Creators