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

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8:15am CDT

Canva 101

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

What can't Canva do?! Over the past 5 years, Canva has become my go-to resource. In this session, you'll learn how to sign up for a free premium educator account, the ins and outs of creating resources with Canva, and how to use this tool with students. You'll leave creating one or more of the following: social media graphics, infographics (like for library reports), posters, flyers, presentations and videos.

Speakers

Danielle Brannan

Secondary Librarian, Greendale School District

This is my 15th year as a school librarian and my first year with my current district, Greendale Public Schools near Milwaukee. I work in the middle school and high school libraries, and I love it! Being a school librarian is my dream job.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

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

Company Advocacy, Facilitating Professional Learning, Students as Creators

8:15am CDT

Creating Computer Science Pathways at the Elementary Level: Where to put it. How to do it. Resources to support it.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 6

This session will walk participants through the process of building awareness and understanding around what computer science learning can look like at the K-6 level. We will include specific steps we have put in place to engage staff, gather feedback and make decisions around curricular resources to support this learning. We will also explore creative solutions for integrating this work into already full days including the use of library time.

We are gathering a variety of data and feedback to evaluate and inform our practices around integrating computer science at the elementary levels. We have seen growth and changes in student and teacher skills as well as confidence in their ability to master computer science principles. We will look at a variety of tools/platforms including CodeHS, code.org, and robots to support this work.

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 →

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.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 6

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School

Company Coding, Facilitating Professional Learning, Students as Creators

8:15am CDT

AI is here to stay - What are we going to do about it?

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

BCC Collaborate B

Join in me in learning how to LIVE with AI in Education and explore a few of the ways it can be used to make the lives of educators just a little bit easier. In this session - I'll explore a general use of AI in the education classroom and discuss how I talk with students about it and the staff in my building. I'll share with you some of the tools we utilize the most including Brisk Teaching, and I'll talk about how our district has created policy and procedures so these tools can be used safely and appropriately.

Speakers

Ashley Knapp

Library Media Instructional Technology Specialist, West De Pere High School

I am a high school Library Media/Instructional Specialist, and I also serve as the building's Talent Development Coordinator. Prior to this position, I was a high school and middle school English/Language Arts Teacher.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
BCC Collaborate B

Intermediate, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Facilitating Professional Learning, Instructional Partnerships, AI Use in Education

8:15am CDT

GINGO! A Bingo-Themed Exploration of Google Tools and Chrome for Educators

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Hilton Garden Room A

GINGO! is a fun, interactive session where educators explore Google Workspace and Chrome tools in a game-based format. Modeled after a Bingo board, GINGO! challenges participants to complete activities and discover new ways to enhance teaching and learning with Google tools. With each square focusing on a different Google feature, Chrome extension, or teaching strategy, educators will walk away with hands-on experience, tips, and resources they can implement right away.

Speakers

Tricia Louis

District Technology Integration Professional, Richland School District

Tricia Louis is an #edtech advocate. In her position as the Technology Integration Professional at the Richland School District, she brings individual & group training to the 200+ staff employed there. Tricia is proud to be a part of the Google For Education Certified Trainer, Apple... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Hilton Garden Room A

Intermediate, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Facilitating Professional Learning

8:15am CDT

Spotting the Tricks: Helping Students Understand Social Engineering, Fake News, and Digital Folklore

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Today’s students face a digital world full of clever tricks designed to influence what they think, believe, and share. This paper explores how bad actors use social engineering—like impersonating trusted sources—and disinformation—such as fake news headlines—to manipulate their audience. We’ll also examine disinformation folklore: the viral memes, rumors, and stories that feel like modern myths and are especially convincing to young people. Through real-world examples and practical tools, school librarians will learn how to help students identify these tactics, think critically about what they encounter online, and respond thoughtfully. By equipping students with these skills, librarians play a vital role in creating informed, resilient digital citizens

Speakers

Maria Haigh

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Intermediate, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Facilitating Professional Learning, Instructional Partnerships, Literacy

9:30am CDT

Getting Started with AI Literacy: Preparing Students for an AI-Driven World

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 2

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) programs like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are transforming how we access and evaluate information. This presentation will include an introduction to popular Gen AI tools, their real-world uses and limitations, and the ethical challenges they present. We will explore the concept of AI literacy and the importance of moving beyond the hype to critically evaluate AI products.

Attendees will learn how to effectively discuss Gen AI with students and colleagues, fostering critical thinking about its use and implications. Attendees will learn about practical resources for teaching about AI and staying up to date in this fast-moving field.

Speakers

Jodi Pierre

Research & Instruction Librarian, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

I am a Research & Instruction Librarian at UW-Green Bay Libraries. As a member of the technology and digital transformation team, I help manage the library website, LibGuides, and Primo VE discovery service (branded Search@UW).

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 2

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

Company Data & Privacy, Facilitating Professional Learning, Literacy

10:45am CDT

Be the GOAT of Your Library

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

BCC Collaborate B

Pull up to this hype session where we’re dropping all the hottest tips to level up your library game. Whether you're running on a skeleton crew, just getting your feet wet in the library world, or juggling multiple buildings, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas that will help you flex your library skills. We’re gonna introduce you to our student-led program, Library Leaders, show you how to make book checkouts lit, and share ways to help classroom teachers without breaking a sweat. Plus, we’ll give you the lowdown on building confidence with your library aides so they can slay in their roles. Don’t miss out – it’s gonna be fire! 🔥📚

Speakers

Jamie Jestadt

Library Media Specialist, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools

Hi there! I'm Jamie Jestadt from Wisconsin Rapids. This is my 8th year as Library Media Specialist for the nine elementary schools in our district. I have over 2,500 amazing students who teach me something new every day. I love everything about the library and am so excited to be... Read More →

Kat Barthel

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
BCC Collaborate B

Beginner, Elementary

Company Collaborative Leadership, Facilitating Professional Learning, Students as Creators

10:45am CDT

Creating a Technology Success Pack for New Teachers and Staff

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

BCC Collaborate A

This session aims to address the challenges that new teachers and staff face when they join a school district, particularly around technology integration and digital tools essential for teaching and administration. Participants will get information on how to compose a resource guide that provides new hires with all the necessary tools, platforms, support resources, and best practices to feel confident and effective from day one.

Speakers

Tricia Louis

District Technology Integration Professional, Richland School District

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
BCC Collaborate A

Intermediate, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Facilitating Professional Learning