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

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

8:45am CDT

Our Library Favorite Things

Monday March 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT

BCC Collaborate A

Join us for a lively and engaging session as we showcase our favorite things in the library world! In this fun and interactive presentation, we'll highlight the best of what our library has to offer—from innovative resources and useful technology to efficient processes and exciting programming that engage our students and staff.
We’ll explore the tools and equipment that make our work easier and more effective, share tips on creating memorable library experiences, and reveal the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep everything running smoothly. Whether it's a new gadget, a favorite database, a beloved event, or a breakthrough in library services, you'll leave with fresh ideas and inspiration you can bring back to your own library.

Speakers

Sara Malchow

Digital Learning Specialist, Pulaski Community School District~ Wisconsin

After 18 years in the classroom, Sara now shares her experiences and her passion for technology integration as a Digital Learning Specialist for the Pulaski Community School District. She is passionate about leveraging technology to support all students while increasing student agency... Read More →

Amy Uelmen

Director of Instructional Technology, Pulaski Community School District

In my role as Director of Instructional Technology for Pulaski Community School District, I enjoy the opportunities and challenges my current position brings as well as the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for integrating technology and literacy with students and staff. My past... Read More →

Monday March 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
BCC Collaborate A

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Budget & Resources, Library Space, Makerspace

3:00pm CDT

Augmented Reality in the Library (Attendees receive a free Merge Cube)

Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Merge Edu is a platform that has been around for quite a while and many educators have a Merge Cube (or many) sitting on a shelf, unused. If you don't have one, don't fret, as all attendees of this session (up to 30) will receive a free cube.

Merge has grown to be a well-known augmented reality tool with science-aligned lessons. We love watching educators get excited about Merge--if the educators can get this excited, imagine what your students will think!

We will explore the Merge EDU platform and you'll get a free trial. Some features will be free forever, some are subscription based. No matter your subscription type, you'll leave this session energized and full of ideas.

Please bring an ipad, chromebook, or phone (some sort of technology that will allow you to downlad apps)

Speakers

Sheri Omernik

Educational Consultant, Mackin

Mackin is a long-term education distributor for print, ebooks, and makerspace products and other library and classroom materials for grades PK-12.Known throughout the world over for exemplary service and a stringent attention to detail, we have access to over 18,000 publishers and... Read More →

Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Collaborative Spaces, Library Space, Makerspace