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Featured Speakers
Panel Discussion
Wednesday, October 28, 4:30 PM
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are driving many conversations in many realms, but they are not as frequently discussed in relation to computer science, coding, technology and innovation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion does affect our technologies, and those technologies can have a significant impact on how the world works, and not always in a good way. Our panelists represent three important facets to education technology, classroom teachers, district administration, and the silicon valley. Join David Lockett (NASA), Christy Crawford (NYC DOE), and Vikas Gupta (Wonder Workshop) for a facilitated discussion with Jeff Mao (Vita-Learn) as we explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion impacts our everyday lives, and why it is important to consider diversity, equity, and inclusion as we expand our efforts to teach students to code and become the inventors of tomorrow, and what we can do to ensure that we build a foundation for a better future.
Christy Crawford serves as the Director of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education for New York City’s Computer Science for All Initiative. For more than a decade she taught K-8 classes in Harlem and the Bronx. She was also a curriculum fellow for the New York City Computer Science for All Blueprint and an adjunct lecturer for the City College of New York. She was an education consultant for companies such as Scholastic, BrainPOP, and Nickelodeon. Prior to teaching, Crawford was a television producer for several networks. She uses her experience in education and media to foster equity by all means necessary. Crawford is an advocate for communities of color in computer science. Follow her on Twitter @CCrawfordTech
Vikas Gupta is the co-founder and CEO of Wonder Workshop, makers of the multi-award-winning robots Dash, Cue, and Dot Creativity Kit. Vikas is a father of two, and it was the time he spent with his daughter when she was born that inspired him to start Wonder Workshop. Vikas takes pride in Wonder Workshop’s mission to tackle the gender gap in STEM and make coding with robots easily accessible and fun for both boys and girls. In 2018, KAPi recognized Vikas as the Emerging Pioneer at the CES.
Wonder Workshop’s mission is to inspire inventors of all ages by giving them the tools to imagine and invent the future, and make coding the universal language of learning any subject. The company is committed to helping children succeed in the 21st century and developing in-depth experiences that balance fun and learning, promote collaboration, and provide enduring value to both girls and boys — at home and in the classroom. Wonder Workshop’s award-winning products are used by millions at home and in more than 20,000 schools worldwide. Follow him on Twitter @vikasgupta
David Lockett is a Computer Science and STEM teacher. He is currently an Albert Einstein Fellow at the NASA Office of STEM Engagement. David was also honored in 2020 when he was awarded the ISTEM STEM PLN Award.
NASA STEM Engagement offers STEM opportunities for K-12 students through experiential learning opportunities and STEM challenges. These activities are designed to increase students’ interest and involvement in STEM, improve their ability to participate in STEM studies and careers, and enhance their understanding of the value of STEM in their lives while engaging them in NASA’s mission.
David’s most recent publication: Teaching During the Coronavirus Outbreak Follow him on Twitter @DavidJLockett
Shannon Miller
Innovation Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media, Van Meter Community School
Thursday, October 29, 3:30 PM
As Future Ready Librarians, it has never been more important for us to show what we can do and how we can shine! In this session, Shannon McClintock Miller will share lots of ways we can lead and support our districts throughout the school year, and through our journey with remote and continuous learning.
Shannon McClintock Miller is the Innovation Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media at Van Meter Community School in Van Meter, Iowa. She is also the Future Ready Librarians Spokesperson working with librarians, educators and students around the world every day as an international speaker, consultant and author who has a passion for education, librarianship, advocacy, technology, social media and making a difference in the world and lives of others, especially children. Shannon brings a special expertise and vision to conversations around school libraries, education, technology, creativity and student voice.
Shannon also serves as Buncee’s Teacher Librarian Advisor and Capstone’s Teacher Librarian Advocate. Shannon is the author of the award winning The Library Voice blog and enjoys writing for various blogs, journals and other forums including ISTE, School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. She have written four picture books about library skills with Cantata Learning; eight graphic novels in the Adventures in Makerspace series with Capstone; one professional book with her friend Bill Bass, which was published by ISTE; and has contributed to several professional books included the most recent with 10 other educators which is part of the Routledge Great Educators Series. Follow her on Twitter @shannonmmiller Find her at The Library Voice.
Steve Garton
Senior Manager, Common Sense Privacy Project
Saturday, October 31, 10:30 AM
School looks very different now with a mixture of remote and in person learning. The scrutiny on privacy is ramping up . Facebook, Google, and Zoom are all facing public scrutiny and increased publicity on this issue. Privacy is now a big discussion item in schools, but what is really important to educators? In this session, we are going to talk about safety, privacy, security, and compliance as it directly relates to the classroom. Join Steve as he provides valuable resources to help you understand and manage privacy issues in your classroom.
Steve Garton is Senior Manager for the Common Sense Privacy Program. He is an expert in meaningful technology integration, particularly in large-scale initiatives. He supports districts with professional development planning, program monitoring, student assessment, and communication across stakeholder groups. Steve has been a classroom teacher and tech coordinator at the local, county, and state level. His most recent publications are Free Privacy Resources to Help Solve Your Privacy Concerns and Privacy in the Classroom: Why Should I Care?
Prior to joining Common Sense, Steve was the Coordinator of Educational Technology for the Maine Department of Education. While there, he led the professional development programs for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative, the state’s 1:1 program that supported over 12,000 teachers and administrators. As a member of the Department’s leadership team, he provided policy support and leadership. Follow him on Twitter @sgarton121
