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Schedule

8-8:30 - Sign in
8:30-10:30 - Opening and Keynote
10:35-11:35 - Session 1
11:35-12:35 - Lunch
12:35-1:35 - Session 2 
1:40-2:40 - Session 3
2:45-3 - Closing and Door Prize Giveaway 

Keynote- Design Matters: Rethinking Learning Environments- Ken Shelton

In today’s age, the terms learning and classroom (learning space) have taken on a myriad of different and newer meanings. Both regularly occur and are associated with physical and digital environments. Often times the design of these environments can be a determining factor in the desired outcomes. In both cases, the designs of each can not only influence the learner, but also the breadth and quality of their learning experience. It is this experience that can mean the difference between successful engagement in learning and disengagement. During this keynote we will examine ways in which we can leverage the designs of physical and digital space to create a unique learner experience as well as strategies for effective design of learning environments. Because, Design Matters.

Session 1

Podcasting Playground - Amanda Triplett - Be A Part of Our VanCon Podcast!  And see how your classroom can be transformed into a podcasting studio for almost no money at all.  Play with a variety of microphones and editing options while hearing how these tech tools give voice to every content area and age group. 
Chat GPT and The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Education - Ken Shelton - Discover and examine how this cutting-edge emerging technology is revolutionizing writing and research assignments while also saving valuable time and empowering students to learn more effectively. Explore AI's potential to enhance education through innovative usage strategies, providing teachers and educational leaders with the ability to foster a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. We will also look at how to approach using Artificial Intelligence from an information and media literacy perspective. How to account for the embedded biases, inaccuracies, and incomplete information the platforms will at times reveal.
Expedition Impact: Planning for 23-24 School Year - Vanguard Executive Team - Get a head start on drafting your Impact Plan for the 23-24 school year. Talk and discuss with other Vanguard members to discover how to make the most impact at your school.   
Unleash Creative Communicators with Book Creator - Leigh Martin - Book Creator is an interactive publishing platform to create multimedia-enabled online books that will help you unleash the creativity in your students.  In this workshop you will learn about how this platform works and see examples of how other Vanguard members have used this app with students. 
Virtual Student Technology Project Gallery - At your own pace learn how other Vanguard members are transforming student learning with technology. This virtual gallery includes examples of student work and videos from fellow Vanguard members telling more about the project. 

Session 2

Power Up Learning with Podcasting Part 1 - Amanda Triplett - During this interactive and hands-on training, teacher learn how to plan, script, record, edit, and publish student podcasts. They will also learn how to incorporate podcasts into their teaching practice, including how to use podcasts for lesson planning, student assessment, and community outreach.
Effective Communication in a Visual World - Ken Shelton - In our dynamic, image-centric world, visual communication skills have become paramount. In fact, visual communication is one core component of any learning environment focusing on literacy. This session is designed to empower individuals to utilize visuals in their communication strategies effectively. This workshop will cover the essentials of visual language, its psychological impact, and the practical application of visuals in various mediums such as infographics, presentations, and storytelling. We'll explore visual storytelling, hands-on activities, and real-life examples, fostering a comprehensive understanding of visual communication's significance today. By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped with the tools and techniques to convey your messages more persuasively and creatively. 
Engaging Students Through Brain Powered Learning - Jodi Moskowitz - Zzzzz... This is not the sound we want to hear in our classroom! Yet, some days sound like this. How do we make it a sound of buzzing? This session is a great start because there will be strategies embedded from the moment we start to the moment we end. Learn about how the brain learns then experience specific strategies that embed into any content and any grade level- and with ease! Your students will be engaged and so will you!  Are you ready? I hope so; this is no sit-and-get!
​Expedition Impact: Planning for 23-24 School Year - Vanguard Executive Team - Get a head start on drafting your Impact Plan for the 23-24 school year. Talk and discuss with other Vanguard members to discover how to make the most impact at your school.  
​Virtual Student Technology Project Gallery - At your own pace learn how other Vanguard members are transforming student learning with technology. This virtual gallery includes examples of student work and videos from fellow Vanguard members telling more about the project. 
Become a Book Creator Certified Author - Mindy Ramon - Want to learn more about Book Creator but not attending the first session? Spend this time working through the self paced Book Creator Certified Author training. (Open to Vanguard members Only)

Session 3

Power Up Learning with ​Podcasting Part 2 (continuation from Session 2) - Amanda Triplett - During this interactive and hands-on training, teacher learn how to plan, script, record, edit, and publish student podcasts. They will also learn how to incorporate podcasts into their teaching practice, including how to use podcasts for lesson planning, student assessment, and community outreach.
Media Literacy: Developing a deeper understanding of the impact media and technology have in how we think and what we do - Ken Shelton - When discussions about learning environments and learning opportunities include the use of the word literacy, it is often associated solely with reading and writing. There are a myriad of literacies, and one that is far too often overlooked, omitted, or never considered is Media Literacy. This highly interactive session will support an educator in gaining a deep understanding of media through the acquisition of critical terminology, the application of several media literate strategies, and the ability to effectively consume, curate, and create media content.
Around the World Cafe (Roundtable Discussions) - Submit questions you hope to discuss with other innovators. Participants will vote on the questions to discuss during a round table discussion.
​Expedition Impact: Planning for 23-24 School Year - Vanguard Executive Team - Get a head start on drafting your Impact Plan for the 23-24 school year. Talk and discuss with other Vanguard members to discover how to make the most impact at your school.  
​Virtual Student Technology Project Gallery - At your own pace learn how other Vanguard members are transforming student learning with technology. This virtual gallery includes examples of student work and videos from fellow Vanguard members telling more about the project.
Become a Book Creator Certified Author - Mindy Ramon - Want to learn more about Book Creator but not attending the first session? Spend this time working through the self paced Book Creator Certified Author training. (Open to Vanguard members Only) ​