Displayed below is the schedule for the conference. Clicking on each block will expand that block to display the sessions available in that block along with presenter and room details. Then clicking on the session will show the description of that session.
- Saturday 22 Feb 2025
Saturday 22 Feb 2025
8:15 am - 8:45 am Registration
Arrive and sign in.
Reconnect with colleagues, network, peruse exhibits
8:45 am - 9:00 am Opening Remarks
Join us in the Main Event Room for our official welcome and orientation for the day.
9:00 am - 10:05 am Block 1
Interactive Fiction and the Design Process
Arthur DitnerRoom 106
Twine is a free and popular online resource for coding interactive fiction. With a few simple commands, students will learn how to craft and share their own stories. Instructors can guide students through the engineering design process to make refinements to students' code, an emphasized component in the TAS curriculum. Twine is an accessible way to teaching coding syntax, variables, web hosting, and more!
AI Tools for Students
Kashif WaheedRoom 102
Join us for this workshop where we will explore the strategic implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your school and daily work, focusing on tools within the Microsoft environment. We'll discover how Microsoft Copilot is helping to simplify workflows and reimagine education and uncover the AI-powered features built into the M365 tools, demonstrating how they can enhance student engagement, efficiency and productivity. We will also discuss best practices and using AI coaches like Speaker Coach, Search Coach, Career Coach and more.
Low-Cost Robotics Kits for TEJ Learning and RoboCup Competition
Ben LawrenceRoom 103
Through this interactive workshop you will be exploring the design and construction of a simple, low-cost Arduino robot used both for teach TEJ courses and as a starter robot for RoboCup Junior competition. Educators interested in learning about Arduino robots will learn the basics of robot control and sensors, and you will leave with a parts list and instructions for creating this starter robot for use in their classroom. For experienced educators, it will be a great opportunity to collaboratively discuss and improve design ideas, and show the incorporation of the RoboCup Junior competition goals and their impact in the classroom.
Building Future Innovators: Creating Makerspaces to Transform STEM Education
Rasha NosseryRoom 104
My presentation will explore how to design and implement makerspaces in schools to transform STEM education by fostering hands-on learning, creativity, coding skills, and innovation. Attendees will learn practical strategies for setting up makerspaces, integrating them into the curriculum, and utilizing tools like robotics kits, 3D printing, and coding platforms to create engaging, real-world learning experiences. The session will also highlight how makerspaces can bridge knowledge gaps, enhance collaboration, and prepare students for future careers in technology and innovation-driven fields.
10:05 am - 10:20 am Morning Break
Refreshments & Networking
10:25 am - 11:30 am Block 2
Engaging Students in Coding with Python's Arcade Graphics Library
Peter BeensRoom 106
The Turing programming language was an excellent tool for introducing students to programming through simple commands like drawing and moving objects, sparking creativity and curiosity. One memorable assignment was creating a landscape using primitive drawing commands, where students co-created the criteria for their work. In this presentation, I’ll show how the arcade library is the Python- based equivalent I’ve been searching for. With intuitive commands and powerful graphics, arcade makes coding fun and accessible while enabling more advanced projects. See how arcade combines Turing's simplicity with modern programming tools, making it ideal for engaging students in coding.
Beginner Introduction to Raspberry Pi Pico
John RampeltRoom 103
The advent of inexpensive and powerful 32-bit microcontrollers enabled the creation of the $6 Raspberry Pi Pico as an easy-to-program alternative to the popular Arduino family. Participants in this session will learn about the different Raspberry Pi Pico circuit boards, typical microcontroller input and output circuits, and get an introduction to MicroPython programming for microcontrollers.
Making JavaScript More Accessible to Beginners using the Kid.js Framework
Chris MaissanRoom 102
I will discuss some of the barriers to learning JavaScript (complex build tools, needing to first understand the DOM, etc.) and how the Kid.js framework addresses these issues. Will walk through a sample activity "Simulating Dominos using JavaScript" outlined here: https://kidjs.app/activities/dominos
A Digital approach to TAS1O -Coding, Electronics, Robotics, and Design
Grant Hutchison, James CordinerRoom 104
In this session we will explore various projects that have been implemented in 2024/25 school year at a school without Technological Studies classrooms. The projects have been focused on coding, electronics, robotics, and design. Each of these projects are aligned with the Engineering Design Process as provided in the new TAS1O/2O curriculum.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch & Networking
Lunch is provided in the main meeting room.
During this time, you can connect with other attendees, join in conversation, and meet with the sponsors/representatives present in the area.
Keynote
Majeed KazemiLibrary
In the evolving landscape of programming with generative AI, critical questions emerge around its impact on cognition, interaction, and learning. In this talk, I will present findings from my research on three key topics: (a) What are the implications of using AI when learning to code for the first time? Does AI enhance learning or foster over-reliance, potentially hindering outcomes? (b) How can we design novel interfaces that cognitively engage learners with AI-generated solutions—enhancing users’ ability to extend and modify code without creating friction? (c) How to design pedagogical AI coding assistants for educational contexts? I will discuss the design of CodeAid, results from its 12-week deployment in a large class of 750 students, and perspectives from students and educators.
1:05 pm - 2:10 pm Block 3
Project Based Learning with Phidgets Education
Kashif WaheedRoom 103
Explore how Phidgets and its programmable USB sensors can be used in your high school classroom to teach STEM and programming! You will explore hands-on fun and easy ideas on how to utilize the various Phidgets sensors in the classroom to teach coding through project-based learning with various resources and lessons that enhance student learning and skills.
Teaching Algorithms and Time Complexity Analysis in ICS4U
Grant Hutchison, Catherine LeungRoom 106
In this session we will explore how role playing and problem analysis can be used to help select appropriate data structures and/or algorithms. We will also explore how AI assistant tools such as the AI assistant in Google Colab can bring a new pedagogical approach to algorithm (Big O) analysis.
Experience AI - Foundational tools for the classroom
German ArcillaRoom 102
Discover Experience AI, a free program designed to equip teacher candidates with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Developed in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind, Experience AI provides practical resources and foundational AI concepts to help future educators bring AI learning to the classroom. In this interactive session, you’ll explore hands-on activities, ethical considerations, and real-world applications tailored for students. No prior experience is needed—just come ready to learn and gain tools to inspire the next generation of AI-literate thinkers."
An electronics unit for TAS1O or TAS2O
Rob CeccatoRoom 104
This session will give you all the necessary resources needed for teaching basic electronics to students in either grade 9 or grade 10. We will quickly go over the unit on electronics (look at the resources and how they are laid out). I will then demonstrate how to use TinkerCad (a free online electronics workbench that runs on a web browser) and to give you a resource that you can share with your students so they can learn how to use TinkerCad. Finally, we will then take what we have learned and apply it to the TAS curriculum. 3 Final TAS Curriculum related assessments will be shared that are related to the unit.
2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Afternoon Break
Refreshments & Networking
2:35 pm - 3:40 pm Block 4
Teaching TAS in a school with no tech department
Irina IvanovaRoom 104
This session with present a version of the TAS course that can be taught at a school with no tech department and cover possible variations of the course in terms of topics, assignments and costs involved. Materials and assignments will be shared as well.
An IoT Story in TEJ/TER
Sal IaconoRoom 103
In this session, I'll share my experiences introducing IoT concepts into my TEJ/TEx class using Python and Raspberry Pi hardware, which is easily applicable to other internet capable microprocessors. We'll explore practical approaches for teaching IoT, from simple sensor projects to real-world data applications, including the creation of web based dashboards through the AdafruitIO platform. This session will provide you some ideas and resources to bring connected devices into your classroom.
Model It! Prevent Coding Disasters with State Charts
Dennis CecicRoom 106
Coding without design leads to disaster! State Chart “Models” are used to facilitate a clear communication of software behavior before any coding takes place. In this workshop, we will review the basic features of state charts and show how these models can be implemented in Arduino sketches.
Simplifying assessment using single-point rubrics
John RampeltRoom 102
Single-point rubrics are the ideal assessment tool for open-ended, project-based learning (and changed my life as a teacher!). Learn how to effortlessly create an assessment rubric that’s tied to the curriculum expectations, tells students exactly what they need to accomplish in order to meet the expected standard, and your life simpler by using levels-based assessment.
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm Door Prize Giveaways, Thanks, and Farewell
Make sure you stay with us in the Main Event Room for the final giveaways of the event.
