Arts and Technology Playground: Creative Ways to Engage All Learners

Danielle's passion for educational technology began in 1997 when all she had access to was a computer in a closet of the media center with Internet. As a former technology coach, DEN STAR, DEN Leader and member of other educational organizations, she has learned the power of networking. Danielle collaborates with Heather on various classroom activities throughout the year. She has presented at FETC, SCEDTech, GAETC, Creative Constructor and ISTE for the last 20 years.

As the Academic Technology Coordinator, Brandi Bergeron plays a key role in integrating technology into classrooms. She has taught a variety of subjects to students throughout the Baton Rouge region over the course of her lengthy career. More than half of her career has been spent as a library media specialist, providing her the opportunity to support teachers and students. She is Google Level One, Level Two Certified and a Google Certified Trainer. Brandi is Quality Matters Certified, has a Master’s degree in educational technology, and is proficient in a range of technology platforms.

Debbie Bohanan is a 30-year career educator in Osceola County. She has worked with students from K-12th grade in a variety of positions. Debbie's certifications include Elementary & Primary Education, and Technology 6-12. She is ESOL Endorsed, National Board Certified, DEN Star and leadership council member for the Discovery Educator Network, Microsoft Innovative Educator and TIE Educator (Tech4Learning Innovative Educator). Her degrees include a bachelor's degree in elementary education (Florida State University) and a master’s degree in Education Media Design and Technology (Full Sail University). Debbie is passionate about her work and always looks for creative ways to engage her students using multimedia.

As the Media Specialist and Technology Support Teacher at a rural, Title 1 school, Laura plays a key role in integrating technology into classrooms. She has taught a variety of subjects to students throughout Mobile County over the course of her career. More than half of her career has been spent as a library media specialist, providing her the opportunity to support teachers and students. She is Google Level One and Kahoot! certified. Laura has a Master’s degree in educational media and in elementary education, and is proficient in a range of technology platforms.As the Media Specialist and Technology Support Teacher at a rural, Title 1 school, Laura plays a key role in integrating technology into classrooms. She has taught a variety of subjects to students throughout Mobile County over the course of her lengthy career. More than half of her career has been spent as a library media specialist, providing her the opportunity to support teachers and students. She is Google Level One and Kahoot! certified. Laura has a Master’s degree in educational media and education, and is proficient in a range of technology platforms.

Steve Dembo is the middle school Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence Teacher and Director of Technology at Quest Academy in Palatine, IL. He is the co-author of the book Untangling the Web: 20 Tools to Power Up Your Teaching and the president of the Skokie/Morton Grove District 69 School Board, serving his third term. Dembo is a dynamic speaker on the capabilities of social networking, the power of educational technologies and the potential for digital content to empower teachers to improve student outcomes.

Frank is a Digital Learning Consultant for Wisconsin’s CESA2 region. He is excited to help educators utilize meaningful technology to transform learning in their classrooms. Frank has over 20 years of middle school teaching experience, and as a MakerSpace Teacher/STEAM Camp Director he worked with many students and educators to learn the Design Process alongside them. He highly values hands-on learning, having time to explore, & being given the space to create. He enjoys piquing student interest in 3D printers, laser cutters, game design, and robotics as well as a good old power drill and hammer!

Jessie Erickson is the District Assessment Coordinator for Grand Forks Public Schools. Jessie holds Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist Diploma in Educational Leadership. She has had the opportunity to work with the students and staff as a teacher, Building Resource Coordinator, Instructional Coach and Curriculum Technology Partner within the Grand Forks Public Schools and Grand Forks Air Force Base School Districts. She loves facilitating opportunities that ignite all learners to become passionate about leading and learning.

Jennifer Hall is a veteran educator, trainer, speaker, and creator. A National Board Certified Teacher, ISTE Certified Educator, Certified Google Innovator and Trainer as well as Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Jen serves as an Educational Technology Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools Instructional Technology Department. Jen collaborates with teachers to effectively integrate technology in standards-based lessons, provides targeted school-based training, and facilitates relevant district-wide professional development. Jen created TechTips411.com to share apps, tools, resources, ideas, quick tips, tutorials, and live-streamed professional development. Jen is passionate about the effective integration of instructional technology and fostering the engagement of diverse learners.

Cathy Houchin has been teaching for over 40 years. As an elementary music teacher, Cathy loves infusing technology into her classes. She has presented at many conferences including ISTE, FETC, SLATE, TEAC,MACUL and WMEA. For many years, Cathy volunteered with ISTE'S Art and Technology PLN and served in many capacities including president. Currently, she is semi-retired and teaching part-time for the district's eCampus as a special coordinator.

Anne LeBlanc is a Canadian classroom teacher who has joyfully taught from grades 3-8 for 34 years. She has taught mostly grades 4-6 and 18 years of that was in French. In September 2017, she jumped into integrating technology across the curriculum. She wants to prepare her students to solve problems with a variety of technology and people around the world. She does this by involving them in the Global Read Aloud, the Global Write, Discovery Education and Global Collaborations with Ignite My Future. She has presented sessions provincially and internationally on a variety of topics.

Rita is the Educational Technology Coach for Verona Area High School. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator and has been a member of several ADE Global Institutes including Ireland, Germany and Austin, TX. She also has several books published in Apple books. She has been actively working with a variety of teachers as they develop content for their 1:1 iPad environment. As a District Personalized Learning Coach she helps transform classrooms to meet the needs of all learners. She serves on the Discovery Education Network Leadership Council, is a Google Innovator and Trainer, an ISTE Certified Educator, and is a National Board Certified teacher.

Emily Strickland is an educator for Greenville Virtual School in SC as the Middle level Math Interventionist with 25 years of experience. Through this role she helps motivate students to love mathematics and bridges the gap between skills that have been lost throughout students' education. Emily has served in many educational leadership roles throughout her career as well as presented math, technology and SEL learning strategies at local and national conferences. Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, a Masters in Educational Technology, Media Specialist and an Education Specialist degree in Administration.Emily Strickland is an educator for Greenville Virtual School in SC as the Middle level Math Interventionist with 25 years of experience. Through this role she helps motivate students to love mathematics and bridges the gap between skills that have been lost throughout students' education. Emily has served in many educational leadership roles throughout her career as well as presented math, technology and SEL learning strategies at local and national conferences. Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, a Masters in Educational Technology, Media Specialist and an Education Specialist degree in Administration.

Dave uses a common sense approach to providing educational technology for teaching and learning. His background as a high school math teacher, school-to-career coordinator, director of information technology, and online learning community manager provides him with extensive understanding of the full educational spectrum.