Presenters
Collaboration Coach
JDO Foundation
Lydia Billings is the Chief Operating Officer at 100cameras, a nonprofit organization that equips youth worldwide with tools to process and tell their experiences, impacting how they view themselves and their role in their community. Lydia's dedication to the organization has spanned over a decade, where she has passionately served in both creative and managerial capacities.
Creative Learning Strategist
Martha Bongiorno is a student voice activist and is currently serving as a school librarian in Metro Atlanta. She supports students and educators by pushing boundaries of traditional education to empower learners as thinkers and creators to make positive change in their communities. With her unique perspective from the heart of the school, she explores how the tapestry of learning is interwoven with literacy, technology, creativity, and student voice. Martha serves others as an ISTE Ambassador, Immediate Past-President of Georgia Library Media Association, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Master Trainer, a Flipgrid Student Voice Ambassador since 2016, and an Adobe Creative Leader.
Head of Research and Innovation
Jody Britten serves as the Head of Research and Innovation. She is Team4Tech's resident cheerleader for community, innovation, and data. As a well-known international thought leader in EdTech, Jody's work at Team4Tech helps global partners scale their work to make learning more accessible, inclusive, and globally relevant. Since joining Team4Tech her work has been celebrated at SxSWedu, QS Reimagine Education, the Wharton School of Business, the AI for Good Convening in Geneva, and the Global Education Coalition at UNESCO. She serves on the leadership team for Ai-for-Edcuation.org and is an appointed member of the HP Futures Council on EdTech for Teachers.
Digital Learning Specialist
Jessica Campos is a busy mother and educator with a passion for Creativity and Critical Thinking. Jessica was able to develop a passion for both of these topics as a science educator teaching student from sixth grade through Physics. She now refines those skills in her role as a Digital Learning Specialist working with students and teachers in the K-12 setting. Jessica is also an Adobe Creative Educator District Leader.Jessica Campos is a busy mother and educator with a passion for Creativity and Critical Thinking. Jessica was able to develop a passion for both of these topics as a science educator teaching student from sixth grade through Physics. She now refines those skills in her role as a Digital Learning Specialist working with students and teachers in the K-12 setting. Jessica is also an Adobe Creative Educator District Leader.
CTO -- Global Collaboration
Russett
Amelia / Paul
Jeff Z
Kids
Stormy Daniels is an experienced educator who has spent over 15 years in the classroom and is known for her focus on personalized pedagogy that aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Stormy is passionate about creating positive change and empowering students to become global citizens who can make a difference in the world. Stormy's expertise includes implementing personalized curricula, and she offers personalized coaching and consulting services through her education consultancy, EdTech Purpose LLC, to help educators and institutions create student-centered and impactful learning experiences. Ed3DAO Genesis Member
Meggan Ford is a librarian just north of Atlanta. She is a self proclaimed crazy cat lady and a huge lover of Saturdays with coffee and a good book. In 2021, Meggan's library program was chosen as the exemplary library program for the Georgia Library Media Association. In 2020, she was honored to become the Fulton County Library Media Specialist of the Year. Meggan is also a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Adobe Certified level 2 Certified Educator.
Content Development Editor, English Language Learning Materials
Jacqueline Gardy is a Virtual Exchange Specialist and Materials Editor in the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the Office of English Language Programs. Prior to this, she was an English Language Fellow in Novi Sad, Serbia, through the State Department’s English Language Fellow Program, and was a high school ESOL teacher and community college ESL teacher. She has been on the board of the ISTE Online and Blended Learning Network and the M-Education Alliance. Her interests are in design thinking, edtech in low-resourced environments, and creative thinking.
Larissa Giacomán teaches Spanish at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Virginia. She is the Founder of KidSpanish. She is involved in the National Network for Early Language Learners, where is a State Rep for DC and VA and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, where she was a presenter on EdTech Implementation and Creativity for Learning in the Target Language. She is an Board member of the Greater Washington Association of Teachers of Foreign Language and ISTE member.
Donna Guerin, an experienced educator with 25 years of classroom teaching and 9 years of involvement in global education, holds a student-centered learning and project-based philosophy. She firmly believes that students thrive when they are actively engaged in their educational journey. Recognizing the importance of equity and diversity in education, Donna is passionate about uniting people worldwide to foster inclusive learning environments. With this vision in mind, she founded Global Lighthouse Studios, an international educational non-profit, in 2021.
Evo Hannan is the founder of Innovation X, a big thinking company that helps inspire a new way of thinking to move education forward. Before devoting his work to Innovation X, Evo served as a Head of Innovation at a number of schools in Dubai, and has been teaching Design for 2 decades. Evo has been featured in several publications in the Middle East and UK, and has gone onto speaking about his passion for innovation and change in education across the world, as well as a 2 times TedX speaker.
Melisa is a 2nd grade teacher in Hilliard, Ohio and has taught for 26 years with a Master's in Education. She's passionate about teaching SDG's, inclusion, technology & creating experiences in the classroom, such as classroom transformations, Stem, coding and more. She earned the recognition of Global Teacher of the Year in 2020. She 's a Microsoft Flip, Wakelet, Night Zookeeper,Magic School, Teach Better Ambassador, Quizizz Certified Game chnager, and an Apple Distinguished Educator. She's also a children's author!
Connect with me on Twitter @MrsHayesFam
Wendy Hedeen, M.Ed, specializes in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Instructional Technology and has spent 33 years in the classroom. As a current STEAM and English teacher, she is dedicated to creating intentional learning environments that leverage the potential of technology and connect her students to real-life applications. Her passion to empower her students to make an impact now and in the future has kept her in constant pursuit of the latest technology to meet that goal. Recognized as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Wakelet Ambassador,Flipgrid Certified, Magic School Pioneer, Gimkit Certified and Quizizz Game Changer.
Priscilla is a K-4 STEAM and Gifted Education Teacher in Mount Laurel, New Jersey & has taught for 24 years. Teaching with tech, love, & creativity is her passion. She is a Microsoft Flipsider, MIEE, Ambassador for TeachSDGs, Wakelet, Quizizz, & Novel Effect, Certified MagicSchool AI, Quizizz AI, MagicSchool AI Pioneer, Adobe Creative Educator
Consultant & International Speaker
Alberto is an award-winning educator and international speaker originally from Spain. Alberto and his twin brother, Mario, are known as the eTwinz. They have presented at many conferences and events around the world sharing their expertise to help teachers transform their practice. In 2021, The EdTech Magazine (CDW) included the eTwinz in the “30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021”. In 2022, the eTwinz were recognized by ISC in their big data research “Top 75 Edruptors of 2021” including them among the 75 most influential educators around the world.
Mario, part of the eTwinz, is an award-winning educator and international speaker originally from Spain. Mario has presented at many conferences and events around the world sharing his expertise to help teachers transform their practice. In 2021, The EdTech Magazine (CDW) included the eTwinz in the "30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021”. In 2022, the eTwinz were recognized by ISC in their big data research “Top 75 Edruptors of 2021” including them among the 75 most influential educators around the world. Also, in 2022, ISTE awarded them the "20 to Watch Award,".
Director Instructional Technology & Blended Learning
Dr. Kaylah Holland is passionate about empowering educators through professional development, one on one coaching, and innovative lesson design. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Design and Technology with extensive research in active learning environments. She has spent years empowering educators and championing student-centered classrooms. She is a Google Certified Trainer & Innovator, a college professor, an ISTE community Leader, and was presented the “20 to Watch” award by ISTE in 2022. Kaylah is the Director of Instructional Technology and Blended Learning for BreakFree Education and works to empower educators to radically improve education inside juvenile justice facilities.
English Department Chair & Consultant
Dr. Sawsan Jaber, NBCT is a global educator, equity strategist, curriculum designer, and acclaimed keynote speaker. Currently, she serves as a department chair and equity leader at Maine West HS in Illinois. Dr. Jaber's journey includes founding Education Unfiltered Consulting, facilitating transformative change in schools globally.
Her qualifications encompass a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with emphasis on fostering inclusion and belonging among marginalized communities. Accolades include the 2023 Cook County Teacher of the Year, 2022 IDEA Teacher of the Year, a nominee for the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year, and the ISTE 20 to Watch Award for 2023.
District Instructional Coach
Cammie Kannekens is a 20-year veteran high school teacher turned District Instructional Coach in a rural school district in southern Alberta. She has a master's degree in Educational Leadership and among other edtech certifications, is a Google Certified Innovator, Trainer and Coach, ISTE Community Leader and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) and Master Trainer. She works on providing learning experiences across great distances for both students and teachers by introducing them to pedagogy and digital tools that help them connect and build relationships, and amplify community-based projects. She is also a proud edtech consultant for Canada’s Logics Academy.
Director, Science Technology Entry Program
I work with underserved students who are K - 12 from from NYC to eastern Long Island, and advocate for them statewide as the Director of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Science Technology Entry Program... a New York State Education Department (NYSED) grant.
Our lifestyles have a planetary impact. I use the United Nations Sustainable Development goals to teach students how to be global citizens and environmental stewards.
My wish is that we all rise together, save the planet for the next generations, and live peacefully - having a goal greater and more impactful than greed.
Digital Learning Specialist
Sherrie Orr is a Digital Learning Specialist in Denton ISD. She received her Masters degree in Library and Information Science from Texas Woman’s University, and Computer Education and Cognitive Science from the University of North Texas and her B.S. in Elementary Education from TWU. Her teaching certifications are in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, ESL, School Librarian, Technology Applications, and Master Technology Teacher. Sherrie taught 3rd and 4th grade before becoming a DLS. She has written curriculum for the University of North Texas and presented at the Texas Computer Educator’s Association conference and the Technology in Action conference
Technology & Digital Design Coordinator
Greta Sandler is a Technology and Digital Design Coordinator from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a 2023 ISTE "20 to Watch" winner, passionate about creating safe learning environments. She believes students should have a voice and choice in their education and that social-emotional well-being is essential for learning.
Greta is an ISTE Certified Educator and a Google Certified Trainer. She advocates for student-centered classrooms and project-based learning, aligning projects with the SDGs to empower students to become agents of change.
As an ISTE Community Leader, Greta enjoys working alongside educators worldwide, exchanging ideas, and empowering teachers everywhere to elevate their practice.
Dr. Jennifer Williams has dedicated herself for 25 years to the field of education through her roles as an education activist, professor, school administrator, literacy specialist, and classroom teacher. As an educator and author of the ISTE book, Teach Boldly: Using Edtech for Social Good, she champions teachers to use educational technology purposefully for the planet and its people. She is the co-founder of TeachSDGs and the non-profit organization Take Action Global. Connect with Jennifer on Twitter at @JenWilliamsEdu and at www.jenwilliamsedu.com.
Project Director, Global Programs
April Williamson is a Project Director for Global Programs at Digital Promise, where she leads blended learning partnerships in Haiti and Paraguay. Previously, she served as a math teacher and coach in Washington, DC; an expert mentor for the Modern Classrooms Project; a researcher and project manager with Results for Development (R4D); an environmental health educator with the Peace Corps in Senegal; and an AmeriCorps volunteer in public middle schools in Madison, WI. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art, French, and African Studies from UW-Madison and a master’s degree from Yale’s Jackson School for Global Affairs.
Session description
Embark on a global journey that empowers your students to become agents of social change. Collect passport stamps by engaging with interactive stations, listening to dynamic stage presentations from diverse global voices, and obtaining innovative resources that inspire you to implement SDG projects that drive real change.
Purpose & objective
Purpose:
The purpose of this playground is to provide a space where participants can connect with each other, learn about global collaboration, and design their own projects using the United Nations SDGs as a framework.
Objectives:
Learn about ways to connect and collaborate with colleagues around the world
Participate in a live global collaboration experience
Learn how to apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals to global collaboration projects
Hear inspiring stories from educators around the globe on the presentation stage
Connect global ISTE educators together whether attending ISTELive 24 in person or virtually
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Outline
Digital Passport- To encourage participants to visit multiple stations throughout the playground, we will have a digital passport. As participants visit each station, they will receive a stampp to unlock a digital SDG icon. If they unlock all 17, they will be entered for a giveaway. This passport will act as a digital file for playground visitors to access the resources all in one place.
Live mind map- Participants will share where they are from, and data will be displayed in real-time to show a visual representation of global locations. We will share out to online participants as well for participants to share where they are from.
There will be a place both physically and digitally for teachers to connect, network, and collaborate on ideas for SDG-connected collaboration projects.
Presenters for tables will showcase their best global collaboration projects focused on the SDGs. The tables will have interactive elements using different technology tools for collaboration and ideally a way for participants to try things out.
Call to action as participants leave the playground- Participants will be encouraged to join a database or Padlet to keep sharing ideas and connect after the conference is over.
Live & pre-recorded presentations from educators around the globe will be streaming as part of the presentation stage presentations. Topics will include inspiring stories from global educators, ways to connect the global community, example global collaboration projects that focus on one of the 17 SDGs. Playground coordinators will moderate all presentations.
Table Stations will cover a variety of hands-on activities and presentations and will cover topics such as: projects focusing on all or some of the 17 SDGs, example projects connecting the global community, resources for global collaboration, a live map of current attendees both in person and virtual to foster collaboration and community, and more.
Each presenter (or set of presenters) will have a table for 1 hour. There will be 12 presenters or pairs during the playground that will switch on the 1-hour mark.
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Supporting research
Asia Education Article- https://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/professional-learning/pathways-and-toolkits/global-collaboration/global-collaboration
SDGs overview- https://sdgs.un.org/goals
iEarn- https://www.globaledguide.org/learn
World Savvy, global competence- https://www.worldsavvy.org/our-approach/global-competence/
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Explore and create: Playground 
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