RoboPlay: A Hands-On Exploration of STEM, Computer Science, and Robotics

Victoria Comey-Estoye is currently an Instructional Technology Facilitator for Greenville County Schools. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with an Education Specialist Degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. She has 15+ years of experience in education and thrives on the innovation aspect of technology integration. Her experiences include being a Kindergarten teacher, a 3rd grade teacher, a Math and Reading Interventionist, and an Instructional Coach. Her love for learning continues as a doctorate student in education. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, attempting to crochet, and watching the sunset with her husband.

Olga is a passionate and results-oriented EdTech Specialist, ISTE Community Leader, ISTE Certified Educator, and Google Champion. She has a proven track record of boosting student learning outcomes through innovative and effective technology integration strategies. Now, she empowers educational institutions across Chile by equipping educators with seamless technology integration skills, ultimately enhancing the educational experience. When not geeking out over EdTech, Olga can often be found traveling the world, savoring local delicacies, and indulging her foodie cravings.

Innovative Educator Consulting provides K-20 professional learning EdTech. Naomi Louise, CEO and founder, is an influential EdTech educator. Global relationships between universities, leadership groups, and K-12 schools are her passion. Naomi is known for generating and implementing creative professional development solutions that support an organization's vision and strategy. Innovative Educator Consulting collaborates with her master educators consultants to create engaging hands-on learning experiences to empower K-20 educators to use emerging technology tools and applications.

Jason McKenna is the VP of Global Educational Strategy for VEX Robotics, overseeing all educational development and classroom integration for the VEXcode VR, VEX 123, GO, IQ and V5 platforms. McKenna is an accomplished educational practitioner and strategist with 20 years of classroom experience and success in implementing STEM programs and robotics competitions for students at all levels. McKenna is also the author of "What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom."

I am an art historian, who became a college art librarian, who became a K-12 librarian, who ended up happiest as a technology teacher with lots of research-based technology projects. I have taught research or technology skills to 3 year olds through to PhD. students. I am passionate about making sure everyone is given the skills to use technology for their benefits and learn the dangers of misinformation when doing research. I am happiest learning about new things and talking to others about their experiences and ideas. A true librarian at heart.

Dan Perez has been a teacher of High School STEM subjects for ten years, starting in Chemistry but always including data and technology in his lesson plans, then adding engineering and STEM electives... and finally in recent years shifting to focus entirely on computer science and its applications. Prior to teaching he was an engineer in the semiconductor industry.

Jami is an experienced innovative educator able to transition easily in today's education environment online and in-person. She has a demonstrated history of working in the primary education industry with years of classroom experience. Jami is a curriculum developer and writer using content and technology for hands-on experience. She is a coding, robotics and STEM instructor at the elementary school level. She has taught at numerous grade levels with over 25 years of experience. She has a master's level education with an emphasis in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction. Jami is a dedicated educator working on her National Board Certification.

Ben is the Assistant Director of Technology at the Lincoln Intermediate Unit, a service agency in Pennsylvania. Ben has engaged in professional development across the globe in his consultancy, EdTechInnovators. He is a former ISTE Board of Directors member and was the Regional Program Chair for the 2019 ISTE Conference in Philadelphia. Ben is the Past President of PAECT, the PA ISTE Affiliate. He is an ISTE Certified Educator and delivers the ISTE Certification as his organization is a provider (CAP).

Scott taught students in various ELA Courses for 22 years and worked as a part-time building-based instruction coach. He transitioned to an Educational Consultant role nine years ago. He supports and mentors teachers and coaches striving to increase student achievement and improve classroom practice through technology and blended learning. He is also the regional liaison for CDTs. In 2007, he was one of one hundred educators in PA recognized as a Keystone STAR for his innovative classroom practices with technology. He is a lifetime member of PAECT (PA’s ISTE affiliate), actively volunteering in the organization as the Keystones Program Chair.

Amanda Jeane Strode is an Elementary Educator, Technology Innovator, and Curriculum Writer from West Chester, Pennsylvania. Amanda Jeane taught elementary school for eight years. Amanda Jeane is now the Director of Learning for CodeJoy. You can find out more about Amanda Jeane at @AmandaJeaneEdu on Social Platforms.

Eric Verno is 6th grade math and science teacher at Dallastown Area Intermediate School in York, PA. He has been teaching for over 20 years. He also serves as the President of PAECT, an ISTE Affiliate. He is a Microsoft Innovative Expert and Google Certified Teacher. He is continually looking for ways to be creative in his classroom. He has most recently been involved in starting a Lego Robotics Team and incorporating Minecraft EDU into his curriculum.

Alicia Verweij is a seasoned educator, passionate about teaching children to think critically and problem-solve in preparation for future careers. She is committed to collaborative, engaging learning techniques and assisting educators in implementing them. In addition to decades of classroom experience, she holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a B.S. in Business Management, an Education Certification, and an endorsement in Gifted Education. She has received numerous grants and awards for her success in the classroom and continues to share her passion for integrating STEAM and Project-based learning at local, state, regional, national, and international levels.