Midwest Summit 2015: Full Schedule

The Midwest Summit is a two-day, hands-on conference focusing on integrating Google for Education in K-12 and Higher Ed learning environments. All presentations will be from Google for Education Certified Innovators and Certified Trainers, and local Googley talent!

Midwest Summit Site
Midwest Summit Resources - Coming Before the Conference
Conference Center Map
Sign Up for Breakout Edu Sessions Here

9:45am PST

Can you Breakout EDU 2?

Come experience the hot new Breakout EDU trend! You and other participants will take part in a simulation similar to the escape rooms. You will put your problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills to the test. Space is limited to 12 for each session, so sign up, come experience and then learn more!

Must sign up on EventBrite here in advance.

Speakers

Team

Monday November 16, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Glacier A/B

9:45am PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Monday November 16, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

9:45am PST

Close reads: Using Google Tools for close reads in the connected classroom

Do your students have a game plan to make real meaning of what they are reading? Do your students highlight everything? Random things? In this session we will explore how you can integrate Google Tools such as Google Scholar, Advanced Google Search, Google Docs, and Google Forms to help your students make real meaning and accelerate the development of their reading skills.

Speakers

Aida Awad

Lead Learner, To The Cloud EDU

Aida Awad is an Educational Consultant, Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, former Earth Science Professor at Broward College, and Admin Academy presenter for the IL Principal's Assn. She’s a recovering high school administrator, Google Certified Trainer, long time science teacher... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Sandstone 3

11:00am PST

Can you Breakout EDU 2?

Speakers

Team

Monday November 16, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Glacier A/B

11:00am PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Monday November 16, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

11:00am PST

Google Skills to Support the 4Cs

The 4 Cs of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity are essential skills that students can use across curricular areas. The 4Cs also essential skills that need to be developed for work and life. Google Apps for Education provides an incredible foundation to support and develop these skills. This fast paced session will introduce attendees to the power of the 4Cs and the many Chrome, Google, and connected Web Resources that can support the development of these critical skills. Participants will collaboratively work together to connect a variety of resources to different skills. They will communicate using Google+, Google Drive, Twitter, and small group discussion. Participants will put their critical thinking and creative skills to the test as attendees and the facilitators work and learn together. The session will allow for differentiated learning as participants choose to dig deep into a few resources or expand their learning and be introduced to a wealth of resources. The session will be supported by a website and Google+ Community dedicated to supporting the 4Cs in the classroom.

Speakers

Allison Gest

Science Department Chair, Maine District 207

I am a Geology Teacher and Science Department Chair at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, IL. I am also a Google Education Trainer. I have students use all kinds of technology, especially GAFE on a daily basis in a 1:1 chromebook environment. I help provide professional development... Read More →

Steve Wick

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Indian Prairie 204

I am a Science Teacher & Instructional Technology Coordinator in the Indian Prairie School District. I have taught Science & Social Studies at the middle school and high school level for more than 20 years. My focus as a learner is strongly connected to the 4Cs, Instructional Technology... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Tundra A/B

11:00am PST

The Motherload of Mapping Resources for Education

There are so many more applications for mapping in the classroom beyond just geography and history. What about language arts, math, science, business, art, foreign languages? In this session, I'll be sharing the motherload of mapping resources for education and beyond. We'll discuss Google Maps, Google Earth, and many great tools outside the Googlesphere. Specific curriculum examples, activities and MOOC's will be shared that you can take back to your class the very next day.

Come dive into the world of maps. There are so many places to explore!

Speakers

Kurt Wismer

Business, Marketing & IT Teacher, North Fond du Lac School District

Kurt teaches Business, Marketing and IT for the North Fond du Lac School District. In addition, he is a Google for Education Certified Innovator and Google Education Trainer. Kurt uses technology throughout his curriculum to create durable learning experiences that are both rigorous... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Wilderness 2/5

1:00pm PST

Can you Breakout EDU 2?

Speakers

Team

Monday November 16, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Glacier A/B

1:00pm PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Monday November 16, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

1:00pm PST

Tools for your Flipping Toolbox!

Is your toolbox a little blah? Does it need something new? Then this if for you! Spend time learning “hands-on” style how to make flipping your classroom easy and enjoyable. We will spend time working with some great online tools - Nearpod, Google Forms with Flubaroo, EdPuzzle, Socrative, and Screencastify. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to know these tools. These tools are perfect for anyone who is interesting in sharing lessons, differentiating, and creating content that is meaningful and relevant to their unique classroom situations. Bring authentic materials, headphones, and a laptop for optimum participation!EdPuzzle

Speakers

Dihanna Fedder

District Technology Integrationist, Pine City Public Schools

Dihanna is a mother of two sons and one four-legged genius. Dihanna is a new grandmother and will happily share pictures of her beautiful grandchildren! She taught Spanish for 26 years and holds a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on technology from the University... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Wilderness 1

1:00pm PST

Introduction to Awesome Tables

Are you looking for a better way to share your results from Google Forms, interact with data, or create simple workflows? This session will demonstrate and walk you through how to create an Awesome Table, a simple interactive visualization tool that works with Google Sites and Spreadsheets. Learning how to use this tool will change the way you interact with information spreadsheets forever!

Speakers

Hank Thiele

Superintendent, Community High School District 99

Monday November 16, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Tundra E/F

advanced, Instructional coach, School Leader, Technology Director | good for administrators, Instructional coach, School Leader, Technology Director | intermediate, Instructional coach, School Leader, Technology Director

1:00pm PST

Google Fun for Digital Stories

Let’s face it, getting kids to write can sometimes be like pulling teeth. What if we inject some Google fun into the process? Come see some of Google’s apps in action for creating digital stories. Google Forms, Slides, Sites, Google Story Builder, YouTube Photo Slideshows and MIT App Inventor will be explored in this action packed session. We will highlight some examples as well as work through others together.

Speakers

Andrew Fenstermaker

Instructional Tech Coordinator, Iowa City Schools

Andrew Fenstermaker currently serves as the Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Iowa City School District. Even though he is short on hair, he is full of creative ways to inspire and build the capacity of others with innovative practices that leverage the 4Cs and empower... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Tundra A/B

beginner, Teacher, Technology Director, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, Technology Director, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, Technology Director, Instructional coach

2:15pm PST

YouTube: From Consumer to Creator

YouTube isn't just for funny videos anymore! Come to this session to learn about how to use YouTube in your school and classroom! Attendees will learn how to create their own channel and playlists, upload and edit videos, and use YouTube for flipping the classroom. Come to hear how one district is using YouTube for their curriculum department, school announcements, and school wide book talks. From the most basic YouTube skills to the most extensive, there will be something for everyone to take away from this presentation!

Speakers

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District

Jen is a Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialist for the School District of West De Pere. Jen has a passion for creatively blending the world of literacy and technology. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics including Google Apps... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 2:15pm - 4:15pm PST
Sandstone 8/9

2:15pm PST

Awesome Request Workflows

In this workshop you will learn how to use existing Google add-ons and scripts in conjunction with Sheets to create automated request workflows, i.e. Leave Request System, Transportation Request System, or any other system you can dream up. You will leave this workshop with a working workflow of some kind. This workflow can be applied to so many other situations. In this workshop you will learn how to use existing Google add-ons and scripts in conjunction with Sheets to create automated request workflows, i.e. Leave Request System, Transportation Request System, or any other system you can dream up. You will leave this workshop with a working workflow of some kind.

Speakers

Chad Frerichs

IT Infrastructure Manager, Orion Land Mark

Monday November 16, 2015 2:15pm - 4:15pm PST
Glacier C/D

advanced, Domain Admins, Technology Director | good for administrators, Domain Admins, Technology Director | intermediate, Domain Admins, Technology Director | technical, Domain Admins, Technology Director

2:15pm PST

Forms to the Max

So you think you know forms? Collecting quick formative assessment feedback is just the tip of the data iceberg. We will cover form add-ons and spreadsheet manipulation to make your data work for you. From flubaroo to RegEx we will cover a number of ways to truly leverage the awesome-ness of Forms!

Speakers

Karl Hehr

Technology Director, Ames Community Schools

Tech director @ Ames CSD. Passionate, driven & outspoken advocate for change in education. Apple fanboy, CCA, DEN Star Educator & Google Certified Trainer.

Monday November 16, 2015 2:15pm - 4:15pm PST
Tundra A/B

advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | good for administrators, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | technical, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach

2:15pm PST

Project Based Learning and the Google Resources to Support Implementation

An introduction to Project Based Learning and Google Resources to support implementation. Explore the 8 Essentials of PBL; Think, Puzzle and Explore your way through Essential and Driving Questions; and consider different resources and assessment options to support your PBL conquests!

Speakers

Shaelynn Farnsworth

Iowa

Shaelynn is a leader in the convergence between literacy and technology. As High School teacher she redefined her English classroom as not only a place to learn about literature but also explore how technology is shaping the future of communications. Shaelynn is a Google Certified... Read More →

Monday November 16, 2015 2:15pm - 4:15pm PST
Tundra C/D

beginner, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | intermediate, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach

2:15pm PST

Learn to Code with Google Apps Script

Google Apps Script is a simple to use tool can enhance Google Apps in a countless number of ways. It is based on javascript, and because the code is developed and run online, it is very simple for beginners to develop applications. This is significant, because if the barriers to application development are lowered, people with strong backgrounds in education (and not necessarily in computer science) could develop relevant, effective learning and productivity applications.

After this session, participants will understand what Google Apps Script is, and what it is capable of. You will know how to find and interpret documentation, and where to access tutorials other learning materials. You will create 3-4 short yet useful applications, that demonstrate how this simple tool can extend Google Apps.

This session will be very hands on, with your fingers on the keyboard, learning through exploration.

Speakers

James Eichmiller

Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Learning, Downers Grove Grade School District 58

Monday November 16, 2015 2:15pm - 4:15pm PST
Sandstone 3

8:30am PST

Can you Breakout EDU 2?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 8:30am - 9:30am PST
Glacier A/B

8:30am PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 8:30am - 9:30am PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

8:30am PST

Student Led Chromebook Repair & Support

Westonka Technology Interns are a group of students that support and repair the 1:1 Chromebook initiative in the Westonka School District. Launched in the fall of 2014 with the assistance of the Westonka IT Department, Leyden High School in Chicago and GopherMods Education in Minneapolis, the students have repaired all damaged devices and supported the secondary teachers and students in the Westonka School District. In addition, students are allowed to select a WTI Pathway Project (similar to Google’s 20% time) to work on in their spare time. Participants will bring back to their district an outline of how to start a program similar to this in their own district. Lessons learned from year one and changes made to the program to make year two even better will also be discussed.

Speakers

Sue Simonson

Business/Technology Teacher, Mound Westonka High School

I have been teaching in the Westonka School District for 14 years. In 2014, I returned to classroom after serving for three years as the district Technology Integrationist. I attended the Google Teacher Academy in Chicago in July of 2013 to become a Google Certified Teacher/Innovator... Read More →

Tuesday November 17, 2015 8:30am - 9:30am PST
Tundra E/F

advanced, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director | good for administrators, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director | intermediate, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director

8:30am PST

Using Google Tools to Create Meaningful Learning Opportunites

We all want our students to learn, be engaged, and become better problem solvers. This session is all about doing what you can to create meaningful learning opportunities in your classroom. You will learn about TIPS, a course that is completely based around solving problems in the classroom, school, and community.
You will learn how to take the ideas from this course and use them in any classroom. Further, you will learn how TIPS uses the power of Google Apps, Chromebooks, and the internet to create projects that allow students to become better problem solvers, keep them engaged, and allow them to hit their learning targets! This will be an information packed session that you don't want to miss.

Speakers

Ben Hommerding

Technology Innovationist, St. Norbert College

Tuesday November 17, 2015 8:30am - 9:30am PST
Wilderness 1

9:45am PST

Purposeful Technology Integration with Google Tools

As device acquisition increases, how can we be sure that all educators are effectively integrating technology into their curriculum? Join this session to hear about one district's technology integration framework, and their focus on increasing student efficiency, teacher efficiency, and student learning. In addition, several Google tools will be shared to help teachers meet those goals in the classroom!

Speakers

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District

Tuesday November 17, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Wilderness 2/5

9:45am PST

Can you Breakout EDU 2?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Glacier A/B

9:45am PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

9:45am PST

Chromebook Deployment Tips and Tricks

ACSD has deployed more than 1000 Chromebooks to middle school students. Come and learn all the dirty dark secrets for deploying, managing and collecting devices on a large scale.

Speakers

Karl Hehr

Technology Director, Ames Community Schools

Tech director @ Ames CSD. Passionate, driven & outspoken advocate for change in education. Apple fanboy, CCA, DEN Star Educator & Google Certified Trainer.

Tuesday November 17, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Tundra E/F

9:45am PST

Design Thinking: Creating Problem Seekers Not Just Problem Solvers

Current educational practices often produce students who are simply Problem Solvers, instead of Problem Seekers. Sound technology integration in the classroom provides opportunities for students to hone skills in Collaboration, Creativity, Communication, Choice, and Curiosity. This workshop will immerse educators into Design Thinking activities to use with students. I will also share the infusion of design thinking with my own students to implement Genius Hour.

Speakers

Shaelynn Farnsworth

Iowa

Tuesday November 17, 2015 9:45am - 10:45am PST
Tundra C/D

11:00am PST

Let's Hangout! Collaborating with Google Hangouts!

Attendees will walk away with a firm understanding of how to incorporate Google+ Hangouts into their curriculum. Participants will hear examples of how one district is using Hangouts for literacy activities, school wide announcements, professional development and MUCH more!

***If you are new to Google+, try to attend the Google+ 101 session before you come to this session.

Speakers

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Wilderness 2/5

11:00am PST

Can you Breakout EDU 2?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Glacier A/B

11:00am PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

11:00am PST

Go Go Gadgets Meets Makerspace

Remember Inspector Gadget? He has nothing on these fun Googly gadgets! Come take a look and get your hands on resources like Google Cardboard, Glass, Sphero and other fun stuff! We will talk Google, Maker and how they can work together. There will be a short introduction time and the rest of the session will be hands on play. Come and fly a drone while wearing Google Glass!

Speakers

Stacy Behmer

Coordinator of Digital Learning/Media Services, Grant Wood AEA

Stacy is a former elementary and middle school teacher and also spent some time as a district technology director. She is currently the Coordinator of Digital Learning & Media Services at Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she works with a team of digital learning consultants... Read More →

Tammy Lind

Instructional Technology Coach,Google Certified Trainer and Innovator

Tammy is an Instructional Coach in Southeastern Wisconsin. She is a Google Education Trainer and a Google Certified Innovator as well as an Intel Master Teacher. A former special education teacher, Tammy is passionate about finding web-based technologies to make the curriculum... Read More →

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Wilderness 4

advanced, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director | beginner, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director | intermediate, Instructional coach, School Leader, Teacher, Technology Director

11:00am PST

Be a Groupie!

Are you tired of trying to figure out how to effectively share with groups of people in the Google tools? When do you use Gmail Contacts, Google Groups, Google +, or individual invites to get the right virtual audience? Learn the tips and trick for managing and using a variety of tools for mass invites and ways to become more efficient in how you share.

Speakers

Hank Thiele

Superintendent, Community High School District 99

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Tundra A/B

11:00am PST

You need a GAT in your GAFE management arsenal.

Scan, control and secure all Sites, Docs, Drive, Groups, Calendars, Google+, Third Party Apps, Printers and Users giving more security over the data that you own.
If you have not installed this tool – you don’t know what you’re missing. If you are looking at CloudLock or similar tools, look to the General Audit Tool first. At a price point of *free it's more than worth the time.
If you have not installed this tool – you don’t know what you’re missing. If you are looking at CloudLock or similar tools, look to the General Audit Tool first. At a price point of *free it's more than worth the time.If you have not installed this tool – you don’t know what you’re missing. If you are looking at CloudLock or similar tools, look to the General Audit Tool first. At a price point of *free it's more than worth the time.Scan, control and secure all Sites, Docs, Drive, Groups, Calendars, Google+, Third Party Apps, Printers and Users giving more security over the data that you own.
If you have not installed this tool – you don’t know what you’re missing. If you are looking at CloudLock or similar tools, look to the General Audit Tool first. At a price point of *free it's more than worth the time.

Speakers

Karl Hehr

Technology Director, Ames Community Schools

Tech director @ Ames CSD. Passionate, driven & outspoken advocate for change in education. Apple fanboy, CCA, DEN Star Educator & Google Certified Trainer.

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Tundra E/F

advanced, Domain Admins, Technology Director | intermediate, Domain Admins, Technology Director | technical, Domain Admins, Technology Director

11:00am PST

Vertical Learning in the Classroom

Many of us are aware of the notion that we shouldn't teach students by their date of manufacture. But how do we create a system that allows learning to become vertical and not bound by grade level? In this session we will explore how to implement vertical learning with focus on student growth. We will discuss the structures necessary to support multilevel learning in a classroom. Topics include structuring learning targets, organizing resources, managing workflow, assessing student work, utilizing standardized test data, cultivating student ownership and reporting to parents.

Speakers

James Eichmiller

Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Learning, Downers Grove Grade School District 58

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Wilderness 1

11:00am PST

Infographics: make your story really stand out … but don’t forget the data!

What is an infographic? Infographics are quick, detailed, and clear visual presentations of a storyline around data, images, and information. In this session we will explore using infographics in the classroom and how you can help your students learn to make them when you get back to school. We’ll make an infographic together to introduce the step-by-step process of making infographics to your students during the session too.

Speakers

Aida Awad

Lead Learner, To The Cloud EDU

Tuesday November 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Sandstone 3

1:00pm PST

Can you Breakout EDU?

Speakers

Team

Tuesday November 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Lake Delton Boardroom

1:00pm PST

So you want to be Google Certified? Choosing the right certification path for you

Which Google certification path is right for you now and down the road? Should you set your sights on becoming a Google for Education Certified Trainer? A Google Certified Innovator? A Google Certified Educator level 1 or level 2? In this session you will learn about the requirements for each certification, the application procedures, best practices, tips and tricks, and even tour Google’s multiple free, do-it-yourself resources and training sites.

Speakers

Aida Awad

Lead Learner, To The Cloud EDU

Tuesday November 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Sandstone 3

1:00pm PST

Video Tools You Should Be Using in the Classroom

If you have been thinking about how to integrate video into your class or school, this is the session for you. We will discuss and create videos using Google Hangouts, YouTube, and WeVideo. You will also learn about free Teleprompters that work on Chromebooks!

Once familiar with the tools, you will learn about how we created a video network at Winneconne and North Fond du Lac using YouTube including, daily announcements, weekly shows, student projects, district projects, live broadcasts of elementary book shares, and live broadcasts of some school sports (we even have commentators!). Most of the tools we have used are free and available to everyone!
Come learn about video creation in a collaborative session that will help jumpstart you and your school with video production!

Speakers

Ben Hommerding

Technology Innovationist, St. Norbert College

Kurt Wismer

Business, Marketing & IT Teacher, North Fond du Lac School District

Tuesday November 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Wilderness 4

1:00pm PST

Instantaneous Google Site Portfolios with Site Maestro

Showcasing student work in an organized, logical manner is ideal for any student portfolio. Combining the power of Google Sites with Google Apps, we will look at effective ways to help build student portfolios using an automated tool called Site Maestro, where a teacher is able to control the site template, visibility, collaborator list, and is given easy access to student work. Before getting into the technical side of portfolio creation, we will explore the basic and advanced features of Google Sites so that you walk away with the knowledge and confidence to roll out this amazing tool in your own classroom.

Speakers

Corey Holmer

EdTech, Lake Forest High School

Corey Holmer is a Google Certified Innovator and authorized Google for Education Certified Trainer who leverages educational technologies to engage all learners. Corey has been recognized by the ISTE organization as the 2015 Outstanding Young Educator for his work in coaching and... Read More →

Tuesday November 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Wilderness 1

intermediate, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | advanced, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach | technical, Teacher, School Leader, Technology Director, Instructional coach