2018 Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference
Event Information
Description
The Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference
Join us for the 2nd Annual Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference on November 7-9 in Evanston, WY.
The Innovations conference is an opportunity for educators to share and explore innovative teaching and learning practices for classrooms and distance learning environments, from kindergarten through higher education.
This conference is hosted by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE), the Wyoming Distance Education Consortium (WyDEC), the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming community colleges, and school libraries.
Registration
Registration is open until Oct. 31, 2018. Registration includes all pre-conference activities, entrance to the Innovations Showcase on Nov. 7, lunch on Nov. 8, dinner at the Awards Ceremony on Nov. 8, and snacks throughout the conference.
If you were not able to register before Oct. 31 but still would like to attend the 2018 Innovations conference, please contact Robin Grandpre at 307-777-5315 or robin.grandpre1@wyo.gov. Robin has a few spots reserved.
Pre-Conference School Visits
Uinta School District #1 is providing pre-conference school visits to allow participants to see what cool and interesting stuff is happening in elementary, middle and high schools in Evanston. The pre-conference events will kick-off at 8 a.m. on Nov. 7. Participants will spend an hour at each of the three schools, and then Unita School District #1 will provide lunch. Participants will be brought back by 12:30 p.m. in time for the start of the Innovations conference.
Pre-Conference Computer Science Workshops
Join us for a Computer Science Pre-Conference. This session will kick-off at 8:30 a.m. and is composed of the following four sections:
- Section 1: Participants will learn why computer science has become fundamental for all students and how state resources and education policy have aligned to support this vision. Topics will include updates on the forthcoming WY K-12 CS Standards.
- Section 2: Code.org facilitators will lead participants through a hands-on experience and lively discussion about implementing CS in Wyoming. Additionally, participants will learn next steps for continued access to Code.org curriculum and professional learning.
- Section 3: TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools), a Microsoft Philanthropies program, helps high schools throughout the US build and grow sustainable computer science programs. In its proven program, TEALS pairs trained computer science professionals from across the technology industry with classroom teachers to team-teach computer science. Industry volunteers and partner teachers create a ripple effect, impacting the students they teach, and the many students who will study CS in the future. TEALS is currently being piloted in three high schools in Wyoming (Buffalo, Laramie, Natrona County). Come to this Pre-Conference session to learn about how TEALS can potentially be implemented in your high school(s) in the 2019-20 school year. You'll also hear from a panel of people involved in the three TEALS pilot high schools and be able to ask them questions about their experience so far in the program. Go to www.tealsk12.org to learn more about the progr am and school application process.
- Section 4: Closing and Q&A.
Innovations Showcase
Presented by 
The Innovations Showcase will be held in the evening on Wednesday, Nov. 7. The Innovations Showcase is presented by Canvas and will allow educators and students to share the innovations and technologies that are being utilized across the state of Wyoming. The Innovations Showcase is included with your registration fee.
Follow this link to have your institution, educators and students highlighted.
Awards Dinner
The Awards Dinner will be held in the evening on Thursday, Nov. 8. Awards Dinner will celebrate the excellence throughout the K-20 spectrum. Dinner is included in your registration fee.
Agenda At-A-Glance
Wednesday, November 7
7 a.m. - Registration Open/Vendor Set-up
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Pre-Conference
1 - 1:30 p.m. - Welcome
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Opening Keynote - Ramsey Musallam
2:30 - 2:45 p.m. - Break
2:45 - 3:35 p.m. - Breakout Session
3:45 - 4:35 p.m. - Breakout Session
4:45 - 5:45 p.m. - Book Signing with Ramsey Musallam
5 - 7 p.m. - Innovations Showcase
Thursday, November 8
8 - 8:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
9 - 9:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
9:50 - 10 a.m. - Break
10 - 10:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
11 - 11:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
12 - 1:20 p.m. - GoIT Keynote Speaker
1:30 - 2:20 p.m. - Breakout Session
2:30 - 3:20 p.m. - Breakout Session
3:30 - 4:20 p.m. - Breakout Session
4:20 - 5 p.m. - Vendor Area Open
5 - 7 p.m. - Awards Ceremony Dinner
Friday, November 9
8 - 8:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
9 - 9:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
9:50 - 10 a.m. - Break
10 - 10:50 a.m. - Breakout Session
11 a.m. - Noon - Closing Keynote - Tonia Dousay, University of Idaho
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - Closing Comments and Prize Drawing
Detailed Schedule:
View the Wyoming Innovations in Learning schedule & directory.
Keynote Speakers
Ramsey Musallam
Ramsey Musallam is a secondary science instructor at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, California. Ramsey has also has served as an adjunct professor of education at the University of San Francisco and Touro University in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to his role as a science instructor at Sonoma Academy, Ramsey served as a Science Instructor and Director of Inquiry and Innovation at Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown San Francisco for 15 years. In addition his role as a science teacher, Ramsey runs invention workshops for elementary and middle school students in the greater Bay Area.
Ramsey delivers keynotes, webinars and facilitates workshops for teachers nationally and internationally with a focus on using technology as a strategic classroom partner in designing learning environments grounded in inquiry fueled by student curiosity. Additionally, Ramsey is the host of the Infinite Thinking Machine, an internet TV show dedicated to sharing innovative ideas for teachers and students. Ramsey's TED Talk "3 Rules to Spark Learning" is widely popular with classroom teachers, and was the lead talk on TEDs first ever PBS TV premiere, "TED Talks Education."
Upon graduating from the University of California Davis with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ramsey went on to obtain a MA and Ed.D in Education from the University of San Francisco. Since graduating, Ramsey's research interests have shifted from using Multimedia to manage student Cognitive Load, to a focus on harnessing Multimedia as a tool in cultivating student curiosity, inquiry and motivation.
"As a full-time high school science teacher and department chairperson, I am passionate about building and sharing innovative learning environments grounded in inquiry and guided by curiosity. Student questions can be windows into dynamic and tailored blended instruction, but not the other way around." - Ramsey Musallam
Tonia Dousay
Tonia is a Google Certified Innovator & Google Certified Trainer with nearly 20 years of K20 instructional design and eLearning project management experience. She completed her PhD in Learning, Design, and Technology at the University of Georgia, and is an assistant professor of learning sciences at the University of Idaho, focusing her teaching and research interests on: Instructional and multimedia design, situational interest and creativity of learners, STEM/STEAM teacher education, and student-driving learning. Whether it's formal classrooms or nonformal learning spaces like makerspaces, she focuses on how we empower learners to be interdisciplinary and take control of their own learning experiences.
Travel Information
Hotels
Best Western Dunmar Inn - (307) 789-3770
1601 Harrison Dr, Evanston, WY 82930
$101.99 per night for double bed (2 queens) or $84.99 for single king bed
1931 Harrison Dr, Evanston, WY 82930
$75 per night for double bed (2 queens or 1 king)
1983 Harrison Dr, Evanston, WY 82930
$66.99 per night for standard room (2 queens)
101 Wasatch Rd, Evanston, WY 82930
$105 per night for standard room (2 queens)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - (307) 789-7999
1965 Harrison Dr, Evanston, WY 82930
$99 per night for standard room (2 queens)
Airport Information
Evanston is located on the bottom, west corner of Wyoming. The closest Internation Airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, which is approximately one hour and half from Evanston.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Innovations conference is looking for businesses and partners to sponsor this event. If you have additional questions about becoming a sponsor, please contact Oksana Wasilik at oksana@uwyo.edu.
Sponsorship Levels:
Gold - $1000
- Prime Location Exhibit table
- Session presentation - 50 mins
- Logo displayed at conference
- Full page Logo and Ad for digital conference program
- 4 complimentary registrations
- Company recognition at general sessions (opportunity to present a raffle item)
Silver - $750
- Prime Location Exhibit table
- 2 complimentary registrations
- Logo displayed at conference
- Half page Logo and Ad for digital conference program
Bronze - $500
- Exhibit table
- 1 complimentary registration
- Logo displayed at conference
- Quarter page Logo and Ad for digital conference program
Non-Profit Vendor - $250
(please contact Robin Grandpre at robin.grandpre1@wyo.gov for non-profit coupon code)
- Exhibit table
- 1 complimentary registration
- Logo displayed at conference
- Quarter page Logo and Ad for digital conference program
Dinner Sponsor -$1000
- Recognition at dinner event
- 4 complimentary registrations
- Special Dinner recognition
- 2-5 minute presentation at dinner
Lunch Sponsor - $500
- Logo displayed at conference
- 1 complimentary registration
- Special Lunch recognition
- 2-5 minute presentation at lunch
Break/Snack Sponsor - $250
- Logo displayed at conference
- 1 complimentary registration
- Special break recognition
