SEATCA / SWATCA 2022 - Southern Alberta Teachers' Convention: Full Schedule

Thanks for another great year of convention!

HOW TO ACCESS RECORDINGS

Recordings will be uploaded to SCHED by Sunday at midnight. (Sorry for the delay. It’s taking more time to edit the session recordings than anticipated.)
Log In using the link in the top right of your browser window.
Click on the title to open the session details window then click on the green "Play Recording" button to open the video.
Keynote videos are password protected. Check your email for the password.
Recordings will be available until March 30, 2022 at 11:59 pm.

FILL OUT EVALUATIONS TO WIN PRIZES!!!
To be entered in random draws to win hundreds of dollars in prizes including $500 Visa gift cards from Morgex:

Submit session feedback - Click on the sessions you attended at this year’s convention and fill out the simple smilie face and comment box feedback form. Session feedback closes on Sunday at 11:59 pm.
Complete the annual post-convention survey - This survey closes on March 11 at 11:59 pm.

Thanks again to Morgex Insurance for providing the Zoom licenses for all Alberta teachers’ conventions. There’s still time to enter to win 1 of 2 cash prizes worth $15,000 to help you explore Canada from Coast to Coast. Click here for more information.

10:15am MST

Fun with Google A-Z

Never the same session twice! We will spin the wheel to pick a letter and then give a Google product, hack, extension, add-on or something just plain fun and interesting. This fast-paced session will provide at least one OMG! moment for everyone, from beginner to tech ninja! We will unpack tools for use with all ages and subject areas, in-person and/or online.

Speakers

Cammie Kannekens

District Instructional Coach/ Lead, Prairie Rose School Division No. 8

Cammie is currently in her sixth year as a District Instructional Lead in southern Alberta where she works to integrate technology and innovation with rural sustainability. Before that, she spent 20 years in grade 7-12 classes as an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Curriculum & Pedagogy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Up your “Video Game”

Up your “Video Game” by using common videos more efficiently for meaningful instruction. Learn some Youtube, Slides & Forms hacks for better learning experiences with videos created by others or create your own custom videos with screen-recording. Or, go a step further, and use EdPuzzle to increase the accountability of student viewing by embedding quiz questions and your own voice or text comments right inside of those videos! Come ready to interact!

Speakers

Cammie Kannekens

District Instructional Coach/ Lead, Prairie Rose School Division No. 8

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Curriculum & Pedagogy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

The Science of Creating Effective Learning Materials with Dual Coding

Click here for a collection of all session materials!
As teachers, we often create learning materials in the form of slide presentations, handouts, and materials written on whiteboards. In this session, we’ll examine what cognitive science and dual coding theory has shown to be the most effective ways to present and organize these materials. Participants will explore these slide design fundamentals, learn specific practices on how to fix materials that are less effectively designed, and receive numerous free resources for designing the most effective slides.

Speakers

Danny Maas

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

Danny Maas is an Executive Staff Officer with The Alberta Teachers' Association in the Professional Development program area. He was previously the Manager of Educational Technology with Edmonton Catholic School Division and has supported teacher professional development for the past... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Maker Tech? What the Heck?! (Maker Tech Available from your ATA Available)

Have you heard about makerspaces or maker technology and wonder what on earth people are talking about? Would you like to get your hands on it to try it out yourself? In this session, Sandra will explain makerspaces, discuss different types of technology, and how you can borrow kits from the library for free – no matter where you live in the province!

Speakers

ATA Library

Librarian, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Sandra is a professional librarian who heads the ATA Library. Sandra’s passion is technological innovation and she applies this interest to all aspects of her work. She is an active voice on social media for the ATA Library and has developed web guides for teachers on dozens of... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Science, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Mathematics & Numeracy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Teaching Statistics in Math and Science with Code and Data Science

An understanding of statistics is becoming increasingly important in our world, and as math and science teachers we have an opportunity to develop student competencies in this area. We'll look at ways to incorporate statistics and data analytics into curricular outcomes, explore available resources, and talk about how you and your students can analyse data with Python in Jupyter notebooks (for free) through the Callysto project.

Speakers

Byron Chu

Cybera Data Science Director, Callysto

Byron has PhD in Biochemistry and today he applies the same scientific principles to data and cloud-enabled projects. Since 2018, he has led the Callysto project in training teachers across Canada on bringing open data and data literacy into their classrooms.

Jerric Chen

Cybera

Jerric has a Master of Science in Computing Science from the University of Alberta, where he researched the intersection of human-computer interactions and AI. One of his proudest achievements in that role is developing a recommender system that helped students learn more collaboratively... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Science, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Mathematics & Numeracy, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Organize your World with Google Chrome

Learn some tips for streamlining your workflow & saving time in Google Chrome. From managing your Chrome profile to reduce your “request access” messages to managing your tabs, extensions, short-cuts and Google Drive, this session is for anyone who uses a computer at school or at home! And while we are at it, we will look at some accessibility features that benefit all users.
You'll leave this session with lots of new tricks and a set of printable "take-home" reminders.

Speakers

Cammie Kannekens

District Instructional Coach/ Lead, Prairie Rose School Division No. 8

Thursday February 24, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Micro:bit Exploring Sensors

The micro:bit is a small programmable computer that promotes inclusive and creative learning that primes students to explore the rich potential of physical computing. Use it to teach any subject, from science to physical education. In this session we will be exploring the different sensors on the micro:bit - light meter, accelerometer, and radio! With this greater understanding, teachers and educators will leave the session fully prepared to show their own students how to use the micro:bit to protect their backpacks.

For this year’s Southern Alberta's Teachers conference we are holding a raffle for 10 micro:bits! If you sign up to book a Teacher Training or a Code in the Classroom with us you will be entered into the draw! Email Maia A.E. at maiaae@kidscodejeunesse.org to book a workshop with us and to be entered in the raffle. Make sure you mention that you were at this convention!

Speakers

Susan Sharpe

Facilitator & Community Developer, Kids Code Jeunesse

Susan Sharpe has worked as a community developer and instructor at Kids Code Jeunesse for 2 years. With a background in biochemistry and music she enjoys all sorts of fun coding projects. Kids Code Jeunesse is a bilingual Canadian charity determined to give every Canadian child... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Science, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Mathematics & Numeracy, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

2:15pm MST

Accessibility Teacher Toolkit

In this session, we will explore edtech tools that will level the playing field for students with disabilities in online, hybrid, or traditional classroom settings. We will check out and use accessibility with immersive reader, office lens, and websites that will save you teacher time when it comes to differentiating content! We will explore how to use the immersive reader with your students and other accessibility options built into Microsoft tools. Next, we will learn how office lens can transform how your students take notes and access the notes. Lastly, we will demonstrate how One Note can be used to help students with executive functioning skills. We will end with a few favorite tools to help save you teacher time when it comes to accommodating students in the classroom. These accessibility tools will knock your teacher's socks off!

Speakers

Dr. Samantha Fecich

Associate Professor of Education, Grove City College

I'm Dr. Sam Fecich, and I have been a professor of education for over nine years. Some days I'm in my office at Grove City College, working with students and teaching preservice teachers about educational technology or special education.

Thursday February 24, 2022 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

2:15pm MST

Grow into STEM activities with Micro:bits

STEM Education can save the world and bring hope and excitement to teachers and students alike. STEM involves students participating in cross-disciplinary activities involving (S)cience, (T)echnology, (E)ngineering, and (M)ath along with potential connections to any other subjects. In this pre-recorded session, participants will explore STEM education with an environmental focus and how to get started with the easy to use, inexpensive BBC micro:bit device. Fear not - this session is for absolute beginners and there are multiple optional activities that progress in challenge level. Join me for a hope-filled, hands-on session where you bring this exciting type of learning to your school. What's even better, micro:bits can be signed out from the ATA Library free to all members!

Speakers

Danny Maas

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday February 24, 2022 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Science, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Mathematics & Numeracy, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9

10:15am MST

Using EdTech to Increase Capacity to Support Social and Emotional Learning

This workshop will focus on teaching and learning of contemporary issues reflecting global perspectives and supporting objective teaching of these topics, using Ed Tech. It will introduce rich digital resources and illustrate how to provide students with cross-curricular learning opportunities to explore the diversity of Indigenous history, culture, and current events.

Edwin is an online ecosystem providing a safe sandbox for students and teachers to discover curated resources tied to the Alberta program of studies for use in teaching and learning. Participants will learn how Edwin develops assessment-capable learners, meets diverse learning needs, and provides the flexibility to combine with existing plans and resources. Edwin integrates with your school's current LMS to unify the digital learning experience within a trusted and secure environment.

Speakers

Ami Shah

Co-Founder & CEO @Peekapak, award-winning, social-emotional learning.@Imaginek12 / YC alum, @INSEAD & Previously @ProcterGamble#SEL #empathy #literacy

Friday February 25, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Inclusive Education, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Health & Wellness, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Guidance & Student Support, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9

11:30am MST

The Importance of Ethics in Artificial Intelligence

Make mistakes, accept failure, persevere, collaborate, empathize and consider someone else’s perspective! K-12 students are encouraged to be human in their everyday learning environments. However, how do we ensure that the Artificial Intelligence algorithms that are becoming more pervasive in our lives are also doing so. There are many efforts underway to make AI more human-centered and fair, and in this session you will learn about the sources of unfairness in AI, the role of abstraction, frameworks and traps we can fall into when abstracting. This presentation will provide you with interactive classroom resources to help you discuss this topic with your students and understand the role of data literacy and computational thinking in AI, and how open communities are leading efforts into ethical AI.

Speakers

Byron Chu

Cybera Data Science Director, Callysto

Vishal Balashankar

Vishal has a MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, where he also worked as a Research Associate at the Laboratory for Advanced Separation Process. At the university, he developed a rapid evaluation tool for the chemists and engineers for a carbon capture process... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

The Science of Creating Effective Learning Materials with Dual Coding

As teachers, we often create learning materials in the form of slide presentations, handouts, and materials written on whiteboards. In this session, we’ll examine what cognitive science and dual coding theory has shown to be the most effective ways to present and organize these materials. Participants will explore these slide design fundamentals, learn specific practices on how to fix materials that are less effectively designed, and receive numerous free resources for designing the most effective slides.

Speakers

Danny Maas

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Maker Tech? What the Heck?! (Maker Tech Available from your ATA Available)

Speakers

ATA Library

Librarian, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Science, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Mathematics & Numeracy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Three Adventures in Technology: Personal Devices, Gamification, and Creating Curriculum through Role Playing Game Software

University of Lethbridge Intern Teachers during their secondary Internships. Heather responded to cell phone distractions in class by seeking meaningful ways to integrate personal technology into instruction. Rei explored gamification and game-based learning in science class to increase student interest and motivation. Karl transformed social studies textbook content into a computer-based role-playing game and collected feedback around student learning and engagement.

The presenters will share their process of identifying and responding to a specific need, implementing and refining various strategies with students, and reflecting on the results on their inquiry. Each project includes a website or other ready-to-implement material, and you will leave the session with concrete resources you can adapt to your own context. The three projects (and all projects from the Bi-annual Professional Inquiry Project Symposium) are available at www.uleth.ca/education/celebrating_inquiry.

Speakers

Heather Campbell

Education. In addition to teaching half time, University of Lethbridge Interns engage in a professional inquiry project. Many Interns choose to share their work at the bi-annual Professional Inquiry Project Symposium. Heather is an English Language Arts major from Cardston, Rei is... Read More →

Karl Hanson

Student Teacher

Rei Kissinger

Friday February 25, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Educational Research, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Technology, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

2:15pm MST

Grow into STEM activities with Micro:bits

Speakers

Danny Maas

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 25, 2022 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Link Expired

Technology, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Science, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Mathematics & Numeracy, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9