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THE PDTCA BOARD HOPES YOU HAVE AN AMAZING CONVENTION!
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CTCC
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES HYATT
HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE(CTCC) and HYATT - address and driving directions

PRE-REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON JANUARY 11, 2024 AT 8:00P.M. and CLOSE FEBRUARY 11 AT 8:00 P.M.
We have decided to start pre-registration on January 11th to make sure everyone is informed of the start time and has time to check out the sessions as the first week back to school can be quite hectic.
FOR PRE-REGISTERED SESSIONS PLEASE USE THE PRE-REGISTRATION LINK BELOW THE SESSION DESCRIPTION IN SCHED. Adding the session to your Sched schedule does not mean you are pre-registered. The number in the title shows how many will be allowed to attend the session. We do allow more names to be added, but they will be on the waiting list. This is explained on the pre-registration page.
https://www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html

REASON TO CREATE A PROFILE IN SCHED
You do not need to create a profile and log in to see sessions in Sched. However, if you want to add yourself to a session to create a schedule or evaluate a session you must be logged in.

CONVENTION AT A GLANCE LINK WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE IN MID FEBRUARY
Off-Site Addresses are included.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
“On the two school days of your assigned teachers’ convention, you have a legal and professional responsibility to attend convention. If you are not able to make it safely to your assigned convention, however, your collective agreement may include impassable roads or inclement weather clauses that you can access. If your collective agreement does not include language specific to road conditions or weather, you may make use of the personal leave clauses of your agreement in most cases. Please be aware that using any of these types of leave may require you to pay substitute costs, forego a portion of your salary and benefits, or report to your school or another work location in your district. Refer to your collective agreement for more information. Should you require any additional information or if you need assistance interpreting your collective agreement, please contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208 or 780-447-9400.”
This information is also found on the Frequently Asked Questions page on the www.ataconventions.ca website. If you have any further questions regarding this, please contact Daniel.Maas@ata.ab.ca.

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strong>Technology (TQS/LQS 2) [clear filter]
Thursday, February 20
 

9:00am MST

An Introduction to Photography
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Photography is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This session will provide an overview of the art and science of photography including exposure and composition. I will share resources that I use to teach photography from grades 7 through 12. While I will focus on techniques, I am happy to discuss the ins and outs of starting a photography program if that is of interest to participants.
Speakers
WW

Wade Westworth

Wade is a Communications Technology and Photography teacher at Oilfields High School in Diamond Valley. He has been teaching CTF/CTS courses for over 25 years and has started photography programs at three different school in Alberta.
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Glen 205 - CTCC

9:00am MST

Assessment in CTS - Managing the outcomes in multi-level (10/20/30) Classrooms
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Assessment in CTS/CTF programming and performance based programs can be complex in multi-level classrooms. This is a discussion based session geared to making our programs stronger. bring your ideas, lessons, assessment examples - we'll work together to improve what we're doing for our students.
Speakers
RV

Robert VanderLee

CTS Woodworking, Canmore Collegiate High School
Rob VanderLee has taught in the Bow Valley with Canadian Rockies Public Schools in both Junior and Senior High classrooms. Having spent the last 17 years at Canmore Collegiate, primarily in Construction and Makerspace programming, Rob has developed some solid programming for Grades... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Telus 108 - CTCC
  Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) |   Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

Recreation, Ethics and Aesthetics. Are Video Games a Refined Art, Noble Sport or an Egregiously Superfluous Pastime?
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Countless students and adults alike enjoy video games. But what exactly are they? A benign form of recreation, high art, engaging sport, or simply a terrible waste of time? This talk draws on insights from religion and philosophy, namely the Bible and Socrates, to explore what the wisdom of the past says about the nature of recreation as well as aesthetics and how this applies to video games. It also seeks to provide teachers with novel ideas about how to introduce discussions on the ethics and aesthetics of video games, which students, in turn, can apply to other everyday realities such as sports, music and dance.
Speakers
avatar for Dr Gerard McLarney

Dr Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools
Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park, AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture and Myt... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Macleod Hall E1 - CTCC

10:20am MST

Canva In The Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
PLEASE BRING A LAPTOP IF YOU HAVE ONE (TABLETS AND PHONES WILL WORK TOO).
Canva is a free for educators tool that has many creative uses in the classroom. This session is intended to give you an overview of Canva, some ideas for using it in the classroom, how it can integrate with Google Classroom and where you can find additional support for using it after this session. Come and see how this creative tool can be used to help support your creative lessons and how it can transform student learning and enhance their creative projects. NO TECHNICAL or ARTISTIC SKILL NECESSARY just a willingness to experiment. Laptops, tablets or cellphones would be useful.  
Speakers
WW

Wade Westworth

Wade is a Communications Technology and Photography teacher at Oilfields High School in Diamond Valley. He has been teaching CTF/CTS courses for over 25 years and has started photography programs at three different school in Alberta.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Glen 205 - CTCC
  Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

10:20am MST

Coding for Kindergarteners - Introducing Elementary Students to Computational Thinking
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Do you want to introduce your students to coding or computational thinking but are unsure where to begin? Join us for a session exploring hands-on activities to begin coding and computational thinking with Division 1 students. We will cover the basics of these concepts and then engage in activities that require little to no technology.
Speakers
AB

Alicia Berger

Alicia, Alex and Nicole all shifted to online instruction during Covid after over a decade in traditional in-person classrooms and they have remained online since then. As teachers in Rocky View Schools' first-ever elementary and middle online school, they are uniquely poised to reflect... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Imperial 8 - HYATT HYATT
  Technology (TQS/LQS 2), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

11:40am MST

Coding for Kindergarteners Part 2 - Introducing Robots to Elementary Students
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
This session will build upon the concepts discussed in Coding for Kindergarteners: Introducing Elementary Students to Computational Thinking, however, attending the previous session is not required. We will quickly review computational thinking and coding before looking at some of the robots that are ideal for Division 1 students. A brief synopsis of the different robots will be given before participants will engage in activities using the different robots.
Speakers
AB

Alicia Berger

Alicia, Alex and Nicole all shifted to online instruction during Covid after over a decade in traditional in-person classrooms and they have remained online since then. As teachers in Rocky View Schools' first-ever elementary and middle online school, they are uniquely poised to reflect... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Imperial 8 - HYATT HYATT
  Technology (TQS/LQS 2), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

1:00pm MST

Using Excel for Administrators
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
In this presentation, we will look at how to use Excel at the Administrative level to expedite and lesson your work load. No excel experience necessary.
Speakers
JC

John-Mark Crane

I have experience as a teacher, instructional coach, AP, and Principal.
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT HYATT

2:20pm MST

Transform Your Teaching with AI
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
In the transformative era of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands to redefine teaching and learning practices. My proposal, a hands-on exploration of AI tools like ChatGPT in K-9 classrooms, offers a compelling, forward-thinking workshop for your convention.

During this session, I'll demonstrate how AI can significantly improve student outcomes. Participants will learn how AI's data analytics can provide personalized insights on student performance, enabling tailored support to boost grades. I'll also show how AI's instant feedback capabilities can lead to swift mistake correction, essential for a dynamic learning environment.

Teachers will uncover practical strategies to implement AI tools in their daily routines, enabling them to work smarter and more effectively. My session will emphasize the importance of teachers harnessing AI as a teaching ally, not just a student tool. I'll share concrete examples of how AI can support diverse learners, including struggling students and English Language Learners.

With this workshop, my goal is to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate this new landscape, transforming their classrooms into dynamic, responsive learning environments. I am confident that my session will provide a valuable, inspiring, and future-ready contribution to your convention.
Speakers
MB

Michelle Bechthold

Teacher, Rockyview Schools
With nearly 20 years of enriching experience in elementary education, Michelle is now bridging the gap between traditional teaching and technology. She is currently working on a compelling blog, aiming to shed light on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Glen 203/204 - CTCC
 
Friday, February 21
 

9:00am MST

Problem Solving Through Computational Thinking (Gr. 3-4)
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Computational thinking is at the foundation of problem solving and students who can apply these principals are more successful. Explore computational thinking as it relates to the creativity, design, and the new Alberta curriculum. This session provides a gentle introduction to decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, generalization, and algorithms. Discover how these principles can be applied and taught in your classroom, regardless of subject or grade level. No experience teaching computer science needed!
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban (she/her) has worked in both formal and informal education and enjoys bridging the gap between the two. She has been atthe TELUS World of Science Edmonton for 8 years, traveling to schools around Alberta with the Science in Motion team and now heading up the Northern... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Telus 101/102 - CTCC
  Science (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6) |   Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

9:00am MST

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Educators
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
What do we mean by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning? What are the potential impacts on education and society, and how do we talk to students about all of this? In this (session or panel discussion) we will explore these topics, try out some examples, and talk about the potentials and pitfalls of AI and related technologies.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Grant

Mary Grant

Education Specialist, Callysto
Mary has a Masters in Educational Technology from the University of British Columbia. She took her passion for technology-supported instruction and Digital Literacy studies to local and international schools. From the onset, she strongly advocates that technology implementation within... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Glen 203/204 - CTCC
  Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

10:20am MST

Electronic Music Production: A High School Music Class for Non-Music 'Majors'
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Technology is all around us and students seem to be on it constantly. Why not harness that power of technology in a music educational class that can inspire and promote an even stronger musical culture within our schools outside of our traditional instrumental/band programs? Now, more than ever, students are using ready, affordable, and at-hand music technology to create incredible musical pieces, scores, and experiences - all in the comfort of the their rooms or parents basements (with makeshift egg-carton soundproofing). Gone are the days where young artists are having to shell out a ridiculous amount of money to rent out a studio space and engineer; all of this is now happening in the palms of students' hands at a very affordable price. This session will focus on the ins and outs of getting approval for, setting up, promoting, and offering a General Music 9, 10, 11, and 12 course that focuses Music Technology and its application for students and musicians in our 21st Century educational environment. These are designed courses that foster a students' passion for music and offers a credited General Music course for students who may have no interest (or not an interest YET) in our traditional band classes.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Grant

Taylor Grant

Teacher/Educator, Bow Valley High School
Taylor Grant is the Band and Music Educator and Director at Bow Valley High School, in Cochrane, Alberta. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in both Music Performance (Voice) and Greek and Roman Studies at the University of Calgary, he has also completed a Master of Arts from U of... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Macleod Hall E2 - CTCC
  Music & Band (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) |   Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

10:20am MST

Exploring the New Curriculum Through MakeCode Arcade Games (Gr. 4-6)
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Strengthen your students’ problem-solving skills and engage creatively with the curriculum by creating games in Microsoft MakeCode Arcade! This session will provide you with the foundational knowledge to help your students design their own video games, then bring those games to life through block-based coding. Learn how computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition, algorithm design, and debugging are necessary when coding and how to connect games to curricular concepts in any subject.
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban (she/her) has worked in both formal and informal education and enjoys bridging the gap between the two. She has been atthe TELUS World of Science Edmonton for 8 years, traveling to schools around Alberta with the Science in Motion team and now heading up the Northern... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Telus 101/102 - CTCC
  Science (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6) |   Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

10:20am MST

Ethics in AI
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
In recent years we have seen a rise in the use of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives: from machine learning algorithms that screen resumes for job postings, to bots that can converse with one another. In this workshop, participants will explore the pitfalls of artificial intelligence when it comes to algorithms responsible for making decisions impacting lives, and what our responsibilities are to ensure our models are ethical.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Grant

Mary Grant

Education Specialist, Callysto
Mary has a Masters in Educational Technology from the University of British Columbia. She took her passion for technology-supported instruction and Digital Literacy studies to local and international schools. From the onset, she strongly advocates that technology implementation within... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Glen 203/204 - CTCC
  Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

Why Invest In Space Exploration
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Why invest in space exploration?

Dr. David Naylor, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Over the last two decades Dr Naylor has led Canada’s involvement in the Herschel/SPIRE and SPICA/Safari space missions. Prior to this he worked at the European Space Agency on the ISO/ LWS mission. With space exploration missions costing between 1 and 10 B$, he is often asked “Why should we spend money on these projects when there are so many problems here on Earth?

His lecture will provide his unique perspective on this question. He will review the current state of international space exploration activities and briefly review Canada’s space exploration program.

He will discuss lesser appreciated benefits that arise from space exploration and present a few specific examples of innovations that we take for granted that came directly from the space program. He will conclude with a discussion of three innovations that have spun off from the space missions in which he has been involved; two of which are being commercialized in Lethbridge.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. David Naylor

Dr. David Naylor

David Naylor, Professor and Board of Governors’ Research ChairDirector, Astronomical Instrumentation GroupSpace Astronomy Division, Institute for Space Imaging ScienceDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of Lethbridge As a Commonwealth Scholar David received his PhD... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Macleod Hall A - CTCC

11:40am MST

AI & ChatGPT: The Future of Education
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force in today’s digital world. Among these revolutionary advancements is ChatGPT. This interactive presentation will exhibit how the use of AI can elevate your educational prowess, leaving a meaningful and long lasting impact on your students' lives.

In this comprehensive session, participants will learn:
How to Build Effective Prompts: We'll guide you through the art and science of building prompts that solicit informative, educational responses from ChatGPT.

How to Implement ChatGPT: Discover concrete, practical ways you can use ChatGPT, the best new tool in your teaching arsenal.

Common Concerns: We'll address any questions surrounding the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, including privacy, content moderation, and potential misuse.

By the end of this presentation you will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of ChatGPT, empowering you with the confidence and the knowledge you need to harness this revolutionary new tool, and enhance your students' learning experience.
Speakers
EB

Ethan Bell

Ethan Bell is a ChatGPT consultant who has worked with several businesses on how ChatGPT can improve their productivity and success. Ethan also works for Inclusion Alberta working with young adults and, as a person with a disability, understands and advocates for how technology can... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC
  Technology (TQS/LQS 2), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

1:00pm MST

Pourquoi faire une rétroaction efficace?
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Cette session portera sur les différents bienfaits d'une rétroaction efficace pour améliorer la réussite des élèves. À travers la recherche, nous démontrerons que l'enseignant est au cœur de la réussite des élèves et que grâce à des rétroactions et des feedbacks fréquents et efficaces, la consolidation des connaissances et des compétences chez l'élèves est facilitée. Cette session sera en partie basée sur la recherche scientifique, mais aussi sur des exemples possibles de rétroactions tant au primaire qu'au secondaire.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Bergeron

Kevin Bergeron

Kevin Bergeron est un enseignant au Centre francophone d'éducation à distance depuis 2019 et à enseignant en salle de classe depuis 2013. Il fini présentement sa maitrise sur l'enseignement explicite à distance en se spécialise sur la pratique guidée et sur l'intervention... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Glen 208 - CTCC

1:00pm MST

Lessons in Inclusion: Applying Online Learning Strategies in the Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Having now completed over three years as online teachers, we have learned a lot about inclusion and meeting students where they are at. We have also explored a variety of different strategies to create inclusive online learning spaces for all students. Join us as we reflect on these experiences and what we have learned in online classrooms that can be applied to in-person classrooms.
Speakers
AB

Alicia Berger

Alicia, Alex and Nicole all shifted to online instruction during Covid after over a decade in traditional in-person classrooms and they have remained online since then. As teachers in Rocky View Schools' first-ever elementary and middle online school, they are uniquely poised to reflect... Read More →
avatar for Alex Galbraith

Alex Galbraith

Alex is a teacher at Discovery Trails Online School - Rocky View Schools. She is currently teaching a grade 1/2 split as well as 1-6 Art, and 7-9 CTF: FSL.   Over the past 27 years, Alex has instructed students from Kindergarten through Grade 9 in both English and French Immersion... Read More →
NL

Nicole Londry

Alicia, Alex and Nicole all shifted to online instruction during Covid after over a decade in traditional in-person classrooms and they have remained online since then. As teachers in Rocky View Schools' first-ever elementary and middle online school, they are uniquely poised to reflect... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

1:00pm MST

Intro to Data Analysis in CODAP (Gr. 7-12)
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Data analysis skills are vital for everyone! Collect data using devices such as Micro:bit and Adafruit Circuit Playground express, then analyze that data using Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP), a simple yet powerful FREE data analysis tool. Whether you teach math, science, ELA, or social studies, you can use data in your classroom – and with a little help from Northern Coding Academy, you will!
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban (she/her) has worked in both formal and informal education and enjoys bridging the gap between the two. She has been atthe TELUS World of Science Edmonton for 8 years, traveling to schools around Alberta with the Science in Motion team and now heading up the Northern... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Telus 101/102 - CTCC
  Science (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) |   Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

2:20pm MST

Sequencing and Debugging in the Elementary Classroom (K-Gr. 2)
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Explore foundational coding concepts in your elementary classroom with the new Alberta curriculum! This presentation will discuss storytelling and writing as it relates to computational thinking, explore how coding and computer science themes can exist in nature and art, and delve into a variety of activities – both plugged in and unplugged. Attendees will leave with newfound confidence in teaching computer science topics and integrating computer science across curriculums.
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban (she/her) has worked in both formal and informal education and enjoys bridging the gap between the two. She has been atthe TELUS World of Science Edmonton for 8 years, traveling to schools around Alberta with the Science in Motion team and now heading up the Northern... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Telus 101/102 - CTCC
  Science (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3) |   Technology (TQS/LQS 2), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3)
 


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