Your Guide to Hands-on Learning at 2017 Christa MacAuliffe Technology Conference

STEAM-powered maker tools, projects, and inspiration for activated storytelling will transform the Webster Room at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference (Nov. 28-Nov. 30) into a safe, low-stress, high-fun creativity playground.

Join the FableVision Learning and Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity teams as they share their tools and tips from the classroom, library, and beyond.

There will be five different sessions to get hands on with the Creativity Maker Suite of products, learn about grant opportunities, and become inspired to create bravely in and out of school! 

Create an Easy, Affordable Makerspace with Fab@School
What: From kindergarten to high school, discover how schools, libraries, and programs around the country have used Fab@School Maker Studio to create practical, affordable makerspaces using paper, cardstock, and inexpensive digital fabricators. Get hands-on with the digital prototyping program and learn more about grant opportunities to fund YOUR makerspace
When: Tuesday 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday 12 p.m. ; Thursday 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Create Bravely: Creative Self-Design for a Purposeful Life
What: Join FableVision/Reynolds Center co-founder, Paul Reynolds, for a session designed for educators of all levels. Paul Reynolds shares approaches to using storytelling to foster both growth mindset and the courage needed to foster self-directed, creative, and purposeful life journeys.

Attendees have a chance to win signed, personalized copies of his 4Cs/STEAM storybooks Going Places and Sydney & Simon, as well as a Create Bravely T-shirt designed by Peter H. Reynolds (The Dot, Ish, Sky Color). All participants receive a free Create Bravely poster.
When: Tuesday 12 p.m.; Wednesday 10:30 a.m.

Making Makerspaces Meaningful
What: Join Leo Brehm, Reynolds Center board member, as he shares strategies to realize the full potential of your makerspace.  As a career school CIO for public schools in Massachusetts for over 21 years, Leo has supported education in a variety of roles including a technology support specialist, instructional technology specialist, network administrator, director of technology, and adjunct professor in four districts and higher education. Currently he serves as the Learning Evolution Officer for Central Mass Collaborative providing innovative solutions to forty plus districts and 80-100k students.  As the Director of Digital Learning for the Massachusetts Virtual Academy, he is focused on reinventing the virtual program into a personalized experience. Leo shares his experiences on how to shape your makerspace to nurture meaningful learning.
When: Tuesday 1:30 p.m.

Activated Storytelling for Transformational Learning
What: Story remains one of the most powerful technologies for causing learning.  Creative educators are especially adept at leveraging stories for enduring and transformational learning.  Come learn how one teacher in Iowa used The Dot book by Peter H. Reynolds to encourage over 10 million teachers, librarians, and students in 170 countries to “make their mark” on the world using their creativity & bravery.  Attendees explore a host of constructionist edtech tools and learn about inspiring teachers using Peter H. Reynolds’ message books for purpose-based learning, growth mindset, and positive social change.  Along with practical free resources to bring back to one’s school or library, attendees have a chance to win signed, personalized copies of Reynolds books and prints!  
When: Tuesday 3:15; Wednesday 1:30

Paper Prototyping Bootcamp for STEAM-Powered Learning
What: Want to introduce students to digital fabrication and STEAM to your classroom or library? This workshop provides hands-on opportunities for getting comfortable with easy, paper-based digital design and fabrication software tools. Participants experience the benefits of rapid paper prototyping, which allows for quick cycles of testing and iterative design enhancements - especially helpful within limited class periods. Explore research-based best practices, appropriate to get all students (PreK-12) designing and creating.
When: Wednesday 3:15, Thursday 11:30