TCEA Area 1 Ed Tech Conference 2021 e-program

TCEA is a global, non-profit, member-based organization focused on improving teaching and learning through the use of technology. It is a noteworthy organization advocating for ed tech and professional learning. We support educators and other personnel in the who enhance teaching, learning, and assessing with digital tools. As the Area 1 Director, I am an elected representative that serves the area members.

“Welcome to the 11th annual Area 1 Education Technology Conference. I am thrilled you have joined us. Let’s continue to collaborate, be proactive, and support each other.

Never stop learning.” - Dr. Cynthia L. Pina, Area 1 Director.

Featured Speakers Dr. Barbara Hong

Dr. Arturo Cavazos

Schedule AM TIME 8:00 – 8:50 AM

SESSIONS Welcome & Keynote Session 1 by Dr. Barbara Hong The 21st Century Classroom-NEARPOD/FLOCABULARY by Jessica Garza & Jennifer Salazar Morales Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into the Classroom by Diana Benner

9:00 – 9:45 AM Session Group 1

Learning to Flex: How Social Media Became a Popular Teaching Tool for Educators by Jan Brott, Lina De La Garza, & Cynthia Piña Self-assessing Google Sheets by Efren Rodriguez Spice Things Up with Creative Tech Tools by Janet Corder Using Virtual Libraries to Increase Circulation of seldom read e -books by Tina D. Ramirez LightBox 101 by Laura Sheneman SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Standards within Content Area Learning and Research by Dr. Bernice Sanchez

9:55 – 10:40 AM Digital Choice Boards for the Win! By Janet Corder Session Group 2

Don't Flip Out, Flip Your Classroom by Kerry Bonugli & Rodolfo Malacara Five Google-ly Mapping Tools for Thought Cartography by Miguel Guhlin Edpuzzle and Google Classroom: The Perfect Match by Sonia Reyna & Adriana Ramirez Modeling using Chemix and Glide app by Efren Rodriguez Cyber Literacy from CYBER.ORG by Tommy Gober & Dr. Chuck Gardner How TCEA Can Help You Succeed by Robert Bennett

10:50 – 11:35 AM Session Group 3 Project Management Fundamentals by Miguel Guhlin

Setting Your Sights on Google Sites by Javier Muñoz & Richie Benavides Flyers and Videos Made Easy by Beth-Ellen W. Tijerina & Griselda Manrique Taking Google Forms to a Higher Level by Juan Luis Perez & Christine Romanelli

Schedule PM TIME 11:35 – 12:05 PM

SESSIONS BREAK Advanced Google Slides by Michelle Harvey The STEAM Inspired Classroom by Lilly Gutierrez & Carmen Mackinnon

12:10 – 12:55 PM Session Group 4

Equity & Technology: Key Practices for Addressing the Digital Inequities by Dr. Qiana O'Leary Strategies That Work by Miguel Guhlin Creating Interactive Choice boards by Walter Wilkins What’s New? What’s Hot? What’s Cool? By Janet Corder Cybersecurity with CYBER.ORG by Tommy Gober & Dr. Chuck Gardner Exploring Google Chrome Extensions by Raul Gonzalez & Jorge Rodriguez

1:05 – 1:50 PM Session Group 5

Using Collaboration to Infuse High Impact Practice strategies in Virtual and Face -to-Face Classroom Settings by Dr. Stephanie Bain & Nicole Perez Morris Engaging Tech Tools for All Learning Environments by Janet Corder Deep Dive into Your Collection Analysis by Laura Sheneman The Latest on Brain Research in Education by Lori Gracey 16 Google Tips by Brenda Hernandez & Jennifer Salazar Morales

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Keynote Session 2 by Dr. Arturo Cavazos & Closing Remarks

Presenters Dr. Stephanie Bain has over a decade of experience in education. Her classroom experience includes working in economically, disadvantaged schools and specifically focusing on classroom management techniques. Currently, Stephanie has served as the AVID (Advancement Via Individual determination) Liaison for Texas A&M University- Kingsville. In her role, she facilitated professional developments for faculty, student teachers, teaching assistants, university tutors and mentors, and local ISD’s which promote the implementation of high engagement strategies in college classrooms. She is a published author and is a certified “Trainer of Trainers”. In addition, she writes curriculum to incorporate high impact strategies specifically focusi ng on culturally relevant teaching. Stephanie graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.A. in History and two minors, one in education and the other economics. She also holds a M.S. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University as well as a Doctorate in Educational Administration.

Jose R. Benavides I have been a Digital Learning Specialist at LISD for 13 years. Currently, I service Memorial Middle School, Early College HS, and specialty campuses in LISD. I am Google Educator Level 1 certified. Before becoming a DLS, I taught middle school for 10 years. I am Tech Apps certified as well as Science Composite Certified. I also have my Principalship.

Robert Bennett has worked in trade associations for over a decade in many capacities, and has been with TCEA since 2019.

Diana Benner has been involved in education for more than 20 years. She has served as an instructional technologist, instructional designer, and an online learning specialist, supporting districts all over Texas and in state government. She l oves offering engaging staff development and working with teachers to get them excited about using digital tools in the classroom in order to impact student achievement. She has a Masters of Education in Educational Technology and is an ISTE Certified Educator.

Dr. Jan Brott Jan Brott is an instructional designer at Texas A&M International University. Her research focus is social media for learning, and how to incorporate social media into formal and informal learning environments. She conducts workshops based on her research connecting social media use with professional development, education policy initiatives and the instructional design process.

Kerry Bonugli I'm Kerry Bonugli, Digital Learning Specialist for Laredo ISD Janet Corder is an educational technology consultant with experience as a classroom teacher, instructional technology coordinator and adjunct professor. Her passion for assisting educators learn new strategies for successfully integrating technology into their curriculum has provided her with many opportunities to present at national, state and local conferences and in school districts throughout the United States. She has co -authored four books on technology integration and professional development. Janet served in various positions for the TCEA Board of Directors and was awarded ISTE’s M aking It Happen award given to leaders in educational technology.

Dr. Chuck Gardner serves as Director of Curriculum for the Cyber Innovation Center and its academic initiative, CYBER.ORG. He has over 10 years of classroom experience and holds an EdD (Educational Leadership) and an MBA (Marketing) from the University of Phoenix and a BS (Marine Transportation) from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. After leaving the maritime industry in 2006 he became a career-changing educator, first teaching algebra and geometry in middle school, then moving to a high school robotics and cyber classroom, where he first encountered CYBER.ORG and wrote content for them. As the director of curriculum, he now oversees a team of content authors and subject matter experts and helps deliver professional development workshops to teachers from across the country.

Jessica Garza Both presenters together have over 35 years of teaching experience. Currently both are Technology Specialist working for UISD as technology trainers in both the middle and high school setting. Keeping others current in technology through trainings is a passion Andrea and Jessica both share.

Presenters Lina De la Garza Dr. Lina Marie De La Garza is an instructor at Texas A&M International University's A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business (ARSSB) in Laredo, Texas and holds a doctorate in education from Texas A&M Unive rsity-Kingsville. She develops curriculum for and teaches professional written communication incorporating technology and social media and currently chairs the ARSSB Teaching and Learning Committee. She is a member of TCEA, the Climate Reality Project Leadership Corps, and The Kappa Delta Gamma Society International Alpha Nu chapter.

Lori Gracey currently serves as the executive director of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) and is responsible for training technology directors, administrators, curriculum supervisors, librarians, and teachers across the country. She serves more than 57,000 members and oversees a staff of 21. Lori has served on the board of the Texas Society of Association Executives and SXSWedu and as the Regional Program Chair for the ISTE 2017 and 2021 conventions in San Antonio. She has 28 years of experience in education, with 22 years as a curriculum and technology director.

Tommy Gober is a curriculum development specialist for CYBER.ORG and lives in the Houston area. Tommy taught computer science, computer hardware, networking and other technology classes in northeast Texas. He is an education doctoral candidate with UTRGV in Brownsville and received his Masters from A&M-Texarkana, his Bachelors from LeTourneau University, and Associates from Lee College. He served in the Texas State Guard as a computer and communications specialist and military emergency management specialist. He has served on standards committees in several states across the country, including Texas, helping to author computer science and cybersecurity standards. He holds several industry certifications including Security+. Tommy develops cyber, robotics, and computer science curriculum while also training and assisting classroom teachers across the country on implementing CYBER.ORG curricula.

Raul Gonzalez has been part of Laredo ISD for 17 years. First as an educator who loved integrating technology into his classes and now, as a Digital Learning Specialist engaging in teacher professional development that promotes encourages integrating technology driven activities into the classroom.

Miguel Guhlin Enjoying rich, successful experiences as a director of technology, Miguel has facilitated IT/Director/CTO Certification and Campus Technology Specialist courses. He specializes in aligning technology to educational goals. Miguel has extensive instructional technology experience (multiple districts, one as large as fifty-six thousand students). He has also served as a Director of Technology for a ten thousand student school district. His diverse background enables him to model strategic thinking, budget management, and professional learning for emerging leaders in educational technology.

Lilly Gutierrez My Name is Lilly Gutierrez, and I am a Digital Learning Specialist at Laredo ISD. I have been a DLS for the last six years, and I service two elementary schools. Before becoming a DLS, I was a kindergarten teacher for nine years and a 4th-grade teacher for approximately half a six weeks. As a DLS, I enjoy teaching our educators new technology concepts to implement in their classrooms to make learning interactive. In my spare time, when I am not learning about new technology concepts, I enjoy painting, learning about different types of crafting ideas, and spending time with my loved ones. Twitter: @dlslilly Michelle Harvey is an Elementary Digital Learning Specialist for Laredo ISD. She has been in the education field for 18 years, 3 years with Instructional Technology and 15 years as a secondary teacher. Ms. Harvey is Google Level 1 and 2 certified, a Seesaw Ambassador, a Nearpod Educator and a Screencastify Master Screencaster.

Presenters Brenda Hernandez have been an educator for the past 10 years. I have experience in elementary education. I hold a bachelor's degree in Education as well as a master's degree in Psychology. I am currently a Digital Learning Specialist with the Laredo Independent School District.

Griselda Manrique is a Library Media Specialist at Daiches Elementary School in Laredo ISD. I have worked and taught in the library for 15 years, but have been an educator for 25 years. I enjoy the library setting and working with teachers, students and other librarians.

Carmen Mackinnon Hi There! I am Carmen Mackinnon, I am a Digital Learning Specialist (DLS) with Laredo ISD. Before my current position, I was a middle school teacher for five years and it was awesome. Presently, I am starting year three as a DLS! I work for two elementary campuses that are both unique in their own way with incredible and innovative teachers. Being at the elementary is a whole different ball game but it’s been an amazing journey thus far! In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my loved ones. Twitter: @mackinnoncar1 Rodolfo Malacara is a Digital Learning Specialist for Laredo ISD. Nicole Perez Morris, M.A., is a full-time faculty member with the Art, Communication and Theatre Department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She is an Assistant Professor of Practice who teaches Speech Communication as well as Journalism, while serving as the Student Media Director overseeing student media on campus, including the radio and TV stations and newspaper.

She holds two master’s degrees, one in History & Politics from A&M-Kingsville and the second in Communications from Arizona State University. She currently is working toward her PhD in Communications at Regent University. She is an award-winning journalist, with 25 years experience in the field.

Javier Muñoz I am a Digital Learning Specialist from Laredo ISD. I have been a DLS for 10 years. I was a 5th grade classroom teacher for 6 years. I am Level 2 Google Educator certified and an Apple Certified Teacher. I am also certified in Technology Applications in all grade level. I enjoy working with all things Google!

Jennifer Salazar Morales I have been an educator for the past 10 years. I have experience in middle school and special education. I hold a bachelor's degree in Education as well as a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasi s in Special Education. I am currently a Digital Learning Specialist with the Laredo Independent School District.

Dr. Qiana O'Leary is an Assistant Professor in Educational Administration. Dr. O'Leary is an experienced traditional public and charter school social justice educator. She has served as a teacher, ELA department chair, extra-curricular club sponsor, athletic coach, and school administrator in school districts in the states of California and Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Bakersfield, her master’s from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and her Ed.D. from Brandman University. Dr. O'Leary has been an administrator at the elementary school, middle school, and high school levels.

Most of Dr. O'Leary's experience is with urban schools and BIPOC communities. In her years of service, she has founded two charter schools in Los Angeles, established two educational nonprofit organizations, piloted district-wide equity initiatives, and has mentored college-bound minority students, as well as new teacher faculty members. Dr. O'Leary currently teaches graduate courses in school administration and educational leadership. In addition to her faculty course load, Dr. O'Leary serves as a college prep mentor for high school students in United Independent School District (Texas) and Antelope Valley Union High School District (California). Dr. O'Leary has a diverse research agenda with interest in Education Reform, Diversity and Equi ty, Student-Centered Coaching, and Transformational Leadership. She has presented research on College Access for Students of Color, Building Pathways for Women in School Leadership Roles, and Critical Analysis of Race in Schools. In Spring of 2022, she looks to publish her first book titled, Lead with Truth: Memoirs of a Transformational School Leader.

Presenters Juan Luis Perez received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management and later received a Graduate Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University. He has been working with United Independent School District for fourteen years. The first seven years of his educational career were as an elementary classroom teacher. Despite having limited technology resources, he discovered a passion for integrating technology into his classroom. This experience eventually led him to the Instructional Technology Department. Working as an Instructional Technology Coordinator has allowed him to help teachers convert their classrooms into a more technology -centered environment for the past seven years. He has an innate drive to pursue the best solution for every dilemma. This never ending pursuit of efficiency has given him the ability to find and sometimes create new methods of utilizing the technology available to fulfill those needs.

Dr. Cynthia L. Piña is a COE assistant professional of curriculum and instruction at TAMIU. She is also the Area 1 Director for TCEA. Adriana Ramirez is an Instructional Technology Coordinator for United Independent School District with 24 years educational experience.

Tina Dunivant Ramirez is a librarian with Laredo ISD at Ligarde Elementary School. Tina has been a librarian for 11 years and been at LISD for the last 4 years. Tina’s technology certifications include Google Level 1 & 2, Screencastify Master & Genius, Kami Certified Educator Level 1 & 2.

Andrea Reyes Andrea & Jessica share over 35 years of teaching experience. Currently a Technology Specialist working for UISD as technology trainers in middle and high school settings. Keeping others current in technology through trainings is a passion for them.

Sonia Reyna Sonia Reyna Instructional Technology Coordinator for United Independent School District 28 years educational experience.

Efren Rodriguez has been teaching in the Rio Grande Valley for the last 24 years, currently on his final one. He has taught at several school districts and the Regional Education Service Center. He has taught Chemistry, Physics, a dash of Computer Science, along with STEM tools. Efren is currently at South Texas ISD Medical Professions as the DAEP/Science teacher. He enjoys experimenting with tech tools to help students and share with his peers. Efren can be found on Twitter @EfrenR. Christine Romanelli received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Texas A&M International University. She has been with United ISD since 2001. Currently, Ms. Romanelli is a Program Coordinator of Instructional Technology with the department of Curriculum and Instruction. She received her Graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Instructional Technology from Texas A&M International University. She has initiated several collaborative projects which include the Vertical Book Club, tutorials via podcasts, and Unbeatably Interesting Summer Days (a summer fun recipes and activities book for elementary).

Jorge Rodriguez taught for 6 years at LISD before transitioning to his position as a Digital Learning Specialist. As a teacher he promoted technology-based learning prior to COVID pandemic. As a Digital Learning Specialist, he plans to keep promoting and having teachers integrate as much technology as possible.

Presenters Dr. Bernice Sanchez Associate Professor at Texas A&M International University, College of Education, and curriculum developer for the last 26 years. My overall experiences as a classroom teac her and professor remind me of the importance of being reflective and mindful of how students learn and the impact curricular decisions have on the overall development of students academically, professionally, and personally. Research publications include connective threads of curriculum development focused on Literacy (Reading and Writing), critical thinking, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mindfulness Practices. My current research is an extension of my collective experiences and research in curri cular issues in education. Fall 2019, I published my first book Transforming Secondary Schools into Learning Schools: Professional Learning Communities (Sanchez, 2019). The research and teacher voices within the book allowed me to understand the importance of schools working collaboratively to create “learning schools” rather than schools that learn. My exploratory research journey continues to evolve as I expand on curriculum development and the impact of social emotional learning within this theoretical framework. My research in transforming both elementary and secondary schools has led me to further investigate how contemplative school practices (social emotional learning) can be embedded into school curriculum with the potential to positively and mindfully development the student learner.

Dr. Laura Sheneman has been an educator for three decades. Currently, she is a lecturer in the University of West Georgia’s Educational Technology and Foundations department. Dr. Sheneman’s interests include K-12 education, educator preparation, professional development, and instructional technology. Her work primarily focuses on school librarians and other educational technology professionals. She is the voice behind the internationally rec ognized blog and podcast called The Librarian Influencers.

Beth-Ellen W. Tijerina is a Library Media Specialist at Anita T. Dovalina Elementary School in Laredo ISD. I have worked and taught in the library for 16 years, but have been an educator for 27 years. I strive to encourage my students to form a love of reading. I provide opportunities for students to read with me as a part of book clubs. We read and discuss many current books from a diverse group of authors.

Walter Wilkins, Sr. is the Digital Learning Specialist (DLS) at Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School. I have been in this position for ten (10) years. I have a B.S. in Secondary Education with a concentration in Chemistry and Mathematics, M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction. I am a certified Chemistry and Mathematics (6-12) teacher. I was also a certified Master Technology Teacher. I have taught a Nixon High School for eight (8) years, Martin High school for fifteen (15) years, and Cigarroa High School for two (2) years.

I am in my thirty-sixth (36) year as an educator. I believe we should all be life -long learners. I also believe in a strong connection between educational strategies and technology. Technology can transform traditional education into new ways of learning by changing the way we solve problems and complete the tasks needed to solve those problems. Technology can also quick the time spend on tasks such as grading and spend more time analyzing the results of that grading to better serve our students by improving their learning and our teaching. I also believe that ever child can learn, just not all child ren learn the same way. We make our classrooms address multiple intelligences. Technology is one set of tools that help us reach those multiple intelligences in our classrooms. Technology also helps us teach collaboration skills by making team projects more feasible. Working with others is one of the top five workplace skills in the work market today.

Moderators Rachel Medrano, TCEA Area 2 Director Crystal Fuentes, TCEA Area 19 Director Dr. Patricia Abrego, TAMIU Director of Academic Technology, Office of Information Technology Carlos Vallarta, TAMIU Instructional Designer III Jan Brott, TAMIU Instructional Designer Paula Ramirez, United ISD Educator & TAMIU Graduate Student in the Master’s C & I with specialization in Ed Tech Lorena Abrego, United ISD Trisha Reyna, Student Teacher with the College of Education at TAMIU & Kappa Delta Epsilon Officer Angela Jaramillo, Student Teacher with the College of Education at TAMIU & Kappa Delta Epsilon Officer Valentina Chapa, Student Teacher with the College of Education at TAMIU & Kappa Delta Epsilon Officer Fatima Romo, Student Teacher with the College of Education at TAMIU & Kappa Delta Epsilon Officer Etna Mendoza, Student Teacher with the College of Education at TAMIU & Kappa Delta Epsilon Officer Yasmine Villarreal, Aspiring teacher with the College of Education at TAMIU & Kappa Delta Epsilon Officer

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Special Thanks to the Committee: Brenda A. Sepúlveda, Laredo ISD Director for Instructional Technology Department Celia Taboada, United ISD Director of Professional and Staff Development& Librarians Judith García, United ISD Director of Instructional Technology Department & Program Coordinators Mely Paez, Laredo ISD Director for Library and Media Services Dr. Patricia Abrego, TAMIU Director of Academic Technology, Special Thanks to: TCEA Professional Learning Directors & staff: Thank you for the support All the Presenters! Thank you so much for the enlightening sessions!