New this year, the Lake Michigan Tech Conference will introduce specific focus strands to bring a broader audience in the integration of technology within the curriculum. The three strands that have been chosen are STEM, K-8 Literacy, and Assessment. Check out the descriptions of each strand below:
- STEM: STEM is a real-world focus. STEM is hands-on learning that applies to the world around us. STEM builds and teaches creativity, problem-solving, life skills, ingenuity, resourcefulness, patience, curiosity. STEM is what shapes the future as our world grows and changes. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM is everywhere and in everything we do and how we live. From the natural world around us to the tablets in our hands that show us the world far, far away. STEM builds inventors!
- K-8 Literacy: Ensuring solid literacy skills is not just a goal of the Michigan Department of Education, but the goal of all educators, regardless of content and age-level. Research-based strategies amplified with technological tools allow teachers to build better instructional practices, engage learners and families, and better track and celebrate student growth. The digital literacy tools of the 21st century continue to make acquisition and development of traditional literacy skills more engaging and relevant.
- Assessment: Whether it is high stakes, low stakes, formative, or summative, assessment matters. So does the data the is associated with it. This strand this year is dedicated to building better assessments, utilizing the data, and helping find ways that our students can succeed.
The conference committee will highlight session presenters that not only integrate technology but also incorporate these strands. This will not exclude anyone from submitting applications that are focused on any other technology related topics.
The reasoning behind this structure was based on past post-conference feedback. The conference committee wanted to balance out different areas of focus to meet the wants and needs of all attendees.
With the addition of the strands, we are also including a “Presentation Planner (Google Drive)” to help you get ready to submit your presentation proposal.* The official Call for Presenters will open on January 9th, 2019.
Looking forward to reviewing all of the potential presentations.
*In order to edit the file, you will need to go to File –> Make a Copy.