On Monday March 11, more than 600 educators from across New York City braved blustery weather to descend upon the campus of Long Island University in Brooklyn for the eleventh #NYCSchoolsTech Summit. The event marked a return to in-person professional learning, which participants eagerly embraced as they attended presentations, participated in lively discussions, earned CTLE credits, and explored a jam-packed vendor hall over the course of the day.
Focusing on advancing digital learning, tools, and opportunities, the day kicked off with a welcome from NYC Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, who told attendees, “I urge you all to bring what you learn today back to your schools to help build bright starts and bold futures for our students.” The NYC Division of Instructional and Information Technology’s CIO Intekhab Shakil and Deputy CIO Randy Asher also greeted those in attendance.
The welcomes were followed by a keynote speech from Rebecca Ramnauth of the Yale Social Robotics Lab. A graduate of NYC schools and LIU, Ramnauth’s inspiring presentation focused on her work at the Yale Social Robotics lab, where they are building robots to help students with autism learn how to make human connections.
The popular vendor meet-and-greet took place in the library and more than 60 creators of edtech solutions, products, and platforms, ranging from assessment and communication tools to creation and collaboration platforms to classroom hardware and software. Google, Microsoft, Canva, Adobe, LEGO Education, Dell, Epson, and Promethean were just a few of the partners on hand that are also in many classrooms.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a number of dynamic presentations such as taking paperless attendance, using Canva to elevate teaching and learning, and creating a safe and welcoming digital learning environment. They also got to hear what’s new for education from companies such as Apple, Google, Adobe, and Microsoft. Later in the day, the DIIT’s Jose Perez and Anthony Casasnovas presented on the Battle of the Boroughs, a Minecraft education challenge, and the role of esports.
The event culminated in the recognition of 12 Summit Award winners, who were recognized for their contributions to education in New York City:
- Staci Balice, Library/Media Teacher & SPOC, Space Shuttle Columbia P.S. 58
- Matthew Gorin, Model Teacher, P.S. K721 - Brooklyn Occupational Training Center
- Sparkle Peters, Ed Tech Coordinator, Virtual Innovators Academy
- Théa Williams, Grade 4 Teacher, Brooklyn Arbor Elementary
- Erin Dietz, Technology Coordinator & SPOC, P.S. 103 - The Hector Fontanez School
- Deborah Paradise, Teacher, Tech Coordinator & SPOC, Leadership and Public Service High School
- Steven Mudrick, Director of CTE Video Production & SPOC, The Theatre Arts Production Company School
- Herson Pleitez, Technology Teacher & SPOC, P.S. 109 Sedgewick
- Lisa Choi, Technology Teacher, Stars Programmer, Webmaster & SPOC, P.S. 7 Queens
- Victoria Stuto, Digital & Visual Arts Teacher & SPOC, P.S. 29 Bardwell
- Ellen Perlow Phillips, Technology Teacher, The Grand Central Parkway School
- Samantha Barrett, Office of Policy Evaluation Lead, Community School District 20
The final fun of the day featured Tech & Learning content director Christine Weiser awarding dozens of prizes from event partners.
Ultimately, the #NYCSchoolsTech Summit was once again a great day for all in attendance that delivered professional learning, networking, and so much more.
