2018 VSTE Annual Conference

UPDATE: 12/2/18 It looks like we're going to have a very full house! That may make real hands-on very difficult, but we'll do our best!

If your students are still learning their letters and basic counting skills, is it too early to introduce computer programming (coding) and robotics? Wonder Workshop believes it not too early! Join Jeff Mao for a hands-on exploration of how to introduce coding and robotics to young learners. Together with Dash and Dot, we'll learn through play!

If you have your own Dash or Dot, feel free to bring them along! Participants are encouraged to bring an android or iOS device with the following apps by Wonder Workshop pre-loaded: Wonder, Blockly for Dash and Dot, Xylo, and Path.

Jeff Mao is an internationally known education technology leader. Jeff served as the Learning Technology Policy Director for the Maine Department of Education (2004-2014). In that role, he provided leadership and education technology policy support to four Commissioners of Education. He was directly responsible for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). He oversaw all aspects of the program including vision, implementation, policy, professional development, procurement and contract management. He was a lead author of the State of Utah’s Master Plan: Essential Elements for Technology Powered Learning. Additionally, he is an advisor for Future Ready Schools and has moderated and presented at almost all of Future Ready’s Summits and Institutes. Jeff was a Senior Director for Common Sense Media’s education division (2014-2017). He is currently a Senior Strategic Education Outreach Manager for Wonder Workshop and independent education technology consultant.

Jeff has keynoted international events sponsored by UNESCO, World Bank, InterAmerica-Development Bank, and the Korean Education and Research Information Service. In the United States, he has keynoted state conferences including NYSCATE (New York) and VITA-Learn (Vermont), and presented at events including ISTE, CoSN, SETDA, FETC, SXSWEdu, TASA, TCEA, and CETPA. He served on the Board of Directors of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) for six years including two as Chair of the Board.

He has been recognized by EdScoop (EdTech Hero, 2017) SETDA (Leader of the Year, 2013), and Common Sense Media (Educator of the Year, 2012).