IETA 2025

This is a presentation for teachers and administrators. In this presentation, we will share how to earn the Career Technical Education (CTE) Cybersecurity Teaching Endorsement. We will also share what free and open source resources you can use to build your CTE Cybersecurity high school program. Supported by the Cyber Operations and Resilience degree program at Boise State University, we conduct risk assessments for school districts to improve cybersecurity posture. Learn how we can help you with your cybersecurity risk assessment.

Discover Boise on this jam-packed immersive inquiry as we tour near the Convention Center and learn about the history & the communities that shape the city. Using curiosity as a catalyst, we’ll ignite creativity with Google Photos, leverage digital tours, publish to curate learning & provide resources to use with students.

The Participants will…
-Gain a better understanding of Boise's history and the cultural diversity that influences the city's identity.
-Develop the ability to use curiosity as a driving force for inquiry and creativity.
-Acquire skills to enhance and edit photos using Google Photos, transforming them into compelling visual narratives.
-Learn how to integrate digital tours into educational settings effectively.
-Be equipped with practical strategies and resources to bring these experiences and tools into their classrooms, promoting a deeper connection between students and historical and cultural contexts
-Collect images, articles, videos, and podcasts to layer multimedia that differentiates for learners, builds background knowledge, and sparks curiosity.
-Create a mini-inquiry for students to introduce and explore a new content area.
-Leverage a handful of easy-to-use tools that invite students to create and scale for authentic audiences.

The hands-on workshop will run 3 hours for K-12 educators interested in implementing similar STEM activities into their teaching curriculum. Each will pick up a drone kit to build their small educational drone from scratch. The workshop organizer will provide the essential parts and components for coding exercises. The K-12 STEM educators will develop their own drone from scratch and a step-by-step building instruction will be provided by the instructor. The electronic version of the manual will also be provided, and technical issues/problems will be solved by interacting with the instructor at the IETA venue. The basic coding exercise using Arduino IDE and MIT Scratch will take place to control motors, adjust power to lift a drone from the ground, and discuss the fine-tuning methods for a safe flight. Understanding the instructor's federal regulations and safety guidelines is another avenue for all participants to fly their own drones safely and legally in the public domain. Each participant must bring their own laptop computer (preferably, Windows OS) equipped with a USB port. The workshop tuition is FREE for on-site registered personnel (Max 20 people) while an additional cost will be charged if the attendees want to keep their drones after workshop.

Learn how to use CYBER.ORG’s grant-funded range to bring cybersecurity into classrooms. Paired with CYBER.ORG’s no-cost curricula, K-12 US educators can gain access to CYBER.ORG’s Range to help teach hands-on cybersecurity and networking lessons. Observe how cyber-attacks work and how professionals use cyber tools through a preview of labs while content developers share their knowledge of guidelines, best approaches, and experiences of the range in middle and high school classrooms. We encourage teachers to sign up for our no-cost curricula access(https://cyber.org/form/curricula-sign-up) and Range access (https://apps.cyber.org/apply) prior to the professional development session.

Botball Virtual Simulator: Bringing Robotics to Life in the Classroom
Session Description:
The Botball Virtual Simulator, developed by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR), is a powerful educational tool that empowers educators to bring the exciting world of robotics into their classrooms. In this comprehensive session, attendees will explore the capabilities of the Botball Virtual Simulator and discover how to leverage this engaging platform to inspire students and foster their passion for STEM learning.
Key Topics Covered:

Navigating the user-friendly Botball Virtual Simulator interface and understanding its core functionalities
Designing and programming virtual robots to navigate complex environments, complete challenges, and showcase their autonomous capabilities
Integrating the Botball Virtual Simulator into lesson plans to reinforce key concepts in computer science, engineering, and problem-solving
Leveraging the simulator's extensive library of pre-built robot models and customization options to encourage creativity and critical thinking
Exploring the Botball Virtual Simulator's assessment and reporting features to track student progress and measure learning outcomes

Anticipated Outcomes:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Confidently utilize the Botball Virtual Simulator to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for their students
Develop effective strategies for incorporating the simulator into their curriculum to support STEM education and foster 21st-century skills
Understand how to leverage the Botball Virtual Simulator's assessment tools to monitor student learning and optimize their instructional approaches
Feel empowered to introduce the Botball Virtual Simulator to their schools and classrooms, leading to increased student engagement, improved problem-solving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the field of robotics

This session is designed for educators of all levels, from classroom teachers to STEM coordinators and school administrators, who are passionate about integrating cutting-edge technology into their teaching practices to inspire the next generation of innovators.

In this session, educators will explore the fundamentals of using Micro-bits and Hummingbird Robotics Kits. These tools are accessible to learners of all ages, from elementary school through the collegiate level, and serve as excellent resources for introducing computer science concepts to students of varying abilities. During the session, participants will engage hands-on with Micro-bits to learn the basics of the equipment. Educators will leave with practical examples and resources they can immediately implement in their classrooms. This workshop is designed for educators who are new to, or have some experience with, Micro-bits and Hummingbird Robotics Kits.

Join us to learn about the Idaho Statewide Certification programs that provide Microsoft and Adobe certifications, offered from Certiport, and online curriculum for your classes. These benefits are provided at no cost to you or your school. We will discuss the program, how to join, Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, Adobe Certified Professional Certifications and BrainBuffet curriculum provided to you through the program.

Explore the innovative digital tools and technologies transforming language learning for multilingual students. This presentation will introduce educators to a variety of accessible, user-friendly tools designed to enhance language acquisition, improve comprehension, and facilitate communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds. From translation apps to collaborative platforms and AI-driven language models, I will demonstrate how technology is breaking down language barriers, fostering inclusion, and creating personalized learning experiences for students of all ages and abilities. Whether you're teaching in a multilingual classroom or looking to improve your own language skills, this session will provide practical insights and strategies to help you leverage technology effectively in a multilingual world.

Join a CYBER.ORG curriculum specialist for an overview of our Intro to Cybersecurity course. The goal of this course is to introduce middle and high school students to basic cybersecurity concepts and inspire interest in cybersecurity careers. This course does not require any prerequisite knowledge in computing or cybersecurity for either the student or teacher.
In this session, our content experts will walk you through a variety of lessons that include unplugged activities, and cybersecurity labs using the CYBER.ORG Range. You will experience it through the eyes of a student, and we will also share tips for success! We encourage teachers to sign up for our no-cost curricula access(https://cyber.org/form/curricula-sign-up) and Range access (https://apps.cyber.org/apply) prior to the professional development session.

The MagicSchool AI chatbot is a powerful tool designed to support educators in their day-to-day work. In this session, we will explore how this AI-powered assistant can streamline lesson planning, content creation, and classroom management tasks. Attendees will learn how to leverage the chatbot's natural language processing capabilities to generate engaging lesson plans, customize educational resources, and access a wealth of teaching strategies and best practices.
Key Topics Covered:

Harnessing the MagicSchool AI chatbot to enhance lesson planning and content creation
Utilizing the chatbot's knowledge base to access teaching techniques, classroom management tips, and subject-specific resources
Integrating the chatbot seamlessly into your existing workflow to save time and boost productivity
Exploring the chatbot's multilingual capabilities and customization options to meet the diverse needs of your students
Anticipated Outcomes:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Confidently use the MagicSchool AI chatbot to streamline their daily teaching tasks
Discover innovative ways to leverage the chatbot's capabilities to create engaging, personalized learning experiences for students
Understand how the MagicSchool AI can be tailored to their specific educational context and teaching style
Feel empowered to incorporate the chatbot into their classrooms and schools, leading to increased efficiency and improved student outcomes
This session is designed for educators of all levels, from classroom teachers to instructional coaches and school administrators, who are interested in exploring the transformative potential of AI-powered educational tools.

PBS KIDS ScratchJr. is a free coding app specifically designed for children in grades K-5. During this hands-on session, teachers will WATCH, PLAY, EXPLORE, CREATE & SHARE! They will take on the roles of Programmer, Background Designer, Character Designer, Sound Designer and Editor creating projects using their favorite PBS characters. Come learn to code with your favorite PBS characters, and develop curricular connections you can use in your classroom tomorrow.

What is stress? How can we not only survive stress but actually use it to make our lives better?

We will analyze sources of stress, discuss approaches to defuse stressful situations, and develop stress management techniques for both teachers and students such as mindfulness, active meditation, tapping and even color theory.

I will share and demonstrate a series of eight short (3-5 minute) mindfulness lessons you can take and use with students.

Then we will learn about the role of stress in job burnout and how we can make not every day a good day, but find good in every day.

Join us for "AI Playgrounds: Exploring School AI Spaces and Magic School Student for Student Innovation," a professional development session designed for educators ready to enhance AI learning. This workshop will introduce School AI Spaces and Magic School Student—tools for creating safe, engaging AI sandboxes. We'll cover setting up these environments, integrating AI activities into curricula, and strategies for teaching AI fundamentals. Educators will learn to monitor progress and provide feedback, ensuring a supportive space for students to develop AI skills effectively. Ideal for teachers looking to foster creativity and problem-solving through interdisciplinary AI education.

Providing training for teachers and staff alike as a teachers teacher can be a difficult job; whether as an IT professional or in a professional development position. Having the time to sit down one on one or engage in remote help can be draining or time consuming. This session helps unite Google's Screencast tool and Scribe with Google Sites to create an internal resource page for teachers and staff. In our time together my hope is to be able to bring creatively and innvotion by using free tools that come with our Google Education Domains to provide how-to's, instructionals, and troubleshooting content so that teachers and staff can provide "self-help". Learn how to link calendars, PDF how-to's, and videos through Screencast to make a vibrate area of learning that is easy to use and simple to manage.

What, exactly, do students need to know about Computer Science (CS)? What skills can be presented that will transfer for those who continue in CS, but more importantly, for those who continue to different careers? This talk will focus on the approach taken in BSU's CS 100 - Introduction to CS Professions, including what is being taught and why. You'll get an overview of computer science, the career paths in computer science, careers that seem like they're computer science but aren't, and what your student can expect in a computer science degree. Participants will leave with answers for students' and parents' questions about computer science, resources to help guide students as they explore their career options (no matter what field they choose), an explanation of the skills students can learn in a CS class that aren't restricted to CS, and resources for incorporating these types of activities and lessons in their own classes (whether they're CS or not!).

Learn about programs offered by the Idaho Department of Education and how to get involved. Programs offered: Adobe Express, Certification in Adobe and Microsoft, Coding in Minecraft

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, fostering innovation and invention among students is more crucial than ever. This session is designed to equip educators, mentors, and technology enthusiasts with practical strategies to inspire and guide students from beginner to intermediate levels in their journey towards becoming inventors and innovators.
Participants will explore a variety of tools and methodologies that can be seamlessly integrated into educational settings. The session will cover key topics such as cultivating a creative mindset, leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, and encouraging collaborative projects that stimulate inventive thinking.
Attendees will leave with a toolkit of actionable ideas to help students navigate the innovation process, from ideation to prototyping and beyond. Join us to unlock the potential of the next generation and empower them to shape the future through technology and creativity.

How leaders leverage technology to communicate and connect with their community?  How do leaders navigate the ever changing world of technology?  How do leaders keep staff and students safe in a digital world?  How do leaders ensure that the tools they do have are used effectively?  These are just a few questions that will be explored.

Idaho educators discuss how they have leveraged the resources offered by Idaho STEM Action Center to improve their instruction and student outcomes.

This session will go over a variety of easy to use websites and tech tools to help new teachers or just any teachers wanting some new tools.

Copilot: Assists teachers in creating lesson plans with resources in just minutes.​
Magic School:​ An award-winning, most used, and most loved AI platform for schools around the world. Educators use MagicSchool to help lesson plan, differentiate, write assessments, write IEPs, communicate clearly, and more.
Reading Coach: Provides personalized, engaging AI-powered reading fluency practice for all learners.​
Microsoft Class Teams Assignments: Enables teachers to craft clear and concise instructions quickly. 

Step into the future of education as IDLA’s Launchpad Program showcases how AI has been harnessed to combat the summer slide and bridge reading skill gaps across Idaho's school districts. In this session, we’ll dive deep into IDLA’s cutting-edge approach to synchronous classrooms, exploring how AI not only transforms the online learning experience but also enriches traditional brick-and-mortar settings.

Unveil powerful, time-saving AI tools designed to enhance and differentiate curriculum for students of all abilities. Engage with strategies that tie student involvement directly to relevant content and standards. Discover how IDLA can become your essential partner in addressing literacy challenges and driving successful ELA outcomes.

Join us to explore evidence-based practices, adaptive technology, and personalized learning solutions that empower educators and students on the path to proficient reading. Don’t miss this chance to level up your ELA instruction with IDLA's proven methods and digital innovations—because, at IETA 2025, we're cranking it to 11!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the educational landscape, but its integration requires careful consideration to ensure ethical and effective use. In this session, participants will explore how the 1EdTech AI Data Rubric can help schools implement AI-driven tools in a way that promotes privacy, equity, and educational value. Drawing from experiences at Idaho Digital Learning Academy, we will discuss how to align AI initiatives with educational goals while safeguarding student data. This session is ideal for educators and technologists interested in the responsible use of AI in schools.
Outcomes: Attendees will:
Understand the 1EdTech AI Data Rubric and its application in K-12 settings.
Learn practical strategies for incorporating AI into teaching while ensuring privacy and equity.
Gain insights into aligning AI initiatives with school and district goals.

Discover how Learning Blade and Career Blade, in collaboration with the Idaho STEM Action Center, are transforming the educational landscape by bridging the gap between classroom learning and high-demand STEM and career pathways. These online learning resources, aligned with the First Step Standards, offer hands-on, interactive activities and industry-aligned curricula that inspire students to pursue STEM subjects and prepare them for real-world challenges.
Educators will learn how to leverage these tools to empower themselves and their students. Learning Blade, designed for grades 5-9, introduces students to STEM careers through contextualized, integrated learning experiences. The platform’s newest AI module enables students to uncover the science behind artificial intelligence and explore emerging AI-oriented careers. Career Blade, suitable for K-12 students, engages learners in career exploration and provides career-specific activities that equip them with essential skills and knowledge for the future workforce.
Participants will also explore how the Idaho STEM Action Center supports and enhances the use of these platforms, providing additional resources to strengthen STEM education across the state.
Join us to dive into the future of STEM and career education with your fully funded account at www.learningblade.com/ID.

Microsoft Search Progress/Search Coach is a feature within Microsoft Class Teams for Education aimed at improving students’ information literacy. It enables educators to assign and monitor research projects while offering real-time guidance on crafting effective search queries and recognizing trustworthy sources. It is a helpful tool to streamline information literacy instruction. Let us share with you how we have used Search Progress/Search Coach in our classrooms grades 3-5 and ways to use Search Progress/Search Coach in grades 6-12.

Discover the power of digital libraries with LiLI.org’s Gale eBooks and the IDEA by ICfL OverDrive collection. In this presentation, we’ll explore two leading e-book platforms designed to enhance research, learning, and leisure reading. Learn how to access, navigate, and utilize these platforms to support education, professional development, and personal reading. Whether you’re an educator or librarian this session will provide valuable insights into the features, benefits, and best practices for using LiLI.org’s Gale eBooks and the IDEA by ICfL OverDrive collection.