Join us for the Vermont Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Annual Spring Event, where we'll offer professional development workshops and a keynote address focused on AI tools and real-world applications in computer science. Whether you're an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, there’s something for everyone to explore and learn. The event will feature hands-on workshops, practical examples, and insights from technology leaders. We hope you can join us for an engaging and informative event!

More info and registration link

Agenda:

• 4:00 PM - Welcome and Introduction
  
  

• Meet Vermont AOE  Educational Technology Program Manager -  Josh Blumberg 
  

• 4:10 PM - Keynote Speaker: Adam and Alexa Sparks, of Short Answe
  

  Why learn how to code if AI can code for you?

In this 15-minute “provocation”, we’ll attempt to answer a question 

 “Why learn how to code if AI can code for you?” that many students, educators, universities, technology companies, and business leaders are asking in 2025:To tackle this question, Adam and Alexa will dive into how people learn, the concept of “AI Literacy”, and offer a tentative direction forward for CS Education in the age of AI.

• 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Workshop Session 1 & Door Prize
  
  

• AI Tool Share / Grades K-12
  Hosts: Peter Drescher, Charlie Macfadyen, Adam and Alexa Sparks
  Explore various AI tools for the classroom and how they can support teachers and students alike.
  
  

• Using AI for Elementary & Middle School Teachers
  Hosts: Ryan Dudley / Caty Wolfe
  Learn how to incorporate AI into elementary and middle school classrooms, with practical strategies for teaching young learners.
  
  

• Real-World Applications in Education: Creating a Chatbot as a Useful Tool for Educators, Middle School HS
  Presenter: Renee Langevin
  Discover how educators can use chatbots as interactive tools to support learning and improve classroom engagement.
  
  

• 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Workshop Session 2 & Door Prize
  
  

• Finch: The Computer Science Robot Your CS Session Won’t Outgrow – Grades K-12
  Presenters: Lucie deLaBruere and Joe Bertelloni
  Can the same CS robot be used across multiple grade level? The ability of the Finch robot to be programmed using a  range of CS tools (from Web-based to JAVA) makes Finch a tool your CS Department can use with students from kindergarteners to high school learning Java programming.  Let us show you how in this interactive demo.
  
  

• Delightex: Block Coding in a Virtual Environment / Grades K-12
  Presenters: Ben McVety and Kristen Wilson
  Delightex is a browser-based platform that makes it easy to promote cross-curricular engagement in the classroom. Combine computer science skills with concepts from math, science, reading, and more to create fun, interactive projects—moving beyond traditional lecture-style presentations. The final products are easily shareable with parents, students, and the wider world.
  
  

• 5:30 PM - Door Prizes and Wrap-Up