​Meet KIMBERLY CROWLEY
Kimberly Crowley is a District Mathematics Supervisor for Jersey City Public Schools. She encourages implementation of STEM and STEAM initiatives within her district. Her goal is to guide administrators and teachers to use technology as part of project-based learning as a way to improve student engagement. Kimberly is an Educational Technology Leadership Doctoral student at New Jersey City University.
​Meet FRANCISCO SANTIAGO
Francisco "Frankie" Santiago, Jr. has been a Special Education teacher in the Jersey City Public School District for over 14 years. For the last five years, he has taught the most challenging students in the district. Along with the challenges are great rewards. Students, as well as parents, have benefited from his sincerity, patience and integrity. The BD-2 program, designed by the JC Board of Ed., allows students with the specific classification of ED to be educated amongst their peers in the Least Restrictive Environment. Mr. S, as students refer to him, is a creative and innovative individual. An illustration of that was when he tweaked a specialized reward program for students utilizing QR-Codes and a Loyalty Reward program he found online. As Inclusion Specialist, he created a designated file, within the school's server, to assist Special Education Teachers with organizing and collaborating mandated forms from the state. However, his passion is found in repairing, troubleshooting and upgrading systems. From PC's to iMacs and from iPhones to Android devices there isn't a device that is irreparably damaged in his eyes. His objective is to pass this skill to the next generation of students. As a student in the NJCU Educational Technology Leadership Doctoral Program, he hopes to lead others in the quest for technological aptitude and innovation.
​Meet PATRICIA HOLZMAN
Patricia Holzman is an educator at the A. Harry Moore School in Jersey City, New Jersey. She is a certified Special Education and Elementary Education Teacher with almost thirty years of experience. During her time at AHM she has taught in their Middle School and Secondary Programs. She now teaches a Science and Math Enrichment Program titled S.M.I.L.E., Science and Math in Life Everyday. She has committed herself to being a lifelong learner and is now pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from New Jersey City University.
​Meet JAMES MURDUCA
Jim Murduca served the Jersey City Public Schools as a mathematics teacher and National Academy Foundation Coordinator for 26 years. He is an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University, teaching mathematics and education courses since 1993 while supervising student teachers and students in the NOYCE Scholars Program. At William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City, Jim taught mathematics for 16 years. Later as head of the Design Team, he coordinated the National Academy Foundation Programs that included Science Research, Applied Technology (Robotics), IT, Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Jim developed Internship Programs for students in these specialized fields that resulted in scholarships and employment opportunities. At NJCU, Jim currently teaches Problem Solving and works with future elementary school educators. These future educators focus on solving real-world problems using math modeling strategies and methods. Jim is currently a doctoral student in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University.
Robotics and Drones in Education
The use of robotics & drones in the classroom is growing in momentum. Using robotics & drones when integrating STEM concepts can provide a way to engage students through technology. This session will provide ideas on how to integrate robotics & drones into lessons. It will also address the safety, ethical, and legal issues surrounding drones.
Participants will have the opportunity to fly a drone and play with robotics.
Link to the session handouts: