ACTEM2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 ACTEM Conference! #ACTEM26

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1:10pm EDT

Authentic Voices: Elementary Vlogging and Character Journeys in Canva

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Video gives students a powerful platform to share their authentic selves—or step into the shoes of the characters they love. In this hands-on session, discover how elementary students can use Canva’s intuitive video tools to create engaging personal vlogs, "getting to know me" introductions, or first-person character reflections.

Speakers

Nicole Lesperance

District Technology Training Coordinator, Mt. Blue Regional School District - RSU 9

I am a District Technology Training Coordinator for Mt. Blue Regional School District - RSU 9. I work with both staff and students supporting implementation and integration of technology into the curriculum, PreK-12. I also support all district staff with the use and understanding... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Penobscot

Elementary School

1:10pm EDT

Tech from the Ground UP! 21st Century Learning for All Ages

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Arnold

Digital readiness starts with mindset—screens not required. Even our youngest learners can build the thinking skills for meaningful tech use. This session explores how to teach technology mindsets and 21st-century skills in developmentally appropriate ways for all learners. Leave with practical strategies to prepare students for a tech-rich world. Bring your device.

Speakers

Donna Netzer

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Arnold

Elementary School

9:10am EDT

MLTI Unplugged (Elementary Edition)

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Pine Tree

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) opened up to early elementary grades in 2025 and in this session, we will explore what that means. Educational technology does not need to be merely more screentime at school, it can and should be intentional, active and might not even involve a screen. Learn about some of our recent programs like Pine Tree Programming, the CS Hub and the MLTI Maine Winter Classic that offer elementary level content. We will also be sharing some of the greatest hits from around Maine. Lastly, we will be seeking feedback on how we can best support for elementary schools.

Speakers

Jon Graham

Elementary Digital Learning Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Pine Tree

Elementary School

1:10pm EDT

Small Humans, Big Thinking: Real Inquiry in K–5

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Arnold

Young learners are capable of far more than we often expect. This session challenges the myth that K–5 students are too young for inquiry-driven and project-based learning. Explore practical strategies for designing meaningful, hands-on experiences that build curiosity and critical thinking. Learn how to use technology with purpose—enhancing learning without overwhelming it—in today’s shifting, screen-conscious classrooms.

Speakers

Beth Heidemann

co-founder, lead educator, Go2Science

Presidential Award-Winning teacher and hula hoop enthusiast, Beth loves bringing real world science to kids! A graduate of College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, Maine, she loves engineering challenges, technology, environmental education, and outdoor learning spaces. After 25 years... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Arnold

Elementary School

2:20pm EDT

Goodnight Bee-Bot: Coding Our Way Through Maine

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

York

Let’s help our youngest learners find themselves in both literature and computer science by navigating Maine literacy with early coding! In this interactive session, we will explore how to bring the beautiful Maine-themed book Goodnight Maine to life using Bee-Bots. Discover how to create custom, story-driven robotics mats that foster spatial awareness, sequential thinking, and literacy comprehension.

Speakers

Nicole Lesperance

District Technology Training Coordinator, Mt. Blue Regional School District - RSU 9

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
York

Elementary School

ACTEM2026

1:10pm EDT

Nicole Lesperance

1:10pm EDT

Donna Netzer

9:10am EDT

Jon Graham

1:10pm EDT

Beth Heidemann

2:20pm EDT

Nicole Lesperance

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