edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsDemystifying AI in the Classroom: Hands-On Tools for Future-Ready Learning
Thursday, March 6, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Presented by Alicia Verweij, Educator and Founder, EDGEucating LLC; and Heidi Williams, Computer Science Curriculum Specialist, Marquette University, and ISTE Author
Moderated by Matt Garcia, COO, Maker Maven
Sponsored by Maker Maven
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Are you curious about AI but feel unsure where to start? Worried it’s too technical or outside your comfort zone? This edWebinar is designed specifically for you—educators who may feel nervous about AI or computer science. No prior experience is needed! We’ll break down AI into simple, manageable concepts and introduce practical tools that anyone can use in the classroom. You’ll learn how AI systems work, how they can benefit your students, and how to teach AI in a way that’s fun and engaging for all learners.
This session focuses on human-centered AI and explainable AI, introducing various real-world technology applications that allow students to understand and implement AI. These applications offer unique lessons and challenges that align with STEM standards, making them easy to implement in diverse educational settings. Walk away with lessons, project-based learning strategies, and a clear understanding of AI’s role in today’s industries. Join us and discover that AI is nothing to fear—it’s an exciting opportunity for growth!
This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school leaders, and education technology leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters
Alicia Verweij is a seasoned educator with various published works who is passionate about teaching children to think critically and problem solve in preparation for future careers. She is committed to collaborative, engaging learning techniques and assisting educators in implementing them. In addition to decades of classroom experience, she holds a Master of Education in educational leadership, a B.S. in business management, an education certification, and an endorsement in gifted education. She has received numerous grants and awards for her success in the classroom. She continues to share her passion for integrating STEAM and project-based learning at local, state, regional, national, and international levels. She has leveraged her expertise to make EdTech practical for all as an educational coach and founder of EDGEucating LLC.
Heidi Williams is a passionate coding and computational thinking advocate. With over 30 years in education, her experience includes serving as a language, science, and mathematics teacher for grades 6-8, as well as roles as a differentiation specialist, technology integration specialist, instructional coach, gifted and talented coordinator, elementary principal, and K-8 director of curriculum. Heidi has shared her passion for integrating coding into the curriculum at local, state, regional, and national conferences and many have leveraged her expertise for conference presentations, coding coaching, professional development, and K-12 scope and sequence alignment of computer science skills throughout the curriculum. Check out her website, nofearcoding.org.
About the Moderator
Matt Garcia is the Chief Operating Officer of Maker Maven, a STEM, CTE, and maker education company. Matt has spent the last eight-plus years traveling across the country to speak with educators of all levels about the importance of STEM education and hands-on learning. Matt has found a passion in a more hands-on learning approach from his personal experiences in struggling to learn in a traditional classroom approach.
Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Matt comes from a loving household that brought him up with a love of all things outdoors including his favorite sport, baseball. The sport of baseball brought him to Kansas where he attended Sterling College and met his wife, the Founder/CEO of Maker Maven, J’aime Garcia. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sterling College. Outside of his work at Maker Maven he is passionate about family, sports, and the great outdoors.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the Artificial Intelligence in Education community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Maker Maven is your comprehensive K-12 STEM and CTE solutions provider, committed to empowering educators with award-winning products, innovative curricula, and professional development. We help schools create dynamic, hands-on learning environments that inspire creativity, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our personalized approach ensures organizations have the tools and support needed to meet their unique goals, enhancing both student engagement and academic success. Whether through custom kits, curriculum integration, or ongoing professional development, Maker Maven builds lasting partnerships with schools to prepare students for a future of innovation and success.
