edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsSparking Creativity on a Shoestring Budget: Tech Tools for Big Ideas
Thursday, January 22, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST
Presented by Maren Vernon, Learning Resource Designer, Scratch Foundation; and Omashani Naidoo, Executive Director, SchoolNet South Africa
Moderated by Nick Schiner, Director of Peer-to-Peer Learning, Digital Promise
Sponsored by Digital Promise
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Innovation shouldn’t come with a high price tag. In this edWebinar, the presenters will explore how to ignite student creativity and problem-solving skills using powerful, free, and low-cost technology tools. They will dive into practical strategies for integrating free and low-cost technologies into your classroom to support skill building and creativity.
Attendees will leave with a toolkit of free and low-cost resources to boost student engagement, examples of student-led projects that tackle global challenges using simple tools, and actionable steps to participate in the Ciena Solutions Challenge, where students can showcase their big ideas and apply for sustainability awards.
This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.
About the Presenters
Maren Vernon is the Learning Resource Designer for Scratch. Combining her twin passions for education and coding, Maren develops creative learning resources and engagement experiences for Scratchers and educators. As a lifelong learner, Maren embraces the 4 P’s (Projects, Passions, Peers, Play) and is always thinking about how to empower her learning audience with tools they need for success.
Omashani Naidoo is a qualified mathematics and computer studies teacher with a master’s degree in ICT education, with over 20 years of experience in digital education. As Executive Director of SchoolNet South Africa, she leads national and provincial ICT training initiatives, manages stakeholder relationships, and oversees professional development for educators in mostly public and rural schools. She is a master trainer for Microsoft, Google Education, and Intel, and was recognized as an inaugural Global Intel Visionary for her contributions to digital learning and profiled by the Commonwealth of Learning Women in NGO Leadership.
About the Moderator
Nick Schiner is the Director of Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning at Digital Promise. Nick began his career as a classroom educator with Baltimore County Public Schools, teaching fourth and fifth grade before moving into the role of Elementary Technology Integration Specialist. After his time in the classroom, he served as Team Leader on the district’s Innovative Learning Team, where he oversaw efforts to help teachers integrate technology meaningfully and design hands-on, authentic learning experiences grounded in constructionism and constructivism. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a master’s degree in educational technology from Johns Hopkins University.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the Personalize Learning for Learner Variability community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those who’ve been historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow Digital Promise for updates.
