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CSPDWeek 2026
Type: Unplugged Activities clear filter
Monday, August 3
 

10:00am EDT

Hands-on with Robotics Education through VEX
LIMITED
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This workshop is for teachers interested in starting a robotics class in the middle or high school setting. We will use Vex robots to learn how to build and program robots. Join us for an information session then go to the Robotics Playground to get some hands-on experience.
Speakers
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
TCNJ, BSC 100

10:00am EDT

Robotics Playground (Drop in at any time to play with the robots)
Robotics Playground offers a full‑day, open‑house learning experience designed for K–12 educators. Teachers are welcome to stop by at any time to explore robotics devices, engage in unplugged coding, and participate in hands‑on collaborative activities. With support from experienced facilitators, participants will uncover innovative strategies to strengthen computer science instruction and inspire student engagement in STEM.
Speakers
avatar for Jahaira Ortiz

Jahaira Ortiz

Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Jahaira Ortiz is an accomplished educator and the founder of Coding the Future, a specialized firm providing STEM, coding, and robotics programs for early childhood learners. With over a decade of experience in the public education sector, she has successfully integrated advanced... Read More →
avatar for Kara Keefe

Kara Keefe

Technology Teacher (K-5), Willingboro Public Schools
Kara Keefe is a Technology Teacher in Willingboro NJ. She currently teaches technology to grades K to 4th grade in one of the elementary schools. Kara has been teaching Technology for the last for the past 12 years to as low as Kindergarten to as high as 5th grade.
avatar for Karen Wester

Karen Wester

Media Specialist,Technology Director, Special Education Teacher, Franklin Township Elementary School - Warren County
Karen A. Wester (MA in Educational Technology, ASLMS)  has been teaching (25 years) computer science/educational technology/library media/special education at Franklin Township School in Warren County.  Wester is actively engaged in the CSTANJ community representing K-8 on the Steering... Read More →
avatar for Alicia Somers

Alicia Somers

Teacher/Special Education Teacher
My name is Alicia Somers. I am an educator with 29 years of experience teaching both special education and general education students, ranging from preschool through second grade. I hold a P-3 license, K-5 license and Teacher of the Handicapped N-12. I have a Master's in Education... Read More →
avatar for Corinne Blaine

Corinne Blaine

K-4 Technology Teacher, North Brunswick, John Adams Elementary Schhool
I am a K–4 technology teacher with 11 years of experience in education, including six years in first grade and five years teaching computer science. I hold a BA in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics along with my teaching certification, and I was honored as a regional winner of... Read More →
avatar for Joann Case

Joann Case

K-4 Technology & PLTW Teacher, North Hanover Twp
Joann is an experienced K–4 Technology and PLTW (Project Lead The Way) teacher with 27 years in education. A certified PLTW Launch teacher, Raspberry Pi Ambassador, and BrainPop and Seesaw Certified Educator, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators and problem... Read More →
avatar for Jessica LaRosa

Jessica LaRosa

Teacher of Technology & Innovation, Trenton Public Schools
Jessica LaRosa is a Technology & Innovation teacher at Grace A. Dunn Middle School in Trenton, New Jersey. She has over 13 years of experience in computer and technology education, 7 years of experience as a business teacher, and 3 years of experience as a curriculum writer. She creates... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 2:55pm EDT
TCNJ, BSC 225 East

11:00am EDT

Unplugged Activities for High School
LIMITED
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This hands-on session equips high school educators with sophisticated, device-free strategies to deconstruct complex computer science concepts. Move beyond the screen to explore rigorous activities that solidify foundations in algorithmic logic, computational thinking, and digital ethics through interactive modeling and collaborative problem-solving.
We will demonstrate how these unplugged methods align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS-CS), providing teachers with high-leverage tools to bridge the gap between abstract theory and practical application. These strategies are not only perfect for "unplugged" days but are essential for deepening student comprehension of data structures, networking, and security—ensuring a robust learning environment regardless of hardware availability.
Speakers
avatar for Lora Santucci

Lora Santucci

Teacher of Computer Science & Mathematics, Morris Hills High School
Lora Santucci teaches math and computer science at Morris Hills High School in Rockaway, NJ where she resides with her husband and children. She studied mathematics, computer science, and music at Rutgers University and began teaching in 1998. Over the years she has presented at NCTM... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Phillips

Sharon Phillips

CS Teacher, Somerset County Vo Tech High School
Sharon Phillips is a computer science educator, technology coordinator and mentor with teaching experience across charter, private, and public school settings serving PreK–12 students.
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
TCNJ, SSB 103

1:00pm EDT

Hands-on with Robotics Education through VEX in the Robotics Playground
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
Ready to launch a robotics program but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop provides a comprehensive roadmap for bringing VEX Robotics into your middle or high school classroom. After a foundational briefing on curriculum integration and equipment logistics during the morning session, we’ll move to the Robotics Playground for an immersive build-and-code experience. You’ll gain practical experience assembling hardware and programming movement, leaving with the technical confidence and instructional strategies needed to transition from an empty lab to a fully functional, student-led robotics environment.
Speakers
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
TCNJ, BSC 225 East
 
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