EGHS Digital Learning Days Guest Speakers 2/10-2/12

Introduction:

On February 10-12, the East Greenwich Public Schools will be hosting "Digital Learning Days" to help our students increase their understanding of the ways in which technology and digital media operate in the corporate world, including the sciences, mathematics, entertainment, and advertising fields, among others. This event is being held in conjunction with national Digital Learning Day, which began in 2012 as a way to ensure that all youth have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities that can provide the foundational skills necessary to live, work and play in a digital world. (Shared From Superintendent’s Field Memo)

Opportunities:

You may remember last year Digital Learning Day speakers came during Advisory. In order to increase interest and attendance, we would like to have speakers present during related subject-area classes. A number of speakers have volunteered to speak with our High School students. They include:

• Peter Bonk, Ph.D., Organic Chemist, will engage the students in an interactive chemistry activity and discuss careers in the field of chemistry.
• Steve Branch from EGPD, our SRO, has spoken with students in several districts across Rhode Island. He will engage students in discussions about Cyberbullying.
• Mallory Brooks & Jessy Wayles, Project H2O Coordinator and Shoreline Restoration Specialist from Marine Discovery Center will Skype or Google Hangout in an interactive presentation from a coastal marsh near Daytona Beach, FL. With a focus on shoreline restoration, one of their projects includes re-building an Atlantic Ocean coastal reef using oyster shells recycled after the oysters are served in restaurants.
• Michael Delaney, Managing Editor of Visuals from the Providence Journal will discuss how to frame the perfect picture, including the “selfie.” He may bring a professional photographer and news camera.
• Mistral Dodson, Marine Science & Adventure Sports Program Director with New England Science and Sailing. Mistral will bring an interactive experiment for students. She is also open to discussing with faculty and staff NGSS-based NESS programs that promote student excitement and scientific discovery.  
• Patty Flanagan & a pilot from United Airlines will discuss the transition from analog to all digital in the airline industry and specifically, at United. Patty is a Flight Attendant who speaks fluent French.
• Ken Huffman, Design Manager from OnSemiconductor will discuss the semiconductor chips, made here in East Greenwich, which help with image stabilization in our cell phones and digital cameras and help the self-driving and self-parking cars. His informative and enjoyable presentation includes a scientific background of the semiconductor and videos of a “chicken cam” and self-driving cars in action.
• Francine Jackson, astronomer with Ladd Observatory will discuss astronomy and light pollution with students in an interactive and hands-on presentation.
• Fouad Janat, Field Applications Scientist from HTG Molecular Diagnostics will discuss the field of molecular biology and its usages in the medical field. Fouad speaks English and Arabic.
• Kevin Longo & Mike Montalto from OSHEAN will be discussing “how the internet works.” OSHEAN is the internet service provider for a majority of the school districts in Rhode Island. This presentation will include a “behind the scenes” look at the internet.
• Chris Matteson & Dan Toussaint from Rhode Island Manufacturing Association (RIMA) who will discuss all the goods designed and produced in Rhode Island along with the available training and careers in the manufacturing industry.
• Jenn Olivo from ALEX & ANI will discuss social networking and mass communication in regard to sales and marketing.
• Steve Orton & Steve Obermaier, software engineers from Northrup Grumman will discuss their design of virtual reality environments for the Department of Defense.
• Debbie Proffitt from Purvis Systems will discuss the 911 system. Purvis Systems designs computer systems for Fire and Police vehicles that collaborate to form a mobile emergency computerized command center. Her interactive presentation will discuss what happens behind the scenes after someone dials 911.
• Wendy Schmidle is the IT Director of East Greenwich. Her presentation discusses how the town communicates with the citizens. She will engage students in conversations about how the town sends electronic emergency notifications to everyone, for example, weather-related emergencies, and relevant town business.
• Dr. Yan Sun, Computer Engineering Professor with URI will speak with students about the engineering programs at URI and the importance of taking upper level math and science courses.
• Karen Vaccaro & Patricia Greene are from AT&T. Their presentation is entitled “My Digital Life and Texting & Driving.” They will show how we can control our thermostats, window shades, and even lock doors with smart phones. They also plan to bring their texting and driving simulator for students to experience the dangers for themselves.

To Schedule a Speaker (Teachers):

To arrange one of these speakers, contact Donna Wayles at DWayles@egsd.net, with the following information:

• Date requested during February 10-12
• Time/class period
• Speaker’s name
• Class subject
• Number of students/audience

Questions?

if you would like to suggest a speaker, or if you have any questions contact Donna Wayles at DWayles@egsd.net