Join WestEd at the ED Games Expo and Small Business Research & Science Industry Day from January 8–10, 2020 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education/Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Small Business Innovation Research, the ED Games Expo showcases over 150 educational learning games as well as innovative forms of learning technologies designed to support children and students. Attendees will be able to participate in interactive demos and meet face-to-face with game developers.
The games and technologies cover a range of topics, such as early learning, science, engineering, making, math, reading, social studies, English learning, social skills. Many of the profiled games offer targeted support for learners with disabilities, and/or students who are dually identified language learners.
WestEd staff will also participate in the subsequent Small Business Research & Science Industry Day where attendees can meet and network with developers and learn more about funding opportunities.
All events are free and open to the public with an RSVP (see registration links below).
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 3:15–5:15 pm
Poster Session: Applications of Spatial Alignment for Supporting Visual Comparison in Education
Presenter: Bryan Matlen
Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Exhibit Hall (lower level)
Visualizations — such as graphs, maps, and diagrams — are ubiquitous in classrooms and textbooks. In the present project, WestEd examined how the placement of visualizations on the page influences learning of educational materials. In an analysis of widely used middle school science texts, experimental research suggests that there are ample opportunities to improve spatial placements of visuals to strengthen student learning outcomes.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 5:00–8:00 pm – The ED Games Expo
See the full Activity Guide here for a helpful resource to engage and prepare children and students who are attending the 2020 ED Games Expo.
Friday, Jan. 10 – U.S. Department of Education Small Business Research & Science Industry Day
Office Hours, 9–11:30 am
During Office Hours, education technology developers and researchers will have the opportunity to visit tables hosted by 30 representatives from programs at ED and across government agencies, and 20 national organizations in the field of education. These representatives will provide information to attendees on funding opportunities across government, as well as on initiatives of interest led by these organizations.
FERPA Information Session in the Client/Vendor Space, 12–12:45 pm
A panel of speakers will discuss the FERPA requirements that schools and districts must follow regarding third-party outsourced contractors, and how to better address those requirements when working with the schools/districts.
Small Business Industry Day Event, 1:00–4:00 pm
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, this segment will feature presentations and panels on IES programs and procurement opportunities.