ITEC Fall Conference 2026

Are you ready to transform static lessons into dynamic, responsive learning experiences? Discover how to use Wayground to design real-time formative assessments and guided instruction that adapt to your students' needs. In this hands-on session, we will explore how AI-powered tools can instantly turn your existing slides and PDFs into interactive presentations, engaging challenges, and targeted checks for understanding. You will leave with actionable strategies to differentiate easily, boost student engagement, and gather immediate data to drive your next instructional steps.

Technology continues to play an important role in today's classrooms, but many educators struggle to determine when and how it should be used to maximize student learning. In this session, I will share findings from my master's thesis research, which examined the impact of virtual labs compared to hands-on labs on student engagement and on-task behavior in a middle school science classroom. Participants will explore key takeaways from the research, including the strengths and limitations of both instructional approaches.
The session will then transition into practical classroom applications, highlighting how technology can be effectively integrated into science instruction through the use of Gizmos virtual labs. Attendees will learn strategies for implementing virtual labs before, during, and after instruction, ways to increase student engagement, and methods for using simulations to support inquiry-based learning. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for blending technology and hands-on experiences to create meaningful science learning opportunities for students. The session will conclude with time for the guests to explore the virtual labs. 

Looking for a way to turn passive screen time into a powerhouse of 21st-century skills? Welcome to the middle school broadcasting session! In this session, we’ll explore how student-led media production transforms middle schoolers into master collaborators, visual storytellers, and technical problem solvers. From mastering framing and camera angles to scriptwriting and troubleshooting live audio under pressure, you’ll walk away with a ready-to-use framework for launching or leveling up a media program. Discover how to give your students a voice, a lens, and the ultimate real-world tech challenge.

Whether you're new to Pear Deck or looking to deepen your practice, this session has something for you. We'll walk through real educator and student workflows, explore AI-powered features that save time and boost learning, and address how to use Pear Deck mindfully within Iowa's screen time framework. Leave with a clear implementation roadmap and confidence to get started.

This beginner friendly PD introduces Canva’s AI coding tools for creating interactive classroom experiences. Learn how to use simple text prompts to design engaging activities and bring creativity into your lessons no coding required.

In this session, we will be showing educators Canva’s AI coding tools and how they can be used to create interactive and engaging classroom experiences without any prior coding knowledge. This session is designed to help teachers feel comfortable exploring AI in a way that is approachable, creative, and directly connected to their classroom needs.

We will explore what Canva’s AI tools can do and how simple text prompts can be used to generate interactive learning activities. we will share how we have used Canva Code to create activities for our classrooms. We will also be modeling how to create classroom ready materials such as interactive lessons, simple apps, and engaging visual content that can be used across grade levels and subject areas.

This session will allow for active participation and hands-on exploration. You will have the opportunity to use Canva to design your own interactive activities that can be used right away. We want to show how Canva Code can be used to enhance instruction rather than be just one more thing that is added to our plates. We will have time for you to look at your current curriculum and brainstorm ways you can utilize Canva Code to build activities that you can integrate into your current lessons.