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Tuesday, October 13
 

8:30am CDT

Do-It-Yourself Accessibility: Creating Digital Documents for All Students
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Learn the basics of creating digital documents that are usable for students with and without disabilities. This session will introduce several fundamental practices for Word and Google Docs, including proper heading structure, meaningful links, and alt text. These practices improve access to teacher-created content for students who use assistive technology, such as text to speech, screen readers, and switch access. Leave with new skills for creating accessible documents, as well as free resources to go deeper and expand your skillset.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Carr

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University
Rob Carr is the Strategic Accessibility Coordinator at WebAIM and a Digital Accessibility Specialist at NCADEMI, the Office for Special Education Programs technical assistance center dedicated to assisting pre-K-12 state and local education agencies to provide more accessible educational... Read More →
avatar for Cynthia Curry

Cynthia Curry

Previously submitted, Previously submitted
Previously submitted
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
312

8:30am CDT

Your AI Treasure Chest: Creating & Sharing Gemini Gems
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Gems are reusable, custom prompts that save your best AI workflows for instant access, and they are a game-changer for educators! In this deep-dive session you will learn how to create your own Gems, with tips for effective prompting and uploading reference files. We'll also cover how to share your Gems with colleagues and how schools can build a shared, high-quality Gem repository for staff and students. To see their full potential, we will tour my "EduGems" website and demonstrate powerful, ready-to-use prompts for lesson hooks, rubric generation, DOK analysis, and even creating AI-powered classroom games. 
Speakers
avatar for Eric Curts

Eric Curts

EdTech Trainer, Control Alt Achieve
Eric has been in education for 35 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric's areas of... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
302/303

8:30am CDT

Acing AI Literacy
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Knowing how to write a prompt isn't AI literacy. Students also need to understand how AI works, question its responses, and make responsible decisions about when and how to use it. See how Council Bluffs Community School District uses the ACE framework (Awareness, Critique, and Exploration) to develop AI literacy across grades 2-12 through engaging, discussion-based lessons. Explore practical strategies, memorable analogies, and classroom-ready activities that help students build critical thinking, recognize AI's limitations, and become thoughtful, responsible users of AI.
Speakers
avatar for Tony Vincent

Tony Vincent

Learning and Technology Consultant, Tony Vincent, Inc.
I started teaching 5th grade in the 1900s. 💾 I’ve always been a geek for tech, so I maxed out my credit card to buy a laptop my first year of teaching. Laptops were very, very expensive back then, and schools did not supply them.

I loved what I could create for my fifth graders with that laptop. But I wanted my students to have that same joy of learning by creating. While we could march down to the computer lab (if there wasn’t already a class scheduled), in 2001 my district purchased Palm Pilots with keyboards... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
304

8:30am CDT

CSTA Membership: Heads Up as to What You Get as a Member
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Welcome to CSTA! We are so excited that you are a member (or are considering it). This session consists of making sure you have everything you need to access all of your member benefits. We'll provide you with resources to help you access (most of) everything available to you as a CSTA Member. Taking advantage of the plethora of member benefits is what we're striving to provide. 
Speakers
avatar for Henry Ramirez

Henry Ramirez

Central Region Chapter Support Coordinator, CSTA
I retired from teaching in 2021, with thirty years’ experience in education (9 yrs-bilingual/ESL teacher, 17 yrs-Instructional Technology Specialist, and 4 yrs-MS CS teacher). I served as the vice president of CSTA Greater Houston for four years (still a member/leader).Upon retiring... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
308

8:30am CDT

Gemini in Action: Streamlining Workflows & Elevating Productivity in Google Workspace
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Discover how integrating Gemini across Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Slides can transform your daily educational workflow to save hours on manual tasks. This interactive session demonstrates practical strategies for leveraging AI to clear inbox clutter, rapidly locate and summarize drive resources, draft routine documentation, and auto-generate presentations. Educators will leave with actionable prompt frameworks and clear, real-world workflows they can implement immediately to reclaim valuable time.
Speakers
avatar for Hanna Hollamby

Hanna Hollamby

Digital Learning Consultant, Heartland AEA
Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
307

8:30am CDT

Leveling Up Leadership: 5 Engaging Protocols to Elevate Your Professional Practice
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
It is challenging to lead educators who are facing so many challenges in their classrooms or to lead other educational leaders who are putting everything they have into supporting and bringing out the best of each of our teachers and learners every day! Come and learn 5 easy and engaging protocols that will get your team meetings off to a great start as well as some messages that can set the tone and expectations for engagement and collaboration amongst your staff, leadership teams, or even in your classroom. This session will be highly interactive and you will be able to leave with ideas and tools you can use the very next day!
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Mona Yanacheak

Dr. Mona Yanacheak

Executive Director, Iowa ALTL
Serving in educational roles in K-12, postsecondary, and graduate-level coursework, I continue to be amazed at how much there is that we can learn and grow as professional educational leaders across our country! I am thrilled to lead an organization of innovators and educational administrators... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
314

8:30am CDT

Qweebi
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Qweebi is an online makerspace platform that allows students to complete hands-on STEM projects directly on their computers. Designed for grades 3–8, it offers ready-to-use, standards-aligned projects that can be searched by grade level or topic. Each project includes complete Google Slide lessons with built-in teaching videos and instructional materials, making implementation simple for teachers.
Students can progress through projects at their own pace while teachers maintain classroom control by locking levels to keep students on track. The platform encourages testing, problem-solving, and improvement through virtual engineering challenges. I have used multiple Qweebi projects with different grade levels and have seen students actively engage in critical thinking and problem-solving throughout the process. Because everything is completed digitally, no additional supplies, setup, or cleanup are required.


I would be happy to run a session to introduce this STEM platform to teachers. I would have them be the "student" to work through a bit of a lesson and then show them how to manage it all from the teacher's view. 
I really enjoyed utilizing these lessons along with the other things I do in my STEAM class and wanted to tell others about it.  This virtual platform would be simple to implement in a regular classroom as well since it is all online. 


Speakers
avatar for Liz Sisler

Liz Sisler

Elementary STEAM teacher, Des Moines Christian School
This will be my sixth year teaching K–5 Elementary STEAM. I am passionate about fostering curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving through hands-on learning experiences. My background in early childhood education showed me the value of active exploration, and I enjoy bringing... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
305

8:30am CDT

The "Vibe Coding" Shift: Automating Google Tools with AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Do you think Java Script is the writing on a Starbucks cup? Is HTML all IDK to you? 
If you're a teacher, counselor, coach, or administrator who loves learning tech but has no coding experience, welcome to the era of vibe coding. Learn how AI can act as your personal programmer! Vibe coding can unlock new capabilities in your Google Workspace. Come to this session for an introduction to how a code can be bound to a Google App. See practical examples of how Google Apps Script can automate tasks, create custom features, and integrate Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Gmail.  
Speakers
avatar for Kim Kult

Kim Kult

Technology Integration Coordinator, North Polk CSD
Kim Kult is the Tech Integration Coordinator for the North Polk Community School District. She has been an educator for 20 years, with experience as a science teacher, instructional coach, and tech integrationist. She leads professional learning around how technology can be used to... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
316

9:30am CDT

A Sea of Choices: Considering data privacy, human in the loop, and research in AI use
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
The world of AI, particularly generative AI, has grown significantly over the last year to an almost overwhelming position. What does a classroom educator, IT team member, or administrator need to understand when examining AI tools for use in the classroom environment? We will explore the basics of data privacy, engagement in research backing, and how to keep a human in the loop with a technology that increasingly asking for decisions to be taken away from users. We will dive deep into emerging best practices for vetting tools and engaging with those tools safely and with an eye on what the developing research in telling us. 
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Winters

Matthew Winters

Artificial Intelligence Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Matthew Winters is the AI Education Specialist at Utah State Board of Education (USBE). He was also the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024, our Utah ISTE affiliate. He was one of the International Society for Technology in Education’s 20 to... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
302/303

9:30am CDT

Web Accessibility Takes a Village
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Providing accessible instructional material and instruction isn't any one person's responsibility, it's shared across everyone who has an influence on our learning environments. Join me to learn how to broaden the conversation about accessibility in your agency and start to send the right message about how this should all work to a critical audience: leadership.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Carr

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University
Rob Carr is the Strategic Accessibility Coordinator at WebAIM and a Digital Accessibility Specialist at NCADEMI, the Office for Special Education Programs technical assistance center dedicated to assisting pre-K-12 state and local education agencies to provide more accessible educational... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
312

9:30am CDT

Humanizing Education in the Age of Reactive Technology
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
More technology does not always lead to better results. Artificial intelligence has its place in education, but teachers are still the most valuable resource in schools. This session offers a high-impact framework for when to utilize AI effectively to improve learning without relying on it completely, minimizing the role of teachers. Complete with guidelines for teachers and students about when and how to use AI appropriately, this session also summarizes the big three laws regarding tech in education and how they apply to artificial intelligence so teachers can protect themselves and students while reducing busywork. Learn how teachers can balance AI and human interaction to focus their energy and limited time on what matters most in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Keanon Lewis

Keanon Lewis

Instructional/MTSS Coach, Pocahontas Area CSD
Keanon Lewis is an educational leader with experience as a 6–12 mathematics teacher, teacher mentor, Instructional/MTSS Coach, and TLC Coordinator. He is the owner of Shade Tree Custom School Solutions LLC, where he partners with schools to develop customized systems, processes... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
315

9:30am CDT

SAMR Model: Let's Get Back to Meaningful Technology Uses in the Classroom
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Technology is everywhere—but is it actually improving student learning? In this session, we'll revisit the SAMR Model as a practical framework for evaluating how technology is used in today's classrooms. Together, we'll examine whether our digital tools are simply substituting traditional tasks or truly transforming learning experiences.


Participants will explore best practices for meaningful technology integration, reflect on their own instructional choices, and leave with practical strategies to move beyond "technology for technology's sake." We'll discuss how students learn best, when technology enhances learning, when it becomes a distraction, and how to intentionally choose digital tools that promote creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and deeper understanding.


This session will provide actionable ideas and thoughtful reminders to ensure technology serves learning—not the other way around.
Speakers
BM

Brittany Maassen

High School ELA Teacher, Sheldon Community School District
Hello! I'm Brittany Maassen, a high school English Language Arts teacher at Sheldon Community School District. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to teach 4th grade reading, middle school reading, and now high school ELA, giving me experience working with students across... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
307

9:30am CDT

The Output Is Not the Learning
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Bring one assignment you actually give. We'll hand it to AI and get back a complete response in about eight seconds — organized, on topic, free of errors. It would earn a B.


Then you'll take it apart in ninety seconds, because you can see what's missing and a chatbot cannot teach anyone to do that.


Most AI guidance prepared us for the wrong failure. We were told to watch for fabricated sources and bad math as things you catch by checking. This is different: there's nothing to catch. It's correct all the way down with no thinking in it anywhere.
The essay was never the learning. It was the best evidence of learning we had, and for a century it was excellent evidence. That link broke. Your teaching didn't.


You'll leave having added one line of sight to one assignment, in wording you'd really use, plus a card of ready-to-paste language for four more.
Speakers
avatar for Aaron Maurer

Aaron Maurer

STEM Lead, MBAEA
STEM Lead Instructor on a mission to bring wonder and play back into the classroom. Known as “Coffeechug” to the education community, this lifelong learner with over 20 years of classroom experience thrives on sharing his craft with the world as teacher, website community creator... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
305

9:30am CDT

Coding Computational and Creative Thinkers: Reimagining Middle School Computer Science
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
What does modern middle school computer science look like when creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning take center stage? In this session, explore how an engaging 9-week eighth-grade computer science course was designed to develop computational and creative thinkers through real-world technology experiences. Participants will learn how students explored computational thinking, circuits with SnapCircuits, AI tools, 3D modeling and printing, block coding, Python programming, and drone certification in a dynamic and student-centered learning environment designed to keep all students engaged. Walk away with practical ideas, project examples, technology tools, and curriculum structures that make computer science meaningful, accessible, and exciting for middle school learners.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole DeGidio

Nicole DeGidio

Teacher/Technology Coach, Clayton Ridge Community School District
Nicole DeGidio is the  6-12 Technology Coach, MS Computer Science teacher and HS English and Digital Media teacher at Clayton Ridge Community Schools. Passionate about empowering students through technology, Nicole creates authentic, real-world learning experiences that blend innovation... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
306

11:00am CDT

As Good as It Gets: Navigating the Laws and Best Practices of Digital Accessibility
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Is your district's digital ecosystem Livin' la Vida Loca, or is it stuck in a maze of inaccessible PDFs, video platforms, and public portals? Digital accessibility in K–12 isn't just about your public website! It impacts every classroom app, student portal, and digital resource across your entire district. It’s time to stop sayin' I Want It That Way and start building an environment that works for Everybody (yeah!).
We’ll break down federal law, giving you the real deal on WCAG best practices for all staff members. Whether you're in IT, communications, the classroom, or leadership, join us to make your district's tech da bomb. U Can't Touch This level of inclusion!
Speakers
avatar for Jamie Petersen

Jamie Petersen

Technology Integrationist, Woodward-Granger CSD/ITEC Board of Directors
Hi! My name is Jamie Petersen and I am the K-12 Technology Integrationist for Woodward-Granger Community Schools in Central Iowa. I also sit on the ITEC (Iowa Technolgy Education Connection) Board of Directors. These roles allow me to serve educators in Iowa and around the country... Read More →
avatar for Carrie Hillman

Carrie Hillman

Vice President, ITEC
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
312

11:00am CDT

Chuck Norris’ Secret Sauce to Sanity→ Productivity Smackdown
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Karate kick, round house and open a can of productivity awesomeness to supercharge your sanity. We all know that Chuck Norris is legendary for opening “a can” on any would-be challengers. When it comes to managing our work as educators, we can channel our inner Chuck Norris. 

This high energy smackdown session will feature head-to-head productivity tips, tricks and strategies to open “a can” on time sucking tasks. From email and organization to curation and feedback, walk away with Chuck Norris approved skills that will revolutionize your productivity.  
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Fenstermaker

Andrew Fenstermaker

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Iowa City Community School District
Andrew Fenstermaker is an influential leader in instructional technology, AI integration, and educational transformation. As an Instructional Technology Coordinator, he collaborates with administrators, curriculum coordinators, teachers, and students to operationalize best practices... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
302/303

11:00am CDT

Helping Schools Make Sense of AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
AI conversations often begin with tools, policies, and concerns about misuse. While those conversations are important, they don't always help educators answer a more fundamental question: What do we want AI to support?

This session explores a practical, human-centered framework built around four questions that can help educators make thoughtful decisions about AI while keeping learning at the center of the conversation. Drawing from the ongoing work of Dallas Center-Grimes Schools, participants will explore how preserving what matters, building confidence, balancing consistency with professional judgment, and continuously learning from feedback can help schools navigate AI in ways that fit their own context.

Rather than offering one model to replicate, this session focuses on questions and ideas that teachers, instructional coaches, building leaders, and district teams can adapt to support meaningful learning, student thinking, and responsible AI use.
Speakers
avatar for Alex Glade

Alex Glade

Curriculum Facilitator, Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
Alex Glade is a Curriculum Facilitator with the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District who is passionate about helping educators thoughtfully integrate technology to support meaningful learning. With more than 20 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, digital... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
305

11:00am CDT

Make it real- the impact of Authentic Learning/ Problem-based Learning in the middle levels.
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Come for examples, ideas and lessons learned from a real classroom. We will talk about how authentic experiences can shape a students experience. We will also talk about how and when to leverage technology to enhance both the process and the final product. 
Speakers
avatar for Andy Beland

Andy Beland

Teacher, Cedar Falls Schools
Science teacher and former Technology Coach with 22 years of experience. 
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
307

11:00am CDT

Stop Doing That Manually (There's a Script for That)
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
You're copying and pasting the same data into three different spreadsheets. You're sending the same email to 47 parents. You're manually checking a gradebook that updates every night. What if Google just... did that for you?
Google Apps Script is a free, built-in tool that connects your Google Workspace apps and automates the repetitive tasks that eat up your time. No coding background required. In this session, you'll see real examples built for schools: automated parent communication, missing assignment trackers, mail merges, and more. Walk away with working templates and the confidence to start automating your own workflows.


You'll leave with:
  • A clear picture of what Google Apps Script can (and can't) do
  • Real-world examples you can take and use immediately
  • A starter template to customize for your own classroom or building
Speakers
CS

Celeste Scott

K-12 Technology Integrationist, Indianola Community School District
Placeholder bio
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
315

11:00am CDT

Your Chatbot Is an App Builder
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
What if the AI chatbot you already use, like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, could help you create custom tools for your classroom or school? Welcome to vibe coding, where you describe an idea and AI generates the code. No programming experience required.


Whether you want a classroom game, a randomizer, a timer, an interactive lesson, or a custom tool for your staff, your chatbot can help build it. Through demonstrations, real classroom examples, and practical prompting strategies, you'll discover how educators are turning simple ideas into useful web apps. You'll leave inspired with ideas you can adapt and the know-how to start creating apps of your own.
Speakers
avatar for Tony Vincent

Tony Vincent

Learning and Technology Consultant, Tony Vincent, Inc.
I started teaching 5th grade in the 1900s. 💾 I’ve always been a geek for tech, so I maxed out my credit card to buy a laptop my first year of teaching. Laptops were very, very expensive back then, and schools did not supply them.

I loved what I could create for my fifth graders with that laptop. But I wanted my students to have that same joy of learning by creating. While we could march down to the computer lab (if there wasn’t already a class scheduled), in 2001 my district purchased Palm Pilots with keyboards... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
304

11:00am CDT

The intersectionality of Digital Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Now more than ever we rely on digital learning environments that leverage online technology like Learning Management Systems, digital textbooks and materials, online discussion boards, and collaboration through online video interaction.  This, coupled with the updated Americans with Disabilities Act Title II digital accessibility requirement has caused educators to re-think how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be applied to make online education accessible and engaging for students from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and abilities.  While conversation and training on UDL is now more welcomed at our institutions, conversations and training about digital accessibility still receives significant pushback.  


Our institutions often miss the key intersectionality of digital accessibility and Universal Design for Learning and how, in many instances, the Principles of UDL go hand-in-hand with creating an accessible online learning environment.  


This session provides key topics, techniques, and takeaways for designing and providing an online experience that is as accessible as possible for all students, prospective students, stakeholders, potential donors, and the community all while minimizing risk and becoming a leader in the world of digital learning. Participants will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately put in place to increase engagement in digital accessibility practices when creating and facilitating online courses using the lens of Universal Design for Learning.


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ann Knettler

Dr. Ann Knettler

Vice President, Consulting, GrackleDocs
Ann currently serves as the Vice President of Consulting for GrackleDocs, a world leader in digital accessibility. An accessibility strategist with over 20 years of experience as an ADA and 504 Compliance Officer and Director of Disability Resources offices in the field of education... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
311

1:30pm CDT

Tech Tools to Support all Learners
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
There are many tools, apps, extensions, and features available to assist all learners. In this session we take an in-depth hands-on look at a wide range of technology tools to assist any and all learners. These can include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, readability, reading comprehension, artificial intelligence tools, audio support, organization, focus, and more. Learn what tools are available and how to access and use these free tools with your students.
Speakers
avatar for Eric Curts

Eric Curts

EdTech Trainer, Control Alt Achieve
Eric has been in education for 35 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric's areas of... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
302/303

1:30pm CDT

Digital Feedback in the Age of AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
This session explores providing effective digital feedback, with and without AI. It focuses on applying principles of actionable, specific, timely, and targeted feedback in digital environments. Participants will gain strategies to improve feedback practices and empower student learning in the AI era. Feedback is too important not to do well.
Speakers
avatar for Patrick Donovan

Patrick Donovan

Instructional Coach, Ames Community School District
Patrick Donovan is an educator who started out as a high school science teacher but has spent time as an instructional coach, technology integration specialist, and Director of Technology. He has presented on the use of educational technology at various state, regional, and national... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
305

1:30pm CDT

Hands-On Digital Accessibility: Build, Fix, and Apply in Real Time Workshop
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Creating an accessible digital environment isn't just an IT task. It has to be a district-wide priority and approach. Whether you work in communications, curriculum, classroom instruction, school administration, or technical support, your digital content impacts students, families, and staff every day.
This interactive, workshop-style session takes a practical approach to K–12 digital accessibility standards (including ADA Title II compliance). Instead of sitting through a continuous presentation, we will break down the process into clear, manageable steps. We'll introduce one core topic at a time and immediately give you dedicated working time to apply what you just learned directly to your own district materials, course pages, documents, or platforms.

Who Should Attend? Everyone! This session is open to all district staff with no technical background required. If you create, post, or manage digital content for students, parents, or colleagues, this workshop will give you immediate, practical tools to make your work inclusive for all.

What to Bring: Please bring a laptop and a few existing district documents, course materials, or web pages you would like to work on during the session!
Speakers
avatar for Rob Carr

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University
Rob Carr is the Strategic Accessibility Coordinator at WebAIM and a Digital Accessibility Specialist at NCADEMI, the Office for Special Education Programs technical assistance center dedicated to assisting pre-K-12 state and local education agencies to provide more accessible educational... Read More →
avatar for Carrie Hillman

Carrie Hillman

Vice President, ITEC
avatar for Cynthia Curry

Cynthia Curry

Previously submitted, Previously submitted
Previously submitted
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
312

2:30pm CDT

Once Upon a Robot: Bringing Student Stories to Life
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
What happens when students’ stories move beyond the page and become interactive robots? In this hands-on session, explore an interdisciplinary project that combines 7th grade ELA, storytelling, computer science, coding, and makerspace learning.


Learn how students transform their original published stories into robotic characters using Hummingbird Robotics kits, bringing elements of their writing to life through movement, lights, and technology. We will break down the project from start to finish, including the writing process, project design, coding, construction, and opportunities for student creativity and problem-solving.


Participants will see examples of student work and hear about what worked, what challenges arose, and what I learned along the way. If time and materials allow, participants will also have an opportunity to work directly with the robotics kits and experience a small piece of the project themselves.


You do not need to be a computer science or robotics expert to participate. This session is designed to show how hands-on technology can be integrated into an ELA classroom in a creative, accessible, and meaningful way.
Speakers
HR

Haley Roberts

Middle School ELA and Middle and High School Computer Science Teacher, Lenox Community Schools
Haley Roberts is a seventh-year educator at Lenox Community School District, where she teaches 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts as well as middle and high school computer science. She has spent the past five years incorporating computer science into her teaching and is passionate... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
308

2:30pm CDT

Sound Learning: Creating and Curating Podcasts for Students
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Podcasts have long been a viable place for learning, interviews, and engaging content. They are also fairly easy to create with students to provide easily accessible projects for a variety of contexts. Join veteran podcaster and radio DJ Matthew Winters to explore how to create podcasts at a variety of skill levels and purposes. We will explore how to use AI to help build these experiences faster and to help students share their voices in their learning. 
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Winters

Matthew Winters

Artificial Intelligence Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Matthew Winters is the AI Education Specialist at Utah State Board of Education (USBE). He was also the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024, our Utah ISTE affiliate. He was one of the International Society for Technology in Education’s 20 to... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
302/303

2:30pm CDT

From AI Tools to AI Workflows
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
You've been shown dozens of AI tools in the last two years. The number you still use is probably one or two.
That isn't a discipline problem. "What's the best AI tool?" has a shelf life of about six weeks with the model updates, the pricing changes, your district blocks it. The question that doesn't expire is: what's the workflow I want to own?
This session is a four-step pattern for answering that with Name, Map, Mark, Lock and three of the four steps never touch a product, which is exactly why workflows built this way survive when the tools change.
You'll watch one real workflow built live from scratch: sixty exit tickets, clustered by misconception instead of by score, running automatically every Friday afternoon. Then you'll design your own, and mark the steps where your professional judgment has to stay.
Tools are rented. Workflows are owned.
Speakers
avatar for Aaron Maurer

Aaron Maurer

STEM Lead, MBAEA
STEM Lead Instructor on a mission to bring wonder and play back into the classroom. Known as “Coffeechug” to the education community, this lifelong learner with over 20 years of classroom experience thrives on sharing his craft with the world as teacher, website community creator... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
305

2:30pm CDT

Spark Creativity and Inspire Learning with MagicSchool AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
This cutting-edge AI platform is built just for educators, providing more than 100 tools to simplify teaching, create captivating materials, and improve classroom experiences. With user-friendly features, MagicSchool empowers teachers to focus on what truly matters: inspiring and educating their students. Come join this presentation and get resources you can start using today!
Speakers
avatar for Sabrina Edsen

Sabrina Edsen

3rd Grade Teacher/ Technology Integrationist, Lynnville-Sully Schools
*see other speaker form
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
315

2:30pm CDT

Tech Alone? Tech Together! Join the Iowa EdTech Collaborative
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Feeling like you are on an edtech island in your district? You don't have to navigate device rollouts, AI tools, or tech integration alone. The EdTech Collaborative (ETC) brings together Iowa instructional coaches, tech integrationists, librarians, and tech leaders each month for zero-fluff, highly practical brainstorming and support. 


Come learn how our statewide community works, hear real examples of how members share resources to save time, and leave connected to a network of Iowa peers who are working in the trenches with you every day. Whether you lead tech for a small rural district or coach teachers across a large high school, there is a seat at the table for you.
Speakers
avatar for Hanna Hollamby

Hanna Hollamby

Digital Learning Consultant, Heartland AEA
Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant
avatar for Celeste Scott

Celeste Scott

K-12 Technology Integrationist, Indianola Community School District
Bio coming soon! 
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
304

2:30pm CDT

Extend. Explore. Experiment.: Igniting Innovation Beyond the School Day
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
In this session, participants will discover how engaging, hands-on STEM experiences were designed to spark curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving for 6-12 learners. From robotics and engineering challenges to coding, digital creation, drones, makerspace activities, and emerging technologies, this session shares practical strategies for building a high-impact after-school program that students are excited to attend. Walk away with ideas for program structure, student engagement, funding opportunities, and scalable STEM activities.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole DeGidio

Nicole DeGidio

Teacher/Technology Coach, Clayton Ridge Community School District
Nicole DeGidio is the  6-12 Technology Coach, MS Computer Science teacher and HS English and Digital Media teacher at Clayton Ridge Community Schools. Passionate about empowering students through technology, Nicole creates authentic, real-world learning experiences that blend innovation... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
306
 
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