ITEC Fall Conference 2026: Full Schedule

8:30am CDT

Interactive Instruction: Real-Time Formative Assessment Made Easy

Monday October 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

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.

Speakers

Amanda Dougherty

TK-5th Technology Teacher, North Polk Central Elementary

As a K-5 Technology teacher, Amanda is dedicated to helping students develop the digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in today's world. Through engaging lessons in technology, coding, and digital citizenship, Amanda encourages students to explore... Read More →

Meredith Rumohr

5th Grade Teacher, North Polk Central Elementary

Meredith Rumohr is a fifth-grade teacher at North Polk Community School District with nearly 20 years of experience in elementary and special education. She is passionate about integrating technology in meaningful ways that enhance student engagement, creativity, collaboration, and... Read More →

Monday October 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
316

Iowa Featured

Strand Artificial Intelligence, Digital Teaching Tools and Game-Based Learning, Designing for Digital Learning
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (Middle School)

9:30am CDT

Who's Telling Your School's Story? Building Authentic Learning Through Student-Led Media

Monday October 12, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

307

I teach Digital Media and Production through our student-led Tiger Vision program at Carroll High School. My goal is to create authentic learning experiences where students use technology, creativity, and collaboration to produce work that has a real purpose and audience. Whether they're designing graphics, creating social media content, managing the Tiger Shop, or producing livestreams, students are telling the story of our school while building skills they'll use beyond high school.

In this session, I'll share how we've built a student-driven program that gives students ownership of their learning while helping them develop the communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills that employers value. My hope is that educators leave with practical ideas and the confidence to create authentic opportunities where students use technology to make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.

Speakers

Kelli Schulz

High School Business/Digital Media Teacher, Carroll Community School District

I am a 20-year educator at Carroll Community School District with experience teaching technology at both the middle and high school levels. After 10 years as the District Technology Integrationist, I know teach Digital Media and Production through the student-led Tiger Vision program... Read More →

Monday October 12, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
307

General Session

11:00am CDT

Lights, Camera, Collaboration! Middle School Broadcasting Beyond the Screen

Monday October 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

316

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.

Speakers

Jamie Spittler

Classroom Educator, North Polk Community School District

Jamie Spittler is entering his 11th year in education, bringing a diverse background that spans both high school and middle school classrooms. Over his career, he has taught Business Education, Economics, U.S. History, and Broadcasting. Now in his 8th year at North Polk Middle School... Read More →

Monday October 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
316

Iowa Featured

Strand Designing for Digital Learning, Multimedia Integration
Audience Classroom Implementation (High School), Classroom Implementation (Middle School)

1:30pm CDT

Beyond Screen Time: Using the VATT Framework to Make Technology Worth It

Monday October 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

315

With new screen time expectations changing the conversation around classroom technology, schools need more than a list of approved tools. They need a shared way to decide when technology is actually worth using. This session introduces the VATT framework as a practical lens for evaluating tech integration, keeping foundational learning at the center, and helping educators make stronger instructional choices.

Speakers

Jeff Glade

Digital Learning & Innovation Coordinator, Des Moines Public Schools

Digital Learning & Innovation Coordinator for Des Moines Public Schools

Monday October 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
315

General Session

Strand Designing for Digital Learning, Instructional Practices
Audience Administrators, Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (High School), Classroom Implementation (PK-2), Teacher Library

1:30pm CDT

Interactive Learning in Minutes: Mastering Pear Deck for Engaged K-12 Classrooms

Monday October 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

316

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.

Speakers

Olivia Pasquariello

5th Grade Teacher, North Polk Community School District

Hello! I am in my 3rd year of teaching and have spent all three years teaching 5th grade in the North Polk Community School District. I graduated from Iowa State University in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Learning Technologies, and endorsements... Read More →

Monday October 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
316

Iowa Featured

2:30pm CDT

Building a K–5 Computer Science Program from the Ground Up

Monday October 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

304

Starting a program can feel super overwhelming, but it is also the ultimate chance to build something amazing for your students. In this session, we will share how we built a K-5 Computer Science from scratch, including what worked, what flopped, and how we handled everything from schedules to standards.

Speakers

Macie Harringa

K-5 Computer Science Teacher, Atlantic Community School District

I am currently in my 13th year of teaching in Atlantic, with the last two focused exclusively on K-5 Computer Science.

Heather Lundquist

Consultant, Green Hills AEA

Green Hills AEA Computer Science Consultant and Workbased Learning Coordinator

Monday October 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
304

Strand Computer Science, CSTA, Designing for Digital Learning, Instructional Practices
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (PK-2), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Instructional Coaches, Teacher Library
global Y

2:30pm CDT

Canva Code in Elementary

Monday October 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

316

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.

Speakers

Amanda Dougherty

TK-5th Technology Teacher, North Polk Central Elementary

Lori VanderLeest

TK-2 Technology Teacher, North Polk West Elementary

Lori is a TK–2 Technology teacher who is passionate about helping young learners build creativity, confidence, and digital skills through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. She enjoys integrating STEM, coding, and educational technology into the classroom while supporting... Read More →

Monday October 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
316

Iowa Featured

Strand Artificial Intelligence, Digital Teaching Tools and Game-Based Learning, Designing for Digital Learning
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (PK-2)

8:30am CDT

Do-It-Yourself Accessibility: Creating Digital Documents for All Students

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

312

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

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 →

Cynthia Curry

Previously submitted, Previously submitted

Previously submitted

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

Featured

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

307

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

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

General Session

Strand Designing for Digital Learning, Instructional Practices
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Classroom Implementation (High School), Instructional Coaches

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

312

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

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 →

Carrie Hillman

Vice President, ITEC

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

General Session

1:30pm CDT

Knocking It Out of the Park: What Really Works When Implementing Canvas in K-5

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

315

Bringing Canvas to elementary classrooms takes more than a strong launch—it takes the right lineup, a clear game plan, and support that lasts well beyond opening day. After completing the first full year of district wide Canvas implementation in grades K–5, this session shares what helped move Canvas from a rollout initiative to an everyday instructional tool. Attendees will learn how a phased implementation plan, a teacher-leader coaching model, and targeted professional learning helped build confidence and consistency across elementary schools. Presenters will highlight real examples of Canvas in action, including district common assessments, curriculum collaboration, family communication, and student engagement beyond the classroom. The session will also showcase how blueprint courses, simplified templates, and AI-supported design tools can help teachers create age-appropriate, student-friendly experiences for younger learners. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can take back to their own districts and put into play right away.

Speakers

Jamie Bratvold

Assistant Principal (TOSA) / K-12 Ed Tech Curriculum Facilitator, Sioux City Community School District

She's a Big Deal

John Casotti

K-12 Ed Tech Curriculum Facilitator, Sioux City Community School District

class clown

Mike Crawford

LMS Admin, Sioux City Community School District

Carrie's big bro

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
315

General Session

1:30pm CDT

Hands-On Digital Accessibility: Build, Fix, and Apply in Real Time Workshop

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

312

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

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University

Carrie Hillman

Vice President, ITEC

Cynthia Curry

Previously submitted, Previously submitted

Previously submitted

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

Workshop

2:30pm CDT

Sound Learning: Creating and Curating Podcasts for Students

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

302/303

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

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

Featured

2:30pm CDT

Tech Alone? Tech Together! Join the Iowa EdTech Collaborative

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

304

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