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.

In this session I will review my K-6 Scratch Jr/Scratch scope and sequence. It will include some cross curricular projects and unplugged activities. I will share how I use the PRIMM model to teach, my folder of slide shows, and handout kids use to read the code. I will talk about where I still struggle with students as well as strategies I used that were successful. This session could be useful to both beginners and veteran Scratch users. 

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. 

One of the fastest growing career categories is cybersecurity. Currently, Based on recent industry analyses, there are approximately 514,000 cybersecurity job openings in the United States as of 2026. The expected growth in the next decade is estimated around 30%. How do we prepare the students for the future? The answer, building a successful cyber program. IATechED has spent the past few years building out a nationally ranked cyber program here in Iowa. The best way to help all Iowa students is to help share Ideas on how every school can build their cyber program. We will share strategies and free training sites on how to get started, getting students engaged and in the process help build a better Cyber Iowa. From engagement to Projects, engagement is the focal point to success. 

Educators do not need more tools; we need the right tools. In this fast-paced, practical session, discover classroom technology tools that genuinely save time, increase engagement, support creativity, and make teaching more efficient. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas, classroom applications, and strategies that help teachers streamline workflows while creating meaningful learning experiences for students.

Participate in a student activity and then leave with a list to level-up your student engagement and curiosity in Computer Science 

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.

Artificial Intelligence is changing how students learn, create, and solve problems, but many educators still view AI as a mysterious "black box." Understanding how AI processes questions can help both teachers and students become more thoughtful, effective, and ethical users of these powerful tools.


In this highly interactive session, participants will experience hands-on activities that model how modern AI systems organize information using embeddings, retrieve relevant knowledge through concepts like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and generate responses through next-token prediction. Rather than focusing on prompt "tricks," we'll explore why strong inquiry skills naturally lead to stronger AI interactions.


Through games, discussion, and inquiry-based learning, participants will build an intuitive understanding of how AI interprets context, why additional information improves responses, and how better questions help both humans and AI learn more effectively.


Participants will leave with classroom-ready activities, a practical mental model of how generative AI works, and new strategies for helping students develop one of the most important skills of the AI era: asking better questions.


Participants will:

• Explain, at a conceptual level, how modern generative AI processes prompts. 
• Experience how embeddings organize information through hands-on activities. 
• Understand how context influences AI responses and why richer prompts produce better results. 
• Connect inquiry-based teaching practices to effective AI use. 
• Leave with classroom-ready activities for developing AI literacy.

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.

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. 

• 
  
  

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.