Technanigans
Educate, Innovate, Connect
Join us for a day of inspiration and collaboration at the inaugural Technanigans Conference! This exciting event brings together educators and industry experts to explore the latest innovative trends in educational technology and learning. Participants will gain insights on integrating digital literacy to engage students and empower them as digital creators, preparing them for post-secondary success.
Keynote Speaker: Matt Miller
Matt Miller has spent more than a decade teaching technology-infused lessons in public schools. As an author, blogger and education speaker, he encourages teachers to free their teaching and revolutionize their classrooms with mindset, techniques and curriculum to serve today's learners. With thousands of subscribers and visitors from more than 100 countries, Matt's blog, DitchThatTextbook.com, is a well-respected source of ideas and insights about educational technology and creative teaching.
Mountain View High School
3500 Mountain Lion Drive
Loveland, CO 80537
Schedule of Events
Time |
Event |
---|---|
7:00 am |
Check-in and Breakfast |
8:00 am |
Welcome and Keynote |
9:40 am |
Morning Sessions |
12:00 pm |
Lunch and Roundtable Discussions |
1:00 pm |
Afternoon Sessions |
3:00 pm |
Closing and Raffle Drawing |
Session Details
Keynote
Presented by Matt Miller, Ditch That Textbook
Artificial intelligence is growing exponentially. Teachers are left wondering … How does it impact the classroom? In this speech, AI for Educators author Matt Miller explains the basics of AI (in terms that don’t require a computer science degree). He shares practical ways to start using it for teaching and learning. Plus, he’ll encourage you to put on your Tomorrow Glasses, providing practical steps to ensure your instruction is relevant to your students’ future. You’ll leave this speech with more confidence to envision the classroom that your students need and to take the imperfect steps necessary to create it.
Session 1 (AM)
Featured Session
Presented by Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook
When people hear “AI and education,” many immediately think of ChatGPT doing students’ homework. Writing their essays. Doing all of the thinking for them. But AI is TECH, a tool, and technology has always been only as valuable as how we use it. In this session, you’ll see how AI tools and technology can be used in the classroom to support and elevate student critical thinking.
Expertise: Any Level
Presented by Stephanie Ward, University of Northern ColoradoTeaching & Learning Librarian
This session will cover what AI literacy encompasses and some strategies for incorporating AI literacy into your instruction, particularly around research assignments. This will include the use of tools such as Perplexity and Elicit and the ethical considerations around using AI for writing and research projects. Even though I’ll be sharing examples from my work with undergraduates, the concepts can be applied to others, and I hope this session will spark ideas for AI use in your own teaching.
Tools: Perplexity and Elicit
Expertise: Novice
- High School
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Presented by Dan Cowgill, Mountain View High School Assistant Principal
This PD session will explore how AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency in communication with families, PD planning, and updating student/staff handbooks. Participants will learn strategies for crafting effective AI prompts to generate clear, professional, and personalized messages for parents and guardians, ensuring communication is both time-efficient and impactful.
Tools: ChatGPT and Gemini
Expertise: Novice
- Leadership
Presented by Kim Butler Teacher Librarian, Boulder Valley School District
See how one Teacher Librarian uses a cardboard arcade unit to foster school-wide collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and huge amounts of fun using critical thinking and the design engineering process.
Tools: Unplugged activity!
Expertise: Any level
- Elementary
- Student Focus
Presented by Anne Dewey, Thompson School District Ed Tech and Digital Media Services Manager
What if our professional growth isn’t about keeping up with AI, but about staying true to what great learning has always required — curiosity, courage, and connection? In a time of rapid AI advancement, it’s easy to focus on tools — but the true power of ed tech lies in how it supports learning. This session invites educators and leaders to reframe AI as a catalyst for deeper pedagogy, stronger relationships, and renewed professional growth. Explore how embracing a growth mindset keeps both teachers and students at the center of innovation.
Expertise: Any level
- Leadership
- Teachers
Presented by Christina Knabe, BrainPop Senior Curriculum and Instruction Strategist
Leverage the power of BrainPOP (3-8) and BrainPOP Jr. (K-2) to transform teaching and learning. Explore how our platform is designed to engage students in meaningful, memorable, and measurable learning experiences that build essential literacy skills through Science, Social Studies, Math, and beyond. Take the first step in making BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. a favorite instructional tool for every K-8 classroom.
Tools: BrainPop and BrainPop Jr.
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- Middle
- Teachers
Presented by Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook
When people hear “AI and education,” many immediately think of ChatGPT doing students’ homework. Writing their essays. Doing all of the thinking for them. But AI is TECH, a tool, and technology has always been only as valuable as how we use it. In this session, you’ll see how AI tools and technology can be used in the classroom to support and elevate student critical thinking.
Expertise: Any Level
- Collaborative
- Elementary
- Featured
- High School
- Leadership
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Session 2 (AM)
Featured Session
Presented by Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook
When people hear “AI and education,” many immediately think of ChatGPT doing students’ homework. Writing their essays. Doing all of the thinking for them. But AI is TECH, a tool, and technology has always been only as valuable as how we use it. In this session, you’ll see how AI tools and technology can be used in the classroom to support and elevate student critical thinking.
Expertise: Any Level
Presented by Matt Moulton, St Vrain Valley School District Instructional Coordinator
This session will showcase how St Vrain Valley Schools actively engaged teachers with intentional AI-focused experiences. Participants will explore St. Vrain’s AI initiatives, the strategies that sparked teacher buy-in, and the leadership approaches that helped drive adoption. Through discussion, reflection, and some games, attendees will gain insights into what worked, lessons learned, and actionable steps to bring AI into their own schools in meaningful ways.
Expertise: Any level
- Collaborative
- Leadership
Presented by Sheena Kelly, Thompson School District Digital Media Literacies Coordinator
Discover how to transform reading in your classroom with Sora, the student reading app from OverDrive. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to integrate digital books and audiobooks into your teaching to promote literacy, personalize learning, and foster a love of reading. We’ll explore Sora’s powerful features—from tracking student progress to customizing collections—and share practical strategies for incorporating digital reading across grade levels and subject areas. Whether you're new to Sora or looking to deepen your use, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to help your students soar.
Tools: Sora
Expertise: Any level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Teachers
Presented by Paul Hickey, Vivi Director of Sales and Marketing
The latest version of the TouchView ULTRA Series features full Google integration. Loaded with security and instructional features, the panel is designed to enhance interaction in the classroom. Learning objectives for the session include panel navigation, accessing class materials, using split screen technology, and language translation. Participants will be invited to explore other uses such as distance learning and virtual field trips.
Tools: TouchView ULTRA Series interactive panel
Expertise: Any level
- Elementary
- Leadership
- Middle
- Teachers
Presented by Jamie Lockwood, Ponderosa Elementary Principal and Mikayla Pennock, Riverview PK-8 Teacher
Jumpstart your classroom preparation with AI-tools designed specifically for elementary educators! Learn how AI can help craft beginning of the year relationship-building activities, and support creating lesson plan components such as objectives, launches, teaching strategies, and exit tickets. We will be focusing on how AI can help support our EnVisions curriculum to design lessons for the first few weeks of school. Hands-on collaboration time ensures you'll leave with ready-to-implement resources for those crucial first weeks. Because let's face it—you've barely packed away this year's classroom supplies, and August will be knocking on your door faster than a student asking, "Is it time for recess yet?"
Tools: Magic School AI, Khanmigo, School AI, variety of chatbots, etc.
Expertise: Any level
- Elementary
- Leadership
Presented by Becky Shorey, Jeffco Public Schools Manager of Ed Tech
Get ready to be inspired! This fast-paced session will introduce you to a whirlwind of my favorite EdTech tools and resources. We'll cover everything from Google Apps, Chrome Apps and Extensions, Chromebooks, Google Earth, Notebook LM and MORE, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way. You'll leave with a treasure trove of ideas and resources to explore further, guaranteed to add a little sparkle to your teaching toolkit. Prepare to have your mind blown!
Tools: Varied Google hidden features and free tools/ extensions
Expertise: Intermediate
- Elementary
- High School
- Leadership
- Middle
- Teachers
Presented by Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook
When people hear “AI and education,” many immediately think of ChatGPT doing students’ homework. Writing their essays. Doing all of the thinking for them. But AI is TECH, a tool, and technology has always been only as valuable as how we use it. In this session, you’ll see how AI tools and technology can be used in the classroom to support and elevate student critical thinking.
Expertise: Any Level
- Collaborative
- Elementary
- Featured
- High School
- Leadership
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Session 3 (PM)
Presented by Roger Torrez, Thompson School District Educational Technology Specialist and Canva Guru
Learn about what new features you have access to this next school year. We will explore new tools and apply interactive ideas to engage your audience.
Tools: Canva
Expertise: Intermediate
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
Presented by Ted Vial, VP of Innovation, Learning, and Institutional Research, Iliff AI Institute
Using Dr. Butler's Seekr project as an example, the session/discussion will focus on the possibilities of AI systems that see and hear people as they see and hear themselves, and on the importance of opening futures in tech to a wide diversity of students.
Tools: The Seekr Project--a Black language model mental health/introspective app: https://theseekrproject.com
Expertise: Any Level
- Leadership
- Student Focus
Presented by Lauren Schafer, MindSpark Director of Professional Learning
Disruption is a catalyst for deeper learning. In this interactive session, educators will engage in the productive messiness that precedes clarity when the messiness seems to compound. Coax, spark, and activate! Walk away with practical strategies to design learning experiences that challenge, connect, and upskill learners of all ages through cycles of disruption and reflection.
Expertise: Any Level
- Collaborative
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Presented by Kate Schneider and Bria Quaintance, Estes Park Elementary School Teachers
This professional development session focuses on the use of color codes and block codes to program Ozobot and Dash robots. Participants will learn how to effectively teach coding concepts to elementary students while developing their own coding skills. The session will cover the functionalities of both robots, providing educators with hands-on experience by working through student lessons in reading, math, and social studies. By engaging in practical coding exercises, educators will gain strategies to integrate these technologies into their curriculum as a mode for enhancing student engagement.
Tools: Ozobots, Wonder Workshop, Dash Robots
Expertise: Novice
- Elementary
Presented by Farmer Faubs, Book Creator District Growth Manager
Every student has a story to tell, and Book Creator ensures they can share it in their own unique way! We’ll dive into the many tools that amplify student voice—translations, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, video and audio recording, and take a look at our AI image generation and built-in media. From emerging writers to multilingual learners, Book Creator empowers all students to create, communicate, and celebrate their learning. Get ready for a session full of creativity, accessibility, and, of course, plenty of Yeehaw Moments!
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
Presented by Kelsey Shearer, Monarch PK-8 Teacher Librarian, Boulder Valley School District
In an age of information overload, data literacy is essential for educators. This hands-on workshop will help teachers collect, analyze, and present data in clear, actionable ways. Participants will explore Google Forms and Sheets features—filters, formulas, and functions—to streamline workflows and turn raw numbers into insights. Whether tracking student progress, organizing surveys, or simplifying reports, educators will learn to harness data for informed decision-making. Discussions will also cover using data to identify patterns and trends to address opportunity gaps.
Tools: Google Forms and Google Sheets
Expertise: Intermediate
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Presented by Kenna Torp, SchoolAI Partnership Manager
This session will equip educators to effectively integrate SchoolAI and other AI tools into K-12 teaching. Participants will explore how SchoolAI is transforming education through hands-on demos, real-world case studies, and a planning workshop. The session includes an overview of AI in education, showcases SchoolAI’s assistants and spaces, and offers strategies for classroom integration. As we say at SchoolAI: “AI is not the thing—it’s the thing that gets you to the thing.” Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of AI’s role, practical ideas for implementation, and opportunities for collaboration.
Tools: SchoolAI
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Presented by Jen Swartwood, Winona Elementary ELD Teacher
In this session you will see how one elementary uses their iPad and green screen to transform community events and connect with families. We will show you how easy and user-friendly it can be. Families love these keepsakes.
Also, we will showcase how various grade levels have had students record projects and then hang QR codes in the hallways so families can watch the presentations, usually before conferences. Finally our Music teacher and Librarian have worked together to begin to teach our 5th graders how to podcast and we will share this success.
Tools: IPad and Green Screen, Recording Student Projects & Podcasting Equipment
Expertise: Any Level
- Collaborative
- Elementary
- Teachers
Presented by Andrew Gitner, Jeffco Public Schools K-12 Ed Tech Specialist
Tired of drowning in tasks? Learn the "spells" (prompts) to command AI like your own sorcerer's apprentice. Conjure creative content, control AI's output, and explore safe AI tools. Become the master magician and transform your classroom!
Tools: ChatGPT, Gemini,Claude, Perplexity, etc.
Expertise: Novice
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Teachers
- small group
Presented by Aaron Misner, Vivi Customer Success Manager
In the second installment of Vivi’s Leveled Training for the Classroom, participants will learn how to:
-Effectively use Play Content for streaming videos, building playlists, and integrating Google Slideshows.
-Engage student use with Vivi through student share and split screen.
-Capture screenshots of classroom content to annotate through the Whiteboard.
Tools: Vivi
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Session 4 (PM)
Presenters: Mikayla Pennock and Cara Neve, Riverview PK-8 3rd grade teachers
AI 102: Maximizing AI Outcomes" will equip educators with essential prompt writing techniques to effectively leverage AI tools like Magic School AI, Claude, and Khanmigo in classroom settings. Participants will discover which AI applications best support specific teaching tasks, from lesson planning to creating student consumables and assessments. This hands-on session demonstrates how to craft clear prompts that enhance educational content creation and streamline planning effectiveness. Educators will leave with practical strategies to integrate AI assistants into their teaching practice to save time and enrich learning experiences.
Tools: MagicSchool AI, Claude, SchoolAI, Khanmigo, and more!
Expertise: Any level
- Teachers
Presented by Lisa Maas, Jeffco Public Schools Ed Tech Coach
Let’s explore the limitless possibilities of Adobe Express and Generative AI in diverse subject areas. From social studies to literature, math, and science, educators will discover how to seamlessly integrate Generative AI into their curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. Through the art of prompt engineering, participants will witness firsthand how Generative AI can elevate student work, deepen language skills, and demonstrate understanding. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your teaching approach and empower your students for success.
Tools: Adobe Express
Expertise: Novice
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
Presented by Dave Dellwardt, Thompson School District Technology Implementation Specialist
Give Your Creations Life! Get hands-on with Adobe Express's intuitive tools to animate characters with your voice and perform basic video editing for engaging visuals. Bring a story or start with a template to create dynamic visual content.
Tools: Adobe Express
Expertise: Novice
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
Presented by Kelsey Shearer, Monarch PK-8 Teacher Librarian, Boulder Valley School District
Unleash the power of Canva to transform teaching and learning! This session will showcase must-know Canva features to streamline lesson planning, enhance presentations, and design engaging materials. We’ll dive into how AI tools within Canva can automate tasks and create dynamic designs. Plus, participants will explore how students can use Canva to demonstrate learning through infographics, interactive presentations, and collaborative projects. Canva empowers both educators and students to bring creativity to life in the classroom!
Tools: Canva
Expertise: Intermediate
- Collaborative
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
Presented by Kelly Sain, Thompson School District Chief Technology Officer and student panel
Listen to panel of students and teachers to determine where they feel it is appropriate and not appropriate to use AI. This engaging panel will discuss scenarios and ask staff and students to share their thinking about AI and cheating.
Tools: Listen to the Students - Help us determine what is considered cheating with AI
Expertise: Any Level
- High School
- Leadership
- Middle
- Teachers
Presented by Jamie Nesbitt, Soaring Heights PK-8 Media Specialist and VEX Robotics Coach, St Vrain Valley School District
Dive into an immersive learning experience designed to help educators integrate STEM activities into daily lessons. Experienced STEM teachers and those brand new to STEM-integration will find this hands-on session to be engaging and will leave with useful resources to bring back to the classroom. The demands on our students and teachers continue to grow as we navigate new standards and increased rigor. STEM and Project-Based Learning no longer need to be "one more thing". Join this session to learn integration strategies, review lesson examples and collaborate with other educators on ways leverage educational technologies in your classroom!
Tools: VEX 123 or Sphero Indi
Expertise: Any Level
- Collaborative
- Elementary
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Presented by Farmer Faubs, Book Creator District Growth Manager
Unleash student creativity and engagement by blending the power of AI tools and creativity into dynamic learning experiences. In this session, we’ll explore how AppSmashing can go beyond surface-level tech use to spark deeper storytelling, critical thinking, and student ownership. Learn how to integrate AI-generated content, student voice, and creative assets into digital books that showcase authentic learning. You’ll leave with practical strategies, classroom examples, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when tech tools work together to support creativity.
Tools: Book Creator, MagicSchool and/or SchoolAI, Adobe Express, Suno
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Student Focus
- Teachers
Presented by Rebekah Beckett, Thompson School District Client Services Coordinator
Come learn about our students who support the tech needs of our district! Starting with pre-interns doing level 1 tech support in their middle schools, interns doing full device repairs and level 1 staff tech support in their high schools, and paid apprentices learning to become full technicians supporting staff and student tickets throughout the district.
Expertise: Any Level
- High School
- Middle
Presented by Max Rea, Thompson School District Cataloger and Randy Thompson, Follett Content Solutions Sales Consultant
We will highlight the latest updates to Titlewave (TW), including using Titlewise Collection Analysis for weeding, viewing your library collection by reading level, SEL, DEI, and age. We will also cover using "Best of TW" to quickly find new, age-appropriate, favorably-reviewed titles. We will then discuss tools that can help schools easily add Genres to their existing collections and have time for open discussion/Q&A.
Tools: Titlewave and Titlewise Collection Analysis
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
- Teachers
Presented by Steffi Grado, MagicSchool AI Account Executive
Curious how AI can actually help in the classroom? This session is for everyone—teachers, coaches, admins, and anyone who supports students. We’ll walk through how MagicSchool works, share real examples, and offer ideas you can use right away. Whether you're just getting started or looking for ways to go deeper, you'll leave with practical tools to support students, save time, and spark curiosity.
Tools: MagicSchool AI
Expertise: Any Level
- Elementary
- High School
- Middle
Additional Information
- TSD Employee Compensation
- Certificate of Attendance (Non-TSD Staff)
- Presenter Information
- Thompson Incentive Credit
TSD Employee Compensation
There are stipends available to pay 26 participants at a rate of $36.01 per hour for 8 hours of attendance. In addition to registering for the event, please apply for the stipend separately by May 9.
Those who receive a stipend for attendance cannot receive Thompson Incentive Credit.
Certificate of Attendance (Non-TSD Staff)
Presenter Information
TSD staff providing a 50-minute presentation will receive compensation of $60 stipend for 1 hour of planning plus 1 hour of presentation time. All presenters will get an extra raffle ticket to enter into the drawing of their choice.
TSD presenters who accept payment may also receive an attendance certificate for relicensure credit.
There will be a presenter/volunteer lounge available where presenters may securely leave their belongings.
Thompson Incentive Credit
Certified TSD educators may purchase .5 TIC for $25 for the Technanigans Conference.
To receive TIC credit:
- Select the type of credit (TIC) that you would like to receive on your registration form.
- All staff who attend the Technanigans event will receive Professional Development Contact hours, whether they attend for one hour or the whole day.
- A Sign-in System will be used to track attendance during each session.
- Please select the TIC* option on the registration form to select/purchase the Thompson Incentive Credit (TIC). (*Participants must attend 7.5 hours to be eligible for TIC.)
- Participant rosters will be added to Learning Pro, and a notification will be sent from the system.
Get the most out of your Technanigans experience!
An asynchronous book study opportunity on Matt Miller's book, AI for Educators, will be offered following the Technanigans event for all TSD Staff.
Options for the additional 1.0 TIC credit:
-
Participants who attend and select TIC for the Technanigans Conference are eligible to extend their learning and purchase an additional 1.0 TIC for $10.
- Total TIC hours/Cost for attending the Technanigans Conference AND completing the Book Study is 1.5 TIC/$35.
- Technanigans participants who select for TIC/meet eligibility (attend full day) will be contacted by HR/PD to opt into the book study for TIC.
- Book Study information and registration for non-attendees will be communicated at a later date.
- The book study is 15 hours
- Non-attendees may purchase 1.0 TIC
- Non-attendee book study TIC = $30
- A complimentary copy of Matt Miller's book, AI for Educators, will be provided to book study participants* while supplies last.
- All Technanigans Conference attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
- *Complimentary books will be provided on a first registered basis until they are gone.
- Book Study participants may have to purchase their own books.
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors who helped to make this event possible!
Future of Learning
Innovation Leaders
Ed Tech Supporters
Digital Learning Advocates
Sponsors
Thanks to our generous sponsors who made this event possible!