Technanigans

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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