Conference Theme Pioneering Learning Environments

M1-03-Ex Pierce 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Harnessing VR & Assistive Tech for Student Accessibility Charley Suter, Director of Technology & Innovation, Spaulding Academy & Family Services, and Brendan Donahue, Spaulding Academy & Family Services
	Join Charley Suter, Director of Technology & Innovation at Spaulding Academy & Family Services, and Brendan Donahue, Digital Learning Assistant, for this dynamic session focusing on the use of virtual reality (VR) and other technologies to meet the specific individual needs of all students. Charley is using VR with students at Spaulding to excite, engage, and customize the learning process! Hear how you can use these techniques with YOUR students.
M1-05-Ex Concord 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Bringing AI to the Classroom: Practical Lessons Erin Mawn, Library Media Specialist, Northwood School
*  Level: Beginner	Explore real-life lesson plans and project ideas that librarian Erin Mawn has utilized in her middle-school AI Exploration elective class. Two years ago, she designed this elective course to make Artificial Intelligence accessible and engaging for students. Erin provides a look at the discussion topics, lessons, activities and projects she uses to engage and guide students as they learn about Artifical Intelligence. Attendees learn how to integrate AI concepts into existing curricula using age-appropriate tools and resources, and create engaging lessons such as AI and the Music Industry, or AI vs The Simpsons. By providing lessons that are fun and relevant students can exercise their critical thinking skills and see how AI is becoming integrated in our daily lives. By carefully selecting and vetting resources, students can explore AI applications and sites in a safe, supportive environment. Participants leave with ready-to-use materials and strategies to inspire the next generation of tech-savvy thinkers.
M3-02-Ex Webster 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Student Agency, Innovation & Leadership (SAIL): Integrate AI with Impact Rebecca Magary, SpotLight, Founder, AI Navigator, and Susan Fenn
Level: Beginner	Teach students about AI through hands-on, engaging, real-world opportunities. SAIL stands for Student Agency, Innovation, and Leadership. Through SAIL, schools have an opportunity to implement a student group or Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) focused on exploring and shaping the future of AI in their school and community. Students are not just learning about AI; they are actively working to understand its potential, address its ethical implications, and find creative ways to use it to solve real-world problems. SAIL empowers students to become leaders in the field of AI, giving them the skills and the platform to make a real difference. Learn about AI, discuss its ethical considerations, and even develop their own AI-powered solutions for problems they identify. Ultimately, SAIL is about giving students a voice in how AI shapes our world.
M4-Pierce5 Pierce5	Innovative Uses of Technology in Special Education Charley Suter, Director of Technology & Innovation, Spaulding Academy & Family Services, and Brendan Donahue, Spaulding Academy & Family Services
Level: Intermediate	Charley and members of the Spaulding Academy and Family Services Tech staff share the creative ways they are using technology to meet the individual needs of special education students, many of whom have struggled in previous schools and placements. AT resources to explore include the use of virtual reality, CAD and 3D printing, artificial intelligence, podcasting, adaptive tech, photography and videography, and more.
T1-02-In Webster 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Unpacking the AI in Education Journey (80) Tara Nattrass, Chief Innovation Strategist, Lenovo
Level: Intermediate	For the last several years we have heard the phrase "AI in Education" often with words like "integrating" or "implementing". We have tried to figure out how to start the journey and what direction to take as we balance innovation and opportunities with privacy, safety, security, and other risks. Whether you are just getting started on your AI in education journey or are working on next steps, join us as we unpack three key areas that are often core to the journey - curriculum and resources, guidelines and policies, and professional learning - and share practical examples of how educators are addressing these areas on their journey.
T3-03-Ex Pierce 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Five Strategies to Promote Responsible GenAI Use in the Classroom Lindsay Mitchell, Lead Teacher, Pinkerton Academy
*  Level: Intermediate	Are you curious on how you can promote responsible GenAI use in your classroom or school? This session will give you 5 simple strategies on how you can promote responsible use in your classroom that promotes deeper learning, capture student interest, and maintains academic integrity. You will leave this session with practices that can be implemented immediately in your classroom, departments, and schools.
T3-05-Ex Concord 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Building Resilient EdTech Ecosystems: From "Wild West" to Strategic Design Christina Swenson, Digital Learning Specialist, sau6
Level: Beginner	Explore strategies to transform your EdTech landscape from a "Wild West" of disconnected tools into a resilient, future-ready ecosystem. This session, crucial for all subject areas (K-12 to higher education), empowers you to confidently guide your institution forward in digital learning. Participants gain actionable knowledge to: 1) Align EdTech investments directly with curricular goals and pedagogical best practices. 2) Master sustainable budgeting, ensuring fiscal responsibility in digital resource acquisition. 3) Implement robust PII protection, safeguarding sensitive student and staff data across all platforms. 4) Optimize existing EdTech for better integration, impact, and equitable access. Delve into key ecosystem components including infrastructure, content, and professional development. The session features interactive discussions, real-world examples, and practical frameworks for navigating challenges like interoperability and vendor relations. Leave prepared to build a more secure, efficient, and impactful digital learning environment.