AGENDA

Join us to meet with district leaders and participate in actionable sessions, group discussions and networking to expand your PLN.

Thursday, October 17, 2024
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Opening Dinner Four attendees enjoying dinner
Relax, meet new friends, and reconnect with colleagues at the opening Summit dinner. Located at Old Man Rafferty’s - 106 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

 
Friday, October 18, 2024
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Blake Pippin and Anne Gregorie sat at the reception deskRegistration and Breakfast
Attendees arrive to register, network, and enjoy breakfast, as well as get their “Passport to Prizes” pass. Throughout the day, attendees will complete their Passport by visiting with our partners either in scheduled meetings or during lunch if they do not have scheduled meetings. 

 
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Carl Hooker delivering a welcome speech

Welcome & Keynote: Empowering Future Innovators: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

In this keynote, Dr. Adam Phyall will explore strategies and approaches to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving workforce. As technology and global trends reshape industries, it is crucial to prepare our students not just for the jobs of today, but for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We'll discuss innovative educational practices, the integration of soft skills, critical thinking, and adaptability into curricula, and the importance of fostering a lifelong learning mentality. Join us to discover how we can empower the next generation to succeed in a dynamic and uncertain future.

Adam Phyall III
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Attendees participating in a table discussion

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings
During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

  • Esports & Special Education: Explore how the integration of esports in special education can be a powerful tool for engaging students with diverse learning needs. 
  • Creating Equitable Access to Computer Science: Strategies to ensure all students have access to quality computer science education.
  • Addressing Bias in AI: Delve into the critical issue of bias in artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
  • The Importance of Digital Literacy in the AI Age: This small group discussion will discuss the need for individuals to understand and navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. 
  • Personalizing Learning with AI: Explore how AI can personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and enhance educational outcomes.
  • Use of VR Prism in Math & Science Instruction: This small group discussion will explore the use of VR Prisms in specifically math and science instruction for students.
 
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Attendees discussing products with vendors

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings
During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

  • Adaptive Learning Tools: This small group discussion will explore the latest adaptive learning tools to support students with special needs.
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention: Learn strategies to improve teacher retention by streamlining onboarding processes, creating a supportive culture, and offering personalized coaching and professional development programs.
  • Creating Successful Professional Development Programs to Support the Integration of AI: This small group discussion will explore PD programs that help teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate AI into their lessons.
  • To Ban or Not to Ban? This small group discussion will navigate cell phone bans in schools.
  • Using AR/VR to Build Virtual Models of the Real-World:  Rutgers University’s Maka Gradin, game designer, developer, play-tester, and editor, will share information about AT/VR models the university has created using the Unity app.
  • Reducing Tech Costs: This small group discussion will talk about reducing the cost of tech implementation across your district. 
 
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Attendees taking part in a table discussion

Partner Demonstrations 

 
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

 Harnessing the Power of AI: Curating the Best Tools for Edu

As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize various sectors, its potential in education is vast and transformative. This session will guide educators, administrators, and policymakers in identifying and curating the most effective AI tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences. We will explore how AI can personalize education, automate routine tasks, and provide valuable insights into student progress. Participants will learn how to evaluate AI tools for their classrooms, understand the ethical considerations, and create a curated toolkit that aligns with their educational goals. Join us to unlock the potential of AI in shaping the future of education. Presented by Danielle Enriquez, Manager, Education Programs, Rutgers University
Two attendees present a session topic

 
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunchtime at the eventNetworking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Attendees hear a presentation

 Supporting Autistic Students with AR & Gaming

How can Augmented Reality and Gaming be used to help those with autism get more motivated to exercise? Natalie Schultz-Kahwaty, Director of the Rutgers University Community Dance Education Programs,  shares highlights from her course for autistic adults where she uses Unity game design and body movement to help strengthen mind-body connections. 

 
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

All attendees on a problem solving task

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

  • Esports & Special Education: Explore how the integration of esports in special education can be a powerful tool for engaging students with diverse learning needs.
  • How to Vet & Procure EdTech Products: This small group discussion will talk about vetting products for your schools!
  • Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: This small group discussion will talk about the chronic absenteeism that has multiplied since the pandemic.
  • The Importance of Digital Literacy in the AI Age: This small group discussion will discuss the need for individuals to understand and navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. 
  • Personalizing Learning with AI: Explore how AI can personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and enhance educational outcomes.
  • Creating a Certified Cybersecurity Rubric Evaluation: This small group discussion will address how to build a tight cybersecurity system to protect your district from attacks
 
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Table meetings

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

  • Adaptive Learning Tools: This small group discussion will explore the latest adaptive learning tools to support students with special needs. 
  • Bridging the Digital Divide: This small group discussion will talk about finding ways to address the digital divide between our students and increasing accessibility
  • Managing Your Well-Being: This small group discussion will discuss ways to maintain your mental health when stress occurs. 
  • Professional Development for CTE: This small discussion will discuss how to create and maintain PD for CTE in your schools.
  • Is STEAM enough?: STEAM in most places means coding, 3D printing, and robotics with a bit of design thinking. Is that still what is needed for today’s AI driven, technology innovative world?   
 
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Three attendees in the task of creating a model schoolool

To Ban or Not to Ban: The Cell Phone Ban Debate in Schools

As smartphones become more integrated into students' daily lives, schools face a critical question: should cell phones be banned in the classroom? This session will dive into the pros and cons of cell phone policies in schools. This panel of education experts will discuss the impact of mobile devices on student engagement, academic performance, and classroom management. Panelists include: Glenn Robbins, Tim Jaw, Sandra Paul

Sandra Paul Glenn Robbins Timothy Jaw
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Team 4 present their model school idea

Closing Takeaways: Bridging Vision and Practice: Implementing Lessons from Immersive Education Technology

As we conclude our journey into the world of immersive education technology, this closing session focuses on transforming insights into action. We've explored cutting-edge tools, innovative strategies, and the vast potential of immersive tech in education—now it's time to apply what we've learned. Join us as we discuss practical steps for integrating these technologies into your curriculum, overcoming potential challenges, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation in your educational environment. This session will provide actionable takeaways, collaborative planning opportunities, and a roadmap for making immersive technology a seamless and impactful part of your teaching practice. Let's work together to turn today's lessons into tomorrow's successes.

 
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

A winner with a certifictaeClosing Remarks & Awards 

The winners of the Tech & Learning Innovative Leader awards and the winners of the Passport to Prizes raffle will be will be announced.  

 

 
Time Zone: (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) [Change Time Zone]