Presentations
Shaping the Future of AI Learning: What if this is only the beginning of K-12 education?
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. — Aaron Baughman, Justin Bruno, Karle Delo | Room 140F
With 150+ years of the K-12 school system in place, ask yourself, "What if this is only the beginning?" What possibilities might stem from that thought? How might we start to define what the next phase of education is? Join Michigan Virtual's AI Lab for an immersive workshop exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. Led by three expert Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute AI Strategists, this session will challenge participants to envision and create the future of learning in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Integrating AI Literacy into Your Classroom
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. — David Young | Room 252A
In today's world, students need to develop fluency in basic AI literacy skills to navigate the growing presence of AI in everyday life and work. This session explores strategies and provides resources to support students in developing essential AI literacy skills. We will offer practical approaches for integrating AI literacy into your curriculum, whether you're looking to add elements of AI awareness to subject-specific lessons or develop a comprehensive AI literacy program. This session will draw heavily from AI Literacy resources and curriculum developed at Michigan Virtual for middle and high school students. Key topics include: an introduction to AI (what is AI and how does it work), navigating ethical issues related to AI (copyright and ownership, bias, data and privacy), and preparing for an AI future (education and work in light of AI). You'll leave with specific ideas and resources to support students in developing their understanding of AI and how to use it effectively.
[At Least] 18 Tech Tools for You in 2025
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Emily Sicilia | Room 252A
Join us for a jam-packed session that shares the latest tech tools you can use to engage your students and staff. You will be introduced to at least 18 innovative tech tools that can help you personalize learning and better serve your students (and maybe even make your life easier). This session offers opportunities for exploration and discussion about how you can intentionally integrate tools to promote success.
Smart Tools, Smarter Teaching: The AI Classroom Revolution
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Aaron Baughman | Room 252A
How can artificial intelligence revolutionize education while keeping the heart of teaching intact? In this engaging session, Michigan Virtual's AI Strategist, Aaron Baughman, will unveil how AI can empower educators and transform learning through three guiding principles: making teachers' lives better, making classroom instruction more innovative and engaging, and maintaining the uniquely human elements that define teaching. Packed with practical examples, forward-thinking strategies, and tools you can use immediately, this session will inspire you to harness AI's power without compromising your craft. Walk away energized and ready to lead the charge in bringing AI to life in your schools!
The Jedi's Guide to Ethical AI Leadership
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Karle Delo | Room 413A/B
Learn to lead like a Jedi and empower educators to harness AI's transformative power while avoiding the dark side of misuse & bias. This session explores practical AI applications, addresses ethical concerns, and provides actionable strategies to ensure AI is used responsibly and effectively in your school. Participants will leave with tools to promote ethical AI leadership and foster a culture of responsible innovation.
Exploring Classroom Connections: Insights from Legos and Lasso
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Anne Perez, Emily Sicilia | Room 252A
Join us for an interactive session inspired by Ted Lasso, where we'll explore the art of building meaningful connections and mindsets in the classroom. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, we'll consider how Ted Lasso's approach to building relationships and mindsets can be applied to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Discover how to spark conversations that inspire students and foster a sense of belonging within your classroom community.
Embracing the Mess: Modeling Synchronous Online Learning
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. — Holly Boleski, Christy Trombetta | Room 252A
Join us for a fun, messy exploration of real-time instruction in virtual environments. Expect the unexpected as we embrace the chaos of live online teaching. This session encourages playful collaboration with participants joining from anywhere at the conference. We'll keep things lighthearted, fast-paced, and participatory, fostering a supportive atmosphere where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process. You'll leave feeling more comfortable with unpredictability, ready to tackle the challenges of online and hybrid classrooms. Perfectly imperfect? Yes, please!
AI FOMO No More! Navigating AI with Ease
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. — Karle Delo | Room 330A
Have you or someone you know been affected by AI FOMO? You're not alone. This session helps teachers overcome AI FOMO and focus on practical, classroom-ready tools. Learn how to build a manageable AI toolbox without feeling overwhelmed by the hype and latest trends. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to confidently implement AI and help others do the same.
Ethical Considerations for AI in the Classroom
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Danielle Peck | Room 252A
AI poses a lot of ethical quandaries: it can interfere with academic integrity, perpetuate a myriad of biases, and introduce misinformation (and those are just a few examples!). How can we start and sustain conversations around these issues, both for ourselves and with our students? In this session, we'll use a helpful anchor resource to identify possible answers to this question. You'll discover how AI ethics are relevant to your subject area and identify ways to incorporate this important topic into your practice.
Educ-AI-tion Evolution: Our Journey in Creating AI Content that Matters
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Anne Perez, Emily Sicilia | Room 252A
Join us as we unpack what educators in Michigan want and need in professional learning and showcase the evolution of our professional learning experiences that have led to successful teaching and learning outcomes. We'll share key takeaways from our research, highlight the wide variety of professional learning we've facilitated over the course of this year, and share practical resources to help guide decisions around AI implementation. Leave ready to support a professional learning culture that invites everyone to the conversation around AI and its impact in education now and in the future.
Innovative Educators Wanted!
Win up to $10,000 in the EdTech Catalyst Pitch Contest.
Do you have an innovative idea for the next big edtech tool? If you've got a brilliant idea that could transform teaching or learning, submit your pitch to the EdTech Catalyst Pitch Contest. Winners will receive expert guidance and financial support to help turn their concept into a reality.
You may or may not think of yourself as an entrepreneur. But consider this: who's better equipped than those already within our education system to invent creative solutions to the problems they experience on a daily basis?
Personalized Professional Development
Professional development is a critical link in ensuring a quality education. Our PD solutions offer flexible, affordable, and relevant learning for every educator.
