The first time in technology and learning Utah Regional Leadership Summit in Salt Lake City brought together leading minds in technology and education to delve into the convergence of innovation, learning and leadership. Focusing on emerging technologies such as ai, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), esports and the application of design thinking in educational environments, the conference provided a rich platform for collaboration, exchange of ideas and knowledge practical.
tech & Learning partnered with the Utah Coalition for Educational technology for this pre-conference learning opportunity at the Leonardo Museum.
During the conference, several conversations explored the transformative potential of ai to revolutionize educational practices. master of ceremonies of the event Carl Hooker showcased ai-powered learning, instructional insights, and intelligent content creation tools. Discussions emphasized the importance of ethical implementation of ai, data privacy, and ensuring inclusivity in ai-powered educational solutions. Leaders in the field highlighted the need for continued research and development to harness the full potential of ai to improve administrative, teaching and learning processes.
A featured session by Dr. Shannon Putnam highlighted AR/VR technologies and emphasized immersive and experiential learning capabilities for students of all levels. Educators shared success stories about using immersive technology simulations for complex topics and examples of AR/VR content creation tools were offered, allowing attendees to explore innovative ways to integrate these technologies into curricula. Discussions focused on scalability, accessibility, and the role of AR/VR in fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
Esports continues to gain popularity in school districts, and the session presented by esports expert Audra Yocom, Director of technology Education at success in education, a nonprofit organization serving all school districts in the state of Utah with core education-based programs, explored the potential of esports to engage students and teach valuable skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking and digital citizenship. A point of focus was how esports programs have a positive impact on student retention, academic performance and career readiness, while panel discussions addressed concerns about screen time, gaming addiction and the need to establish responsible gaming guidelines.
I presented the final session of the day focused on design thinking methodologies, particularly fostering a culture of innovation in classrooms and schools. Participants learned how design thinking principles could be applied to address challenges such as curriculum design, pedagogical innovation, and instruction. Attendees also discussed how to use design thinking to reimagine learning spaces, develop student-centered solutions, and build a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation.
A special thank you U(tah) to our partners!
UCET Conference Bonus
Following the Leadership Summit, tech & Learning joined the first combined state conference of the Utah Educational Library Media Association (UELMA) and the Utah Coalition for Educational technology (UCET), which began at the Convention Center Salt Palace.
This event brought together educators, librarians, technology specialists, and administrators from across the state to explore innovative educational practices, tools, and resources. tech & Learning was a partner and supported numerous sessions to add to the event.
ISTE Executive Director Richard Culatta kicked off the event with content focused on the central message of his book. Digital for Good: Raising children to thrive in an online world. His keynote address emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments, leveraging technology responsibly, and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century workforce.
The conference featured a variety of breakout sessions covering various topics and topics relevant to educators and technology specialists, and tech & Learning was honored to host a room with a variety of innovative edtech speakers. These sessions included:
Digital literacy and citizenship: The workshops equipped educators with strategies and resources to teach digital literacy skills and promote responsible digital citizenship among students.
STEM Education and Maker Spaces: Presentations showcased innovative approaches to STEM education, including integrating maker spaces, robotics, and coding activities into the curriculum to foster creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning experiences.
Blended Learning and Personalized Instruction: Educators shared best practices for implementing blended learning models and leveraging technology to personalize instruction, differentiate learning experiences, and meet diverse student needs.
ai in education: These sessions explored its transformative impact on education. Topics included ai-powered personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and data analytics for student success. Ethical considerations in implementing ai, fostering inclusion, and empowering educators with ai tools were also discussed. Participants participated in hands-on workshops and shared best practices for ai integration.
The vendor exhibition allowed attendees to explore the latest educational technology solutions, digital resources and learning platforms available. Attendees were able to enjoy demonstrations, hands-on activities and special discounts for conference attendees.
From inspiring keynote presentations to interactive sessions and a vibrant vendor expo, the UCET Conference and Utah Regional Leadership Summit provided attendees with valuable ideas, resources and networking opportunities to support their professional growth and improve learning outcomes. the students.
