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Tuesday, August 4
 

10:00am CDT

Build Your First Gemini Gem!
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
In this session, you’ll learn how to collaborate with AI to build your first Gemini Gem. I will demonstrate my process for creating a Science Writing Feedback Tool—a Gem born from a science department’s need to improve student skills in CER (Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning).

We’ll explore how to design AI as a guided learning partner that coaches students through the writing process and boosts critical thinking without doing the work for them. I will walk you through the entire journey:

Ideation: Turning a classroom need into a concept.

Iteration: Using Gemini to draft and refine Gem instructions.

Testing: Finalizing the Gem for student use.

The possibilities for enhancing your learning environment are endless! Please come prepared with at least one idea for a Gem you’d like to build to help your students engage with AI in a guided, meaningful way. Let’s build together!

Learning Objectives

  • Design a Custom Instruction Set: Participants will learn how to use Gemini to brainstorm, iterate, and refine specific prompts to create a functional, purpose-built Gem.
  • Facilitate Guided AI Learning: Participants will identify strategies to configure AI as a feedback coach rather than a "shortcut," ensuring students use the tool to enhance critical thinking and writing skills (like CER) independently.
  • Deploy Classroom-Ready AI Tools: Participants will move from a raw concept to a finalized, tested Gem that is ready to be integrated into a guided learning activity for their specific subject area.

Speakers
avatar for Ray Sperl

Ray Sperl

Technology Director, Cambridge-Isanti
My name is Ray Sperl, and I have been the Technology Director with Cambridge-Isanti Schools since 2013, where I am responsible for IT strategy, governance, portfolio management, vendor relationship management, budgeting, cybersecurity/information security planning and incident response... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 1205

10:00am CDT

Small Moves, Big Impact: AI Literacy Across the Curriculum
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
AI literacy does not have to be a separate unit or an added burden. In this session, teachers from any grade level or content area will explore simple, practical ways to embed AI literacy concepts into lessons they already teach. Participants will consider how small instructional moves can help students question AI-generated content, recognize bias and limitations, use AI responsibly, and understand the importance of human judgment. Teachers will leave with adaptable strategies they can use right away in their own classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for David Berner

David Berner

Technology Integration Program Coordinator, SWWC
David is the Technology Integration Program Coordinator at SWWC, where he leads and supports technology integration efforts across member and organizational schools. He manages a team of technology integration specialists working in the field, ensuring they have the tools and guidance... Read More →
avatar for Jeremy Mikla

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC
Jeremy Mikla is an Instructional Technology Specialist with extensive experience supporting PK–12 educators in the effective and ethical integration of emerging technologies. He regularly presents at regional and statewide conferences on topics such as AI in education, instructional... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 1234

10:00am CDT

Straight From the Classroom: A Former Educator on AI, Kids, and What Actually Matters.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Students are already using AI - in your classrooms, on your campus, right now. The educational leaders who get this right aren't the ones with the best policy. They're the ones who understand what it actually looks like for teachers and kids on a Tuesday afternoon.


Join Hattie Strong for an authentic, unfiltered look at how AI is being implemented in real classrooms. Real lessons, actual student examples, practical teacher workflows, and honest reflection on what works, what doesn't, and what forward thinking educators should know. 


Attendees will explore how AI can deepen student engagement, feedback, differentiation, and critical thinking- and leave with realistic, immediately usable ideas for supporting every learner in their building.


Hattie Strong, Former Educator | SchoolAI
Speakers
avatar for Hattie Strong

Hattie Strong

Sr. AE, Other
Hattie Strong is a Kindergarten Educator turned EdTech leader with SchoolAI. A first-gen high school and college grad committed to driving equity in education by building trust, scaling smart solutions, and always keeping students and teachers at the center. From guiding AI conversations... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 1207

10:00am CDT

“Light Up Learning: Engaging Classrooms with Lumio”
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Join us for an engaging in-person professional development session focused on Lumio by SMART, a dynamic digital learning tool that transforms traditional lessons into interactive, multimedia-rich experiences. This session will guide educators through the core features of Lumio, including interactive lessons, formative assessment tools, game-based activities, and collaborative workspaces that enhance student engagement and participation. Educators will explore how to seamlessly integrate Lumio into their instructional practices, whether teaching in-person or remotely. We’ll also highlight the latest features and updates, giving participants a firsthand look at the newest tools available to boost creativity, personalize learning, and streamline lesson delivery. This hands-on session is perfect for both beginners and those looking to take their Lumio skills to the next level. Come ready to interact, learn, and leave with ideas you can implement right away!
Speakers
avatar for Kyle Krenz

Kyle Krenz

Technology Integrationist, SWWC
Technology Integrationist with SWWC Service Cooperative for 4+ yearsMiddle/High School Social Studies teacher for 7 years. 
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 2207

10:00am CDT

We Will Write
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
 We Will Write harnesses the power of gamification by setting up anonymous teams of writers in a classroom. Writers respond to a quick prompt–a question or image–and then have the opportunity to view and vote on other students’ work. 
Speakers
SR

Shelby Rademacher

5th Grade Teacher, East Central
5th grade teacher at East Central Elementary School. Attended ISTE this summer and have some fun information to present on how to incorporate more writing into the classroom. 
MV

Mary VonRueden

Librarian, East Central
Librarian at East Central Elementary School. Attended ISTE this summer and have some fun information to present on how to incorporate more writing into the classroom.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 1206

11:00am CDT

Leveraging AI for Learning: Ready-to-Use Tools and Strategies
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Get ready for the new school year by exploring practical AI tools and strategies designed specifically for educators. This interactive session will provide hands-on opportunities to test ready-to-use AI resources that can support lesson planning, differentiation, assessment, productivity, and student engagement. Participants will leave with a toolkit of classroom-ready ideas and resources they can implement immediately.
Speakers
KB

Kiera Bridley

Special Education Teacher, Other
Kiera Bridley is an experienced educator with six years in K-12 special education. She specializes in technology integration to boost student engagement and literacy outcomes. Kiera has led professional development on AI tools, digital storytelling, and personalized learning. In her... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 1205

11:00am CDT

Plan With Pushback: Building an AI Thought Partner for More Responsive Lesson Design
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
AI can generate a lesson plan quickly, but strong planning requires reflection, context, and professional judgment. In this hands-on session, educators will build a personalized AI thought partner designed to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and strengthen lesson design. Participants will shape their agent around standards alignment, deeper learning, accessibility, divergent learner needs, student agency, and the specific communities they serve. They will leave with a reusable planning partner and a clearer process for using AI to improve decisions rather than simply speed up production.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Blanchard

Dave Blanchard

Independent/Keynote/Director of Online @SCSU, Other
Dr. Dave Blanchard is a learning architect, educational strategist, and Director of Online and Distance Learning at St. Cloud State University. His work sits at the intersection of AI, accessibility, and institutional transformation, helping bridge academic vision, technology, and... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 1233

11:00am CDT

ADAptable: Are Your Online Materials ADA Compliant?
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Learn the basics of creating class materials that meet WCAG 2.1 criteria before the 2027 or 2028 deadlines.  Bring a sample of something you have posted or plan to post to your LMS or digitally send to families that you can evaluate by the end of the session.
Speakers
avatar for Meggan Hoffmann

Meggan Hoffmann

Technology Integration Specialist, SWWC
Meggan is a Technology Integration Specialist with SWWC and working with the Worthington Public School District.  
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 1206

11:00am CDT

Hands on Coding for Primary Students
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Hands-On Coding for Primary Students
Discover engaging, age-appropriate ways to introduce coding to your primary students! In this interactive session, you'll explore a variety of hands-on activities that make coding accessible and fun for young learners. Learn how to use everyday classroom materials for unplugged coding lessons, receive ready-to-use print-and-go activities, and get hands-on experience with robotics such as Code & Go Mice and Cublets. Whether you're new to teaching coding or looking for fresh ideas, you'll leave with practical strategies and resources you can use right away to bring coding into your young elementary classroom.
Speakers
MK

Megan Karolevitz

Grade 1 teacher, Braham
I was the Cambridge Primary School Media Specialist for 15 years where most of my days were spent teaching Media and STEM classes. I enjoyed the time collaborating with classroom teachers and helping them implement different technologies with their students. I moved to Braham in 2020... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 2207

11:00am CDT

Technology with Intention
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
As concerns over screen time in education continue to grow, it is time to shift our focus from 'how much' technology we use to 'how' we use it. "Technology with Intention" explores how educators can move beyond using technology as a "digital workspace," to using technology as an intentional way to get students thinking. When learning is designed with intention, technology is used with intention.
Speakers
KK

Kate Klug

Innovation Coordinator, Other
Kate is an Innovation Coordinator in ISD 742 St. Cloud Area School District with five years of science teaching and five years of preschool teaching experience. Passionate about discovering innovative, engaging instructional strategies, Kate is dedicated to ensuring every student... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 2204

11:00am CDT

What's new with ITV for 2026-2027
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
ITV teachers (or anyone else interested) should come to this session to see what's new for 2026-27. The equipment is the same as last year, but there are a few new features and the way we connect classes will be different. Come find out what it is all about!

Speakers
avatar for Marc Johnson

Marc Johnson

Executive Director, ECMECC

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 1108 ITV

1:00pm CDT

Learning Before Answers: Designing AI-Supported Experiences That Build Skills, Thinking, and Independence
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
AI can help students create polished work quickly, but that does not always mean they are learning more. In this session, educators will explore practical ways to use AI while keeping students actively reading, writing, thinking, explaining, and making decisions. Participants will leave with a simple framework for deciding when AI supports learning, when it removes too much of the thinking, and when it may not be needed at all. Bringing a familiar lesson or stubborn standard is encouraged. 
Speakers
avatar for Dave Blanchard

Dave Blanchard

Independent/Keynote/Director of Online @SCSU, Other
Dr. Dave Blanchard is a learning architect, educational strategist, and Director of Online and Distance Learning at St. Cloud State University. His work sits at the intersection of AI, accessibility, and institutional transformation, helping bridge academic vision, technology, and... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 1233

1:00pm CDT

Level Up Your Lessons with SMART: A Lumio Highlight Reel
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Join us for a hands-on session to showcase Lumio's Greatest Features! We'll kick things off with a highlight reel, then dive into the essentials: quick sign-in, seamless Google Drive integration, and creating engaging new lessons using ready-made content. Get a firsthand look at Lumio’s cutting-edge AI features and the exciting new Beta features, including the dynamic widget wall and the helpful noise monitor. Leave this session ready to use Lumio in your classroom right away!
Speakers
avatar for Gina Keenan

Gina Keenan

Area Manager, Other
Gina Keenan is an Area Manager at SMART Technologies, located in Minneapolis, MN. She is an experienced educator and leader in educational technology, with over 20 years of diverse roles, including EL Teacher, Technology Integration Specialist, Instructional Trainer and Coach, STEM... Read More →
DT

Dave Thielen

Education Solutions Consultant, Other
Dave is an Education Solutions Consultant who partners with schools and districts to support innovative teaching and learning through SMART solutions. With more than 10 years of classroom experience, including roles as an elementary teacher, STEAM teacher, and Instructional Technology... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 1205

1:00pm CDT

What's New Google
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Google is constantly updating its Workspace for Education Apps and features. Get new tips and ideas for using Google Slides, Docs, Forms, Chrome, Sheets, Classroom, and Gemini AI. Bring your device to try out these great tips and tricks!
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Mikla

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC
Jeremy Mikla is an Instructional Technology Specialist with extensive experience supporting PK–12 educators in the effective and ethical integration of emerging technologies. He regularly presents at regional and statewide conferences on topics such as AI in education, instructional... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 1234

1:00pm CDT

Bound 101: A Crash Course for Coaches & Advisors
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Overview All schools have made the transition to Bound. This hands-on session will help coaches and advisors become familiar with the Bound system and build confidence navigating and using its key features.


Prior to Lake ECMECC, please ask your Activities Director to add you as both a user and a coach/advisor for your program in Bound. This step is needed to access your program during the session. If this setup is not completed beforehand, you are still welcome to attend and follow along.


What We’ll Cover:
  • The Whole Process: Registration - Roster - App - Calendars - Messaging 
  • System Walkthrough: A quick tour of the dashboard and where everything lives.
  • Program & Roster Access: How to access your program and manage your roster.
  • Schedules: Where to find your game schedule and add practices.
  • Communication: How to use Bound’s messaging tools to reach students and parents.
  • Scores & Stats: Where to enter scores and stats 
  • Camp Setup & Fees: A quick look at camps and routing registration fees to your school or booster club.
Speakers
avatar for Charles Whitbred

Charles Whitbred

Activities & Community Education Director, Mora
25 years in education, 22 years at Mora High School. I currently serve as the Activities and Community Education Director, entering year 5 this fall. Prior to my current role, I spent 18 years teaching Physical and Health Education, and coaching in all three seasons. I also served... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 1207

2:00pm CDT

From Literacy to Life Skills: Creating the AI-Ready Graduate
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Too often, the focus of AI in schools centers on teaching about the tools.This session shifts the focus to AI Life Skills, where middle and high school students practice enhancing their human abilities with AI to think deeper, create better, and solve problems more efficiently than they could alone. We will explore the scientific necessity of keeping students in the as the primary driver of their learning to avoid cognitive debt and provide  frameworks for syllabus policies and assignment redesigns that move AI use from "cheating" to "meaningful collaboration"

Learning Outcomes: 
  1. Identify and define the six core roles of an AI-Ready Graduate (Learner, Researcher, Synthesizer, Problem Solver, Connector, Storyteller)
  2. Understand the science of cognitive debt and how to guide better learning integratio
  3. Develop a personalized classroom AI policy and redesign one assignment using multi-modal or multi-stage strategies
Speakers
avatar for Adam Engel

Adam Engel

Social Studies Teacher, Rush City
Adam Engel is a Social Studies teacher, peer coach, and building leader in the Rush City School District. He is passionate about edtech integration.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 1205

2:00pm CDT

We Will Write
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
 We Will Write harnesses the power of gamification by setting up anonymous teams of writers in a classroom. Writers respond to a quick prompt–a question or image–and then have the opportunity to view and vote on other students’ work. 
Speakers
SR

Shelby Rademacher

5th Grade Teacher, East Central
5th grade teacher at East Central Elementary School. Attended ISTE this summer and have some fun information to present on how to incorporate more writing into the classroom. 
MV

Mary VonRueden

Librarian, East Central
Librarian at East Central Elementary School. Attended ISTE this summer and have some fun information to present on how to incorporate more writing into the classroom.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 1206

2:00pm CDT

Gmail Tips & Tricks
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Is your email overflowing? Do you have over 5,000 unread emails? Did you miss an important email from the Superintendent?
Here are some tips & tricks to clean up your inbox, flag important emails, and more!
Speakers
avatar for Bill Groskreutz

Bill Groskreutz

Technology Coordinator, East Central
I have been the Director of Technology for East Central Schools since 2012. I also coach Track (since 2007, head coach starting in 2008) and Cross Country (head coach starting in 2008). My licensure is in Math.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 1207
 
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