Lake ECMECC 2026

Generative AI is moving quickly, and many districts are trying to make important decisions without the same staffing, time, or capacity as larger systems. This session shares how the A.I.D.E. Team at SWWC created a regional AI guidance website, aligned with the Minnesota Department of Education’s AI Guiding Principles, to help schools get started in a practical and approachable way. Participants will see how regional support can help districts move from big-picture AI principles to local guidance that actually fits their context. The session will focus on starting the right conversations, building a team that reflects the district, promoting AI literacy, thinking through policy, and creating a roadmap for responsible implementation. This includes considering voices from administration, teaching staff, technology, support staff, students, families, and the broader community. Instead of handing districts a one-size-fits-all plan, this session will show how shared resources can help schools create guidance that reflects their own values, needs, and capacity.

With growing calls for device bans and strict screen time limits, the conversation around classroom technology has become an "all or nothing" debate. However, healthy digital integration isn't about perfectly balancing tech and "no tech"—it's a moment-by-moment pedagogical decision. In this session, we will flip the script on screen time by shifting our focus from arbitrary minute limits to the quality and context of the digital activity. Educators will learn how to prioritize specific "teacher moves" and student outcomes over the tech itself. Leave with actionable strategies to reframe your language around device use, evaluate the "attention value" of apps, and foster true digital wellbeing in your students without resorting to outright bans.