|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412361
|
Registration
8:30 AM - 3:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Lobby
Registration
|
Registration
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412404
|
Welcome & Opening
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Welcome & Opening
|
Welcome & Opening
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412405
|
Keynote Speaker
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Keynote Speaker
|
Keynote Speaker
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412366
|
Exhibit Hall Open
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412528
|
Is Vulnerability Management Enough?
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Patching flaws in known devices has long been an integral part of an IT Departments vulnerability management process. With bad actors becoming more sophisticated in their attacks, is there more to consider than the traditional approach?
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410729
|
GOAL! Dynamic Digital Playbooks with Kami
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Description: Step onto the pitch and transform static PDFs into living, breathing "Game Day" assignments. In this hands-on lab, we’ll use Kami’s Annotation and Multimedia tools to create an interactive World Cup Scouting Report. You’ll learn how to embed video highlights directly onto the page, use voice comments to provide "referee feedback," and create split-screen activities where students analyze match stats in real-time.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410768
|
Selfies and Shelfies: Promoting Library Programs with Canva and AI
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
TCEA 2026 session Learn to create captivating library promos with Canva and AI! Discover techniques for designing stunning social posts, digital flyers, and eye-catching visuals that energize your reading culture and boost your library’s visibility.
|
Instructional Technology
|
4/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410772
|
AI in the Mathematics Classroom
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
This session will discuss three AI tools which will help ease lesson preparation. Sample AI prompts will be discussed.
|
Instructional Technology
|
3/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412179
|
Empowering Every Voice: Using SchoolAI to Support Multilingual Learners and Student Thinking
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering classrooms, but many educators are still asking an important question: How can AI truly support learning? In this interactive session, educators will explore how SchoolAI Spaces can be used to create safe, structured learning environments where students practice thinking, language development, and academic discourse. Participants will experience practical classroom strategies that support multilingual learners, differentiation, formative feedback, and student engagement while maintaining strong AI literacy and digital citizenship practices. Educators will leave with ready-to-use ideas and example prompts that can be immediately implemented to support student voice, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom interaction.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412384
|
Lunch On Your Own
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Patio Area
Lunch on your own**
|
LUNCH
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410783
|
Authentic Publishing in a Title I School: Digital Magazine as Instructional Technology
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Rocket Reports is a student-run digital magazine that transforms writing instruction into authentic publication using instructional technology tools. Built within a Title I middle school context, this model integrates Google Sites for publishing, Canva and Google Docs for drafting and design, and ethical AI tools (ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot) for revision support and editorial refinement.
This session provides a step-by-step blueprint for launching a digital magazine either as an in-class writing extension or an extracurricular program. Participants will explore digital editorial workflows, AI-assisted revision protocols, collaborative writing systems, and scalable publishing structures aligned to instructional standards.
Attendees will leave with ready-to-use templates, an implementation roadmap, and a clear framework to build student voice, digital literacy, and authentic audience engagement through instructional technology.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410812
|
Building Living Classrooms: Using technology in GREEN spaces
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
What happens when a greenhouse becomes a high-tech innovation lab?
Green spaces in schools are often underutilized or disconnected from technology integration. This session reframes the greenhouse as a dynamic, data-driven, tech-enhanced learning ecosystem.
In this interactive session, participants will explore how traditional green spaces—greenhouses, school gardens, and hydroponic systems—can be transformed into immersive, technology-rich learning environments. Through the integration of greenhouse systems, hydroponics, augmented reality tools like Merge Cubes, and real-world data collection, students move beyond passive learning and into applied environmental science, agricultural technology, and sustainable design.
Attendees will walk away with replicable strategies for turning green spaces into living laboratories that promote inquiry, systems thinking, and STEM engagement across grade levels.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410808
|
Canva Glow Up: New Tools You'll Love
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Stay up to date with the newest Canva features that are transforming how educators and students create. In this session, participants will explore powerful tools such as Bulk Create for quick content generation, Image to Video for bringing visuals to life, AI-generated graphics, Style Match for maintaining consistent design and much more! Designed for educators who want practical strategies they can implement right away, this session will highlight ways Canva can streamline workflows, support instruction, and empower students as creators in the classroom.
|
Instructional Technology
|
4/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412379
|
Exhibit Hall Open
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410809
|
Build an Esports Program WITHOUT playing the games
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
This session shows educators how to launch and sustain a successful esports program without needing to play or master the games themselves. Learn how to focus on team management, event organization, community engagement, academic integration, and student leadership to drive participation. We’ll explore curriculum alignment, club structures, coaching roles, and tools that empower students to lead the competitive and collaborative aspects. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to build an inclusive esports ecosystem that enriches school culture and student success.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410811
|
Transforming Teachers in Tech
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Are you new/newish to teaching? Transforming Teachers in Tech is a dynamic, future-focused learning experience designed to equip emerging educators with the tools and confidence to thrive in today’s digital classrooms. The session begins with an introduction to Project P.A.C.E., sharing our mission, program foundation, and commitment to supporting the teachers of tomorrow through mentorship and meaningful professional learning. Participants will explore innovative technology integration strategies that enhance instruction and student engagement while bridging tradition with the future of tech. Educators will learn how to integrate technology into daily instruction, design engaging lessons, personalize learning with digital tools, use data to support student growth, and strengthen instructional practice through collaboration. Attendees will also gain practical strategies to support new teachers on their campuses and within their field, leaving with ready-to-use tools and a network that extends beyond the training.
|
Instructional Technology
|
5/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
410810
|
Teaching Data Science in the AI Era: From Tidy Data to Intelligent Insight
2:30 PM - 4:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
This session introduces a framework for enhancing TEKS in STEM by tracking the development of data analysis tools, highlighting disciplined reasoning as technology—including AI—advances.
The session focuses on using tidy, real-world datasets for teaching. Using a live tidy dataset, participants will explore STEM lessons that help students organize information and develop smart insights by noticing trends, interpreting patterns, evaluating evidence, and making well-supported conclusions. The session introduces AI-supported analysis as a tool for students to deepen their ability to explore and question data, while emphasizing verification, interpretation, and clear communication as key parts of learning.
Attendees will gain specific TEKS-aligned strategies for incorporating data science into K–12 STEM lessons. Results include the ability to create lessons using real-world datasets, utilize AI-supported analysis to improve student inquiry, and promote quantitative reasoning, scientific literacy, and problem-solving in Texas classrooms.
|
Information Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412186
|
Apple Intelligence for Education: A New Era of Innovation
2:30 PM - 4:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Learn how a new era of innovation in education is here, transforming what leaders, educators, and students can do with Apple products — and what Apple products can do for them. This session is designed to help school leaders and educators navigate how Apple Intelligence fits into their school and learning environments privately and securely. Explore how Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates into system experiences and apps used every day, and how new tools such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Transcripts use personal context to deliver intelligence that’s useful and relevant, enhancing productivity and creativity.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412192
|
NotebookLM—Building Your "Grounded" Knowledge Lab
2:30 PM - 4:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
How do we ensure AI accuracy while fostering deep critical thinking? Welcome to the NotebookLM Lab. In this interactive session, participants will move beyond generic AI responses to create "Grounded" environments where the AI only interacts with your verified sources. Whether you are an administrator analyzing a mountain of school climate surveys or a student conducting a deep-dive research project, this session provides the blueprint for safe, cited, and sophisticated AI use.
The "Explore & Create" Workflow:
Explore: Experience the "Source-First" difference by uploading a library of disparate documents (PDFs, Docs, web links) and watching the AI map the connections.
Create (The Admin Track): Develop a "Policy Navigator" notebook. Upload handbooks, state standards, and safety plans to create an instant, cited Q&A tool for your leadership team.
Create (The Teacher/Student Track): Build a "Unit Study Studio." Curate specific high-quality sources for a topic (e.g., The Civil Rights Movement) and generate a "Deep Dive" Audio Overview and interactive study guide for students.
Participant Takeaway: A "Verified Source Notebook" pre-loaded with your chosen curriculum or policy data, featuring a custom-generated AI "Podcast" summary.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412195
|
PENDING TITLE**
3:25 PM - 4:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Working through the topics right now but we are bringing in the Ex CISO of the state of Texas to talk about one of the topics. AI, Ransomware or Threat Landscape.
Im not a presenter but my information is below as I'm working with our presenter.
Aaron LaFontaine
Alafontaine@paloaltonetworks.com
The "Explore & Create" Workflow:
Explore: Experience the "Source-First" difference by uploading a library of disparate documents (PDFs, Docs, web links) and watching the AI map the connections.
Create (The Admin Track): Develop a "Policy Navigator" notebook. Upload handbooks, state standards, and safety plans to create an instant, cited Q&A tool for your leadership team.
Create (The Teacher/Student Track): Build a "Unit Study Studio." Curate specific high-quality sources for a topic (e.g., The Civil Rights Movement) and generate a "Deep Dive" Audio Overview and interactive study guide for students.
Participant Takeaway: A "Verified Source Notebook" pre-loaded with your chosen curriculum or policy data, featuring a custom-generated AI "Podcast" summary.
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412536
|
Smarter, Faster, Better: AI Tips, Tools & Custom Solutions
3:25 PM - 4:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
You don't have to master every AI tool just the right ones. In this high-energy, showcase-style session, Andres Gonzales and Dr. Jessica Hruska from JOLT (Jack of All Learning Trades) and Innovation walk you through three connected layers of AI possibility in K-12 education. First, we dig into tips and tricks for the tools you've probably already heard of but haven't fully unlocked - NotebookLM for organization and student-ready study guides as well as Gemini for content creation, planning, feedback, and efficiency wins that save educators real time every day.
Then we go a level deeper as the best AI experiences in schools aren't always out-of-the-box. We'll showcase what customized AI solutions and thoughtful integrations can look like. From building AI-powered workflows to embedding tools directly into existing systems. We will share examples of how districts have made it work without starting from scratch. This isn't a sales pitch. It's a spark.
Whether you're just getting started or ready to go further, you'll leave with hands-on tips, real-world ideas, and a vision for what AI can do for your campus, district, or business.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412203
|
Orbiting Success: Gemini in Google Workspace and Google Classroom
3:25 PM - 4:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Ignite your mission as we explore how Gemini Google’s AI tool that generates ideas, drafts content, answers questions, and streamlines tasks can orbit alongside Google Workspace and Google Classroom to make teaching out of this world! In this session, you’ll learn how to use Gemini as your AI co-pilot fueling lesson creation, streamlining grading, and navigating personalized feedback at warp speed. Together, we’ll chart a course through practical applications: from using Gemini in Google Docs and Slides to auto-generate resources, to integrating Gemini directly into Classroom for rubrics, feedback, and student support. By the end, you’ll be mission-ready with cosmic strategies to save time, boost engagement, and launch your teaching into the next galaxy.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Tuesday May 12, 2026
|
|
412391
|
Door Prizes
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Door Prizes
|
Door Prizes
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412363
|
Registration
8:30 AM - 3:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Lobby
Registration
|
Registration
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412411
|
Is Vulnerability Management Enough?
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Patching flaws in known devices has long been an integral part of an IT Departments vulnerability management process. With bad actors becoming more sophisticated in their attacks, is there more to consider than the traditional approach?
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410818
|
Librarian Life Hacks: Time-Saving AI Tools for Your Daily Workflow
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
[TCEA 2026 Featured Presentation] Learn to integrate AI into your library’s daily workflows! Discover practical AI tools and prompts for tasks like book recommendations, overdue reminders, and digital literacy lessons, designed to enhance efficiency and prepare your library for the future.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410813
|
Beyond the Password: Why Identity is the New Perimeter for K-12 Security and Equity
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Session Description: In the wake of the Texas K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative, Identity and Access Management (IAM) has moved from a back-office IT task to the cornerstone of the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) and Texas Cybersecurity Framework (TCF). With Texas districts facing a surge in ransomware, identity is no longer just a "tool"—it is the primary security perimeter mandated by state standards.
Join experts from Identity Automation, IDEA Public Schools, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD for a deep dive into how strategic identity automation directly supports SB 820 compliance and the TEA’s $55M cybersecurity initiative. We will demonstrate how moving from manual "firefighting" to automated governance secures the classroom, satisfies Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requirements for staff, and provides the audit trails necessary for TCF maturity assessments.
Hear how these districts eliminated the "orphan account" security gap, met Texas-specific cybersecurity insurance requirements, and reclaimed instructional time. We will show you how to remove login barriers that stall learning while maintaining the "Zero Trust" friction required to protect student PII.
Key Takeaways:
*The "Zero-Day" Standard & TLE and TCF Alignment: Move beyond manual provisioning to ensure students and staff are "Ready to Learn" while satisfying the "Identify" and "Protect" functions of the Texas Cybersecurity Framework.
*Hardening the Human Perimeter: Learn how automated de-provisioning and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) eliminate "orphaned accounts"—the #1 entry point for breaches and a key focus of TEA risk mitigation planning.
*MFA & Managed Access: Navigate the TCEA 2023 initiative's mandate for staff MFA and restricted local admin access without sacrificing user experience or "login fatigue."
*The Cyber Insurance & SB 820 Playbook: Understand how automated identity controls provide the documented policies and incident reporting foundations required by Texas law and district insurance carriers to lower premiums.
*Streamlined Student Experience: Intuitive login experience with badges to reduce support tickets with robust security controls
*Empowering teacher access: User friendly interface that combines flexibility and sustainable foundation for ongoing secure access
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412244
|
Boosting Student Engagement with Technology in the HQIM Classroom
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
When using high-quality materials, the goal of educational technology isn't to entertain—it's to engage. This session bridges the gap between rigorous HQIM and dynamic student participation. We will analyze how to use digital tools to make student thinking visible, foster peer-to-peer discourse, and differentiate instruction without compromising the integrity of your curriculum. Join us to transform your classroom into a hub of active, tech-enhanced learning.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410817
|
Kali + Python + Al = On the premise AI phishing filter
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Since the mid-1990s; Information technology workers are still being attacked by phishing. We are in the year 2026 and those attacks have not slowed down. Most businesses have deployed training but it has not done a dent on defending against phishing attacks. One defense game plan is within this presentation. Understand the process of building your own AI phishing filter using Kali Linux, Python and common artificial intelligence models known today.
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412245
|
The Gemini Ecosystem—From Idea to Implementation
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Stop treating AI as a search engine and start using it as a multifaceted educational engine. This hands-on session dives into the Gemini Ecosystem, covering the distinct thinking models (Pro vs. Flash), the creative power of Gemini Canvas, and the specialized expertise of Gems. Attendees will experience a "Design Sprint" where they move from a raw curriculum idea to a fully fleshed-out resource package.
The "Explore & Create" Workflow:
Explore: Navigate the Gemini interface to understand when to use "Deep Research" for complex planning vs. "Flash" for quick classroom tasks.
Create (The Admin Track): Build a custom Gem (AI Specialist) trained on your district’s specific coaching rubric or strategic goals to act as a 24/7 instructional mentor.
Create (The Teacher/Student Track): Use Gemini Canvas to transform a standard lesson plan into an interactive visual timeline or a structured project-based learning (PBL) guide.
Participant Takeaway: A personalized "Digital Toolkit" including one custom-built Gem and a "Canvas-enhanced" unit plan ready for immediate classroom use.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410821
|
Redefined Learning with SchoolAI: One Platform, Unlimited Possibilities
9:55 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
AI in education should simplify teaching, not add more tools to manage. SchoolAI brings everything together in one platform where educators can design learning experiences, support student thinking, and provide personalized feedback.
In this fun and dynamic session, participants will explore how SchoolAI’s learning spaces and AI assistants can enhance instruction, engage students, and support deeper learning. Discover how SchoolAI is helping educators transform the classroom while making school awesome every day.
|
Instructional Technology
|
2/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412383
|
Exhibit Hall Open
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410822
|
Math Language Arts: A Teacher's Toolbox
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
his session explores how language arts strategies can strengthen mathematics teaching and learning. Participants discover tools for fostering clear mathematical communication, supporting student talk and writing about math, and integrating vocabulary development and reading comprehension into math lessons. The toolkit offers practical techniques for designing tasks that prompt students to explain reasoning, critique arguments, and connect mathematical ideas through language. Educators leave with ready-to-use approaches that make math more accessible and meaningful by blending literacy practices with content instruction, helping students think, discuss, and write with precision and purpose in mathematics.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412253
|
**PENDING DESCRIPTION**
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
A brief presentation on why we need MFA. Why not all MFA is equal. Best practices. A brief demo of how easy it is to compromise an email account and what a threat actor can do from their.
Demonstration to include dangers of connecting to obscure wifi and a mock phishing email, to show just how easy it is.
Basic cyber tips to protect yourself or organization.
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412255
|
Getting Creative with Adobe Express
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Teachers will preview different activities that students are able to do using Adobe Express and how it can be used across the curriculum. They will see student examples (used in Entrepreneurship and Intro to TV classes) and see how it can be incorporated to regular core for the Tech/Engagement portion of TTESS.
It could be hands on if the teachers have AE.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410823
|
AI Classroom Toolkit: The Best of TCEA—Free & Ready to Use
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Take the best AI tools from TCEA straight to your classroom. Explore practical tools like Brisk, Knowt, NapkinAI, and more to streamline lesson planning, feedback, and student engagement. This hands-on session equips educators with an AI toolkit they can start using immediately.
|
Instructional Technology
|
5/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410825
|
Data Dazzle: Making Library Stats Work for You
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
[TCEA 2026 Featured Presentation] Demystify library statistics with this practical session on simplifying data collection and analysis. Learn user-friendly methods for gathering and interpreting library statistics to inform decision making and demonstrate value to stakeholders. This session will cover essential statistical concepts and tools tailored for library professionals.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412390
|
Lunch On Your Own
11:55 AM - 1:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Patio Area
Lunch on your own**
|
LUNCH
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410828
|
Beyond the Pitch: Creating World Cup Documentaries with Book Creator
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
The World Cup is about more than just soccer; it’s about stories. This session focuses on using Book Creator’s video and layout features to build a digital scrapbook or "documentary." We’ll explore how to use the "Read to Me" feature for accessibility and how to layer images and shapes to create professional-grade sports journalism.
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410830
|
Scoring Big with Online Learning: Transforming District Training Into Engaging Online Courses
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
District training doesn’t have to stop at slide decks. Learn how the Region One ESC Distance Learning Department helps districts score big by transforming existing presentations into engaging online courses. This session explores how instructional design strategies create interactive learning experiences that support consistent training, scalable professional development, and flexible, on-demand access for educators. Participants will also hear a testimonial from Region One’s Human Resources department, sharing how an online course increased engagement while strengthening and expanding traditional in person substitute teacher training.
|
Information Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410814
|
The Future is Smarter, not Harder
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Selecting the right educational technology tool is about creating more effective, accessible, and designing student-centered, data-informed learning environments. SeeSaw, now with AI for teacher use and students to learn about, can help unlock adaptive learning environments and targeted support, helping every student thrive. With SeeSaw, your future is smarter!
|
Instructional Technology
|
4/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412256
|
Growing Student Leaders through Technology
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Students have the potential to be powerful leaders in technology. In this session, learn how to cultivate student leadership through a program that encourages and fosters collaboration, responsibility, and innovation.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410834
|
Designing the Future of Learning: AI, Pedagogy, and Student Success
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, but meaningful impact requires intentional design. This fast-paced session explores how educators can integrate AI tools in ways that strengthen instructional planning, deepen student engagement, and support measurable learning outcomes. Participants will examine practical applications for scaffolding, differentiation, feedback cycles, and learner-centered design while maintaining academic rigor and professional judgment.
Through guided examples and structured reflection, attendees will leave with a clear framework for aligning AI use to standards, learning objectives, and instructional best practices.
|
Instructional Technology
|
3/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412369
|
Exhibit Hall Open
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412257
|
Unlocking the Magic Studio: Essential Canva AI Hacks for the Modern Educator
2:40 PM - 3:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
As educational demands increase, teachers need tools that streamline workflow without sacrificing creativity. This session dives into Canva’s "Magic Studio," a suite of AI-powered tools specifically designed to enhance instructional design and save valuable time. We will move beyond basic templates to explore "secret" features that allow educators to generate high-quality visuals, automate lesson planning, and create interactive classroom content in seconds.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412270
|
The Future is Hands-On: A STEAM Playground for 2026
2:40 PM - 3:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Step out of the screen and into the action! In this high-energy session, we are transforming the traditional classroom into a multi-sensory STEAM playground. Join us as we rotate through hands-on stations designed to spark curiosity and bridge the gap between play and pedagogy. From deep-sea diving in Class VR to engineering interactive circuits with Makey Makey, you’ll experience firsthand how Beebots, Indibots, and 3D pens can turn abstract concepts into tangible "Aha!" moments. Come ready to play, leave ready to inspire.
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
410835
|
Heroes of '26: App Smashing Your AI Super-Suite for the Future of Tech
2:40 PM - 3:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
The year is 2026, and the landscape of education has shifted. To meet the challenges of the future, educators are no longer just teachers—they are the architects of a new frontier. But even heroes need the right gear.
In this high-energy session, we will "App Smash" our way into the next era of instruction. We’ll go beyond basic tools to assemble a high-tech toolkit designed to give you and your students legitimate superpowers. Participants will decrypt the "Big Three" of the 2026 Google AI Universe:
The Tactical Mind (Gemini): Harness a world-class AI strategist to automate lesson design and differentiate instruction at "super-speed," reducing administrative "villains" like paperwork and planning by 50% or more.
The Infinite Archive (NotebookLM): Equip students with "X-Ray Vision" to see through the noise of information overload, transforming static sources into interactive, AI-powered research assistants that find deep, evidence-based insights.
The Power Suit (Google Workspace): Master the native AI features woven into Docs, Slides, and Sheets to create professional, future-ready student artifacts and streamline your daily workflow until it shines.
The future isn't coming—it’s here. We Are 26. It’s time to suit up, smash your apps, and unlock the hero within your classroom.
|
Instructional Technology
|
3/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412396
|
Door Prizes
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Door Prizes
|
Door Prizes
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Wednesday May 13, 2026
|
|
412400
|
Social Dinner
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island
Social Dinner off-site @ Bar Louie Courtyard Marriott
|
Social Dinner
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412364
|
Registration
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Lobby
Registration
|
Registration
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
410837
|
Verification Framework through an Economic Lens Using AI
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Stop students from using AI as a "Vending Machine." Learn the Verification Framework: a method to build AI "Gatekeepers" that refuse to yield until students prove they understand the material. Leave with the code to turn AI from a cheating tool into a rigorous assessment engine.
Learning Objectives (What will attendees learn?):
1. The Incentive Shift: Understand why "cheating" is an economic calculation and how to design prompts that make learning the path of least resistance.
2. The Build: Create "Gatekeeper" prompts (live during the session) that force students to use specific vocabulary and logic to "unlock" the AI.
3. The Assessment: Learn the "Mission Report" grading method to assess student-AI interactions in seconds (grading the struggle, not just the output).
Target Audience:
K-12 Teachers (All Content Areas), Instructional Coaches, Campus Administrators.
Session Type / Format:
Interactive / Hands-On (Bring Your Own Device recommended)
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
410838
|
Building a Robust Esports Program / The Benefits of Scholastic Esports
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Esport Programs are more than just playing video games. Dr. Carranza, a leader in scholastic esports, discusses what else you could add to your starting problem or to your established program to make it more robust. Devices are not needed but welcomed.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
410839
|
Ready, Set, Tech: Elevating Prep with Peterson’s
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
"In an era where digital readiness defines student success, the library is evolving beyond physical collections. By integrating Peterson’s Test Prep, we are transforming our space into a high-tech launchpad for college and career readiness—providing students with 24/7 access to interactive practice exams, foundational skill-building, and personalized career exploration tools."
|
Instructional Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
410859
|
Art, Heart, and AI: Empowering Your Community Projects with Tech
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Workshop Overview: We’ve all been there: you have a great idea for a community project or a new tech initiative, but you’re staring at a blank screen wondering how to start. In the "Future of Tech," we don't spend hours on busywork. We use AI to do the heavy lifting so we can focus on the heart of the project.
This workshop is a hands-on look at a simple, three-step system to turn a single "seed" of an idea into a full suite of professional materials. Using Google Gemini, Canva, and AI Art, I will show you how I built a real-world community art project from scratch—including the letters to parents, the promotional flyers, and the project layout itself.
What We’ll Cover: I won't just talk about theory; I will show you the exact "recipe" I used to create:
The Brainstorm: Using Gemini to take a rough idea and turn it into professional letters for parents and clear project proposals for the community.
The Vision: Using AI Image Generators to create unique art that illustrates the project before a single paintbrush even touches a canvas.
The Final Product: Using Canva to pull it all together into beautiful flyers and social media posts that look like they were made by a high-end marketing agency.
Why This Matters for "The Future of Tech"
The future isn't just about robots and coding; it’s about empowerment. This workshop shows how anyone—regardless of their design background—can use these tools to communicate more effectively, save time, and bring their community together. We are taking the "scary" out of AI and showing how it can be a partner in our creative lives.
|
Instructional Technology
|
2/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412279
|
AI for Teachers: Practical Strategies That Work
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
This session is designed for educators who are new to AI and want clear, practical ways to use it in their daily work. Participants will learn how to structure prompts to generate useful, accurate results and apply those strategies to common tasks such as lesson planning, creating assessments, and adjusting instruction for different student needs.
The session focuses on efficiency and usability. Educators will see how to refine AI responses, avoid common mistakes, and use AI as a support tool—not a replacement for instruction. Examples will be grounded in real classroom scenarios to ensure immediate application.
Participants will leave with a set of reliable prompts and a straightforward approach they can use right away.
|
Information Technology
|
1/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412276
|
From Vision to Practice: Harlingen CISD's AI Journey in K-12 Education
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
In this session, we'll take an honest look at Harlingen CISD's AI journey - where we started, where we are today, and where we're headed. We'll walk through the formation of our district AI task force, how it shaped our approach to responsible implementation, and the development of our Digital Responsibility Handbook - a living resource designed to guide staff and students in navigating AI ethically and effectively.
From district-level strategy to classroom application, this session offers a real-world look at what it takes to move AI from buzzword to practice. We'll also share hands-on tips and tools our educators are using right now, including NotebookLM for organization and study habits as well as Gemini for content creation.
Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to formalize what you're already doing, this session will leave you with a roadmap and real resources to move forward with confidence.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412281
|
Apple Sauce: Enhancing Critical Thinking & Innovation with Apple in the Classroom
9:00 AM - 11:39 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
his 100 minute presentation will showcase how integrating Apple technology into secondary CTE classrooms unlocks limitless possibilities for student creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Through real classroom experiences in Computer Science, Audio/Video Production, and Graphic Design, we will demonstrate how Apple products empower students to move beyond consumption into creation, problem-solving, and real-world application.
Participants will gain insight into how Apple devices support rigorous academic instruction, elevate Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and strengthen extracurricular programs including Robotics, TSA, Esports, and BPA. Campus administration will share leadership strategies for implementation and scaling innovation, and an Apple representative will outline practical steps to get started.
Toward the end of the session, audience members will participate in a hands-on experience where they explore Apple apps directly on devices—editing a short video clip, creating a simple graphic, and interacting with a beginner-level computer science application. This interactive segment allows participants to experience firsthand how Apple tools cultivate creativity and critical thinking in real time.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412284
|
From Static to Dynamic: Digital Tools to Enhance Library Instruction and Programming
9:55 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
This session explores how librarians can transform traditional, static instruction and programming into engaging, technology-enhanced experiences. By leveraging digital tools such as interactive presentation platforms, collaborative apps, multimedia creation tools, and data visualization techniques, library professionals can foster patron engagement, improve information retention, and expand access to learning.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
410860
|
The World’s Game: Publishing a Global Fan Guide with Book Creator
9:55 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Put the power of the press in your students' hands! In this Learning Lab, we’ll use Book Creator to design a multimedia "Fan Guide" for the 2026 host cities. You’ll learn how to integrate Google Maps for stadium locations, use the "Auto-draw" tool to design custom jerseys, and record "Stadium Chants" using the audio feature.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412289
|
Teaching Like the World Cup: Soccer, Life, and AI in the Classroom
9:55 AM - 10:40 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
As AI transforms education, what remains uniquely human about teaching? This interactive session draws powerful connections between soccer, life, and the classroom to explore decision-making, adaptability, and human connection in the age of AI. Participants will leave with practical insights and a renewed understanding of their role as educators in a rapidly evolving world.
|
Instructional Technology
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412374
|
Exhibit Hall Open
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
0/1000
|
|
|
|
Thursday May 14, 2026
|
|
412398
|
Door Prizes
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 500
Door Prizes
|
Door Prizes
|
0/1000
|
|
|