Featured Events & Keynotes
Learn from our edtech community’s brightest minds and enjoy special opportunities to unwind and connect
A Trio of Unforgettable Keynotes
Eric Curts
Author, Educator, and Edtech Specialist
Dr. Adam Phyall III
Edtech Thought Leader and Advocate
Edtech Share
featuring K-12 Educators and the Learning Technology Center
With 32 years of education experience, Eric Curts is one of the US’ leading edtech trainers and advocates. He currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio, where he oversees Google for Education implementation, training, and support, as well as other technology integration initiatives. Eric is an authorized Google Education Trainer and Innovator, and provides training to schools, organizations, and conferences throughout Ohio and across the country.
Outside the Midwest, Eric’s insights on tech-powered learning, creativity, and collaboration are trusted by thousands of educators. He is the author of Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects, and shares timely, relevant resources on his award-winning blog, www.ControlAltAchieve.com.
Keynote
The Bionic Educator
Wednesday, November 13, 10:30 am
Who (or what) is the best educator in the world – today’s teachers or tomorrow’s technology?
The short answer – a successful educator is a bit of both. It all comes down to potential.
Come discover how harnessing emergent technology such as artificial intelligence can help you be the best educator you can be, and how these same technologies can also support learners as they strive to meet their full potential.
Dr. Adam Phyall III is the Director of Professional Learning and Leadership for Future Ready Schools and former Director of Technology and Library Media Services for Newton County School System in Covington, GA. A former high school teacher, he has been hooked on the fantastic things that technology can add to education since getting his first laptop in college.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Phyall has worked extensively with Title I and urban schools in Georgia and Missouri to improve technology integration for economically-disadvantaged students. His philosophy on teaching is “if you’re having fun teaching it, then your students will have fun learning it.”
Keynote
IT Ain’t About You
Thursday, November 14, 8:30 am
By now, we fully understand technology’s lasting significance in the classroom. The ongoing challenge lies in implementing it effectively.
How can we bring together the technology and curriculum departments to drive cohesive implementation? How can schools better collaborate with parents, local businesses, and universities – all while ensuring every student’s voice is heard in STEM programs?
During this keynote, Dr. Adam Phyall will share a fresh perspective on tackling these challenges, all drawn from specific examples in his years as an educator. He’ll also provide valuable insights into rallying school stakeholders and ensuring your next technology initiative is a success.
Each year, Edtech Share brings together several of Illinois’ top education luminaries to share how they’re transforming learning experiences using innovative edtech solutions.
More than a simple app showcase, this fast-paced keynote offers attendees the chance to discover cutting-edge edtech resources for engaging today’s learners at every grade and in every subject area.
Taking a step beyond pedagogy, these insights are also based on real world applications being used in Illinois classrooms today – making them perfect for every teacher, coach, and curriculum leader.
Keynote
AI Perspectives from Across the School
Friday, November 15, 8:30 am
Artificial intelligence is big – as big as any school community. Everyone from teachers to tech leaders are piloting AI and discovering where it fits into their school day.
We all have a part to play in AI adoption. Come discover how your role can make the most of this edtech moment, with tools, tips, and strategies shared by a:
- Classroom teacher
- Technology coach
- Technology leader
- PD provider
AI adoption is a team effort, too. This down-to-earth panel will highlight AI’s overlapping opportunities and challenges, making it a must-see for all K-12 teams eager to expand their horizons.
Hosted by
Steve Wick | Indian Prairie CUSD 204
Lisa Schwartz | Learning Technology Center
Brayden Matsko | St Michael the Archangel School (Streator)
Elizabeth Byam Radunz | Learning Technology Center
Breakaway Summit Experiences
Take part in focused conversations and discover resources relevant to your interests and job role during these exclusive breakaway events. Each summit is hosted by experts who are ready to help you elevate your professional practice, starting here.
Tech Leader Summit
Join fellow technology directors, coordinators, and technology decision-makers for a breakaway event centered on empowering technology departments in all Illinois school districts.
Bring your questions and success stories for a timely, relevant conversation about how to enhance cybersecurity and technology utilization in K-12 environments – all led by a panel of current technology leaders from across the state.
Panelists
- Michael Marassa |Chief Technology Officer, New Trier HSD 203
- Curtis McKay | Director of Technology, Belleville HSD 201
- Maria Stavropoulos |Director of Technology, Northbrook SD 28
- Ben Kelly | Assistant Director of Technology, Champaign CUSD 4
- AJ Gee | Assistant Director of Technology, Champaign CUSD 4
Date & Time: Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 10:30 am – 12:20 pm
Location: Main Stage (Keynote Area)
Women in Technology Breakfast
How can we all help support and elevate women in K-12 technology positions?
Join fellow educators for an inspirational gathering where you’ll learn from current edtech trailblazers, including their successes, challenges, and strategies for developing pathways to professional success.
Attendees will also share their experiences, connect with other women in technology, and discover insights into leading while staying true to their identity.
Complimentary breakfast will be served.
Date & Time: Friday, November 15, 2023 | 7:30am – 8:20am
Location: B11 C-D
Esports Alley
Esports is more than a game. Through this collaboration-focused activity, students can find community – not to mention pathways to college scholarships and STEM careers.
Come see for yourself during a live esports demonstration featuring current esports athletes. K-12 esports team leaders will also be on hand to answer your questions and help you press “start” on your own esports club or team.
Featuring Student Athletes from
- East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14
Date & Time: Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Outside B11 A
Special Events
IETC is about more than learning from edtech experts and taking part in hands-on workshops. You can also connect with friends, discover new perspectives, and enjoy some complimentary entertainment at these special events:
IETC Social
Start the evening off right by joining us for free drinks, appetizers, and games.
This is the perfect chance to connect with friends new and old as we gather and prepare to learn together.
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall
Trivia Night
Better study up! Bring your brains and a group of 6-8 friends to the Main Stage for a head-to-head general knowledge competition. Across five rounds, teams with work together to answer trivia-style questions about film, music, technology, and more.
Don’t have a team? Simply show up and we’ll assign you to a group of (soon-to-be) best friends.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Main Stage (Keynote Area)
Ready to Experience IETC?
All of this and more awaits you across 3 days packed with transformative learning and lasting connections