By Tyler Dahlgren

Educators near and far are familiar with the intersection of Education and Technology. They travel those crossroads every single day, often at blazing speeds in order to keep up with the crowd.

In this day of Artificial Intelligence (AI) emergence and an ever-changing technological landscape, schools really have no other choice.

“Every district embraces AI differently,” said Adams Central Jr/Sr High School principal Scott Harrington. “We talk about policy with each other and we look around to see how other districts are utilizing it, because at the end of the day, kids are using it. They’re going to use it when they leave, so instead of banning it, we have to figure out how to best tailor learning around it.”

Harrington, who is also a member of the Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) Board of Directors, has seen firsthand how digital tools can both complicate and revolutionize a school building. Technology is a vast world, and Harrington, along with hundreds of colleagues and Nebraska students, will dive in headfirst at the NETA Spring Conference April 30-May 1 in Kearney.

A springtime tradition, Harrington called the event the “premier technology conference in the state,” a two-day blend of high-level innovation, student talent and practical solutions for the modern educator. This year's theme is "Remix Learning," and beyond all the invaluable learning and exploration, Harrington emphasized that NETA’s true value lies in its people. He called the conference a vital hub for collaboration and reflection in a state known for its tight-knit spirit.

"Nebraska has some of the best teachers around," Harrington said. "We have a great education system because we share, we learn, and we collaborate. For me, it’s always about finding new and innovative ways to engage kids in their learning, and the NETA Spring Conference is the place to do that."

The conference is a premier platform for students, too. Far from a lecture-only event, the conference floor will be alive with student-led initiatives.

Harrington highlighted the involvement of Class Intercom, where students manage social media and digital storytelling, as well as an Esports tournament hosted by student teams, providing a window into how competitive gaming is building community in schools. The competition isn't limited to the kids, either.

"We even have an Esports tournament where the teachers can compete at night," Harrington said. "We set up a room and have game nights so [educators] can actually get involved in it a little bit, too. It’s a really fun time."

While many younger teachers are digital natives comfortable with basic tech integration, the emergence of AI has added to the vital and already-existing need for professional development.

Harrington is particularly focused on how AI can assist those behind the scenes. He will lead a “Birds of a Feather” session, an informal Q&A-style gathering, specifically aimed at administrators.

"The way I’m phrasing it is, ‘How can we make workflow better?’" Harrington explained. "As administrators, especially principals, we’ve got so much going on in so many different directions. I embrace technology as a way to try and streamline that workflow."

The conference is geared towards everybody, not just IT directors or computer teachers. There’s targeted sessions on digital literacy and resource management for librarians and media specialists. Safety directors can drop in on discussions led by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) regarding technology and security. Classroom teachers can engage in practical play sessions to test out new tools before bringing them back to students.

There’s one more thing attendees can expect from the NETA Spring Conference. Between Music Bingo, the game nights and social mixers, the conference is designed to prevent "sit and get" fatigue.

"It’s not just to come and sit and get, you also can play," Harrington said. "You get that opportunity to test out new things and engage with people who might be able to help you get started on something new for your kids."

To learn more about the NETA Spring Conference, click here!