Brains and Bots: Navigating the AI Revolution in K-12

Presenter: DSU College of Education Instructor Betsy Schamber and Assistant Professor Megan Schuh

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

Are you wondering how Artificial Intelligence (AI) fits in with your role as a superintendent or school board member? In this hands-on session, participants will gain foundational knowledge about supporting and integrating AI into K-12 education. We will introduce educator-friendly AI tools and demonstrate their potential to transform teaching and learning. Attendees will then engage in interactive exploration using these tools.

Streamlining School Communication: User Research and AI for Website Improvement

Presenter: BHSSC Learning Specialist Brady Licht

Thursday, 11:30 to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

Overwhelmed by daily questions that could be answered by your school website? Learn how to conduct user research and leverage free generative AI tools to make gradual improvements, even without technical expertise. Discover strategies to gather insights, understand needed changes, and enhance your site’s user-friendliness. By optimizing your website, you can reduce inquiries and streamline communication. This session equips you with the tools to enhance your school’s online presence.

One Step Ahead: Developing an AI Readiness Framework for Schools

Presenter: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative Representative Andrew Ley

Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

This session will lay out a comprehensive framework that goes beyond the excitement and buzz to provide a practical, structured process for schools to successfully integrate generative AI technologies. Whether the focus is on staff or student use, the framework covers essential components such as assessing readiness, addressing ethical considerations, building capacity, curriculum integration, and monitoring impact to ensure a strategic and responsible implementation.

Teaching Your Teachers to Use Artificial Intelligence

Presenter: DSU Dean of the College of Education Dr. David De Jong

Friday, 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

In this dynamic session, principals will gain invaluable insights into effectively teaching their teachers to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for lesson planning and differentiation. Participants will learn practical strategies and tools to integrate AI seamlessly into classroom practices, enhancing personalized learning experiences for students. Join us to empower your faculty with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage AI for educational innovation and excellence.

Enhancing Access: Expanding Cyber Education Across South Dakota

Presenter: DSU Dean of the Governors Cyber Academy and K-12 Initiatives Fenecia Homan

Friday, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

The Governors Cyber Academy at Dakota State University expands awareness of and access to cyber education and career pathways for students throughout South Dakota. During this session the presenters will highlight key components of the Cyber Academy including research-based best practices for dual credit facilitation and our mobile cyber lab that exposes middle school and high school students to cyber concepts through differentiated and interactive lessons and activities.