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PAGE 2[Manhattan, KS] – The MACE ITN committee is pleased to announce thesuccessful completion of the ITN 2025 conference. The event, heldyesterday, brought together K-12 technology staff from across the statefor a series of engaging and informative presentations.This year’s conference featured a diverse group of experts who sharedtheir extensive knowledge and experience in educational technology.Attendees benefited from presentations covering a wide range of topics,including AI, Cybersecurity, digital citizenship, data and more.The ITN 2025 program offered valuable opportunities for professionaldevelopment, allowing participants to enhance their existing skills, learnabout new advancements in the field, and network with peers. The diverseperspectives of the presenters ensured that there was something foreveryone, catering to the varying needs and interests of K-12 tech staff. A full list of presentation descriptions can be found at the MACE website. The MACE ITN committee extends its sincere thanks to the presenters,sponsors, and attendees who contributed to the success of ITN 2025.Planning is already underway for ITN 2026, and the committee looksforward to welcoming the K-12 tech community again next year.ITN 2025 CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE FOR K-12 TECH STAFFITNITNCONFERENCECONFERENCE
ITN SPONSORSITN SPONSORSThe ITN Conference wouldn't be possible without the incredible supportof our vendor partners! Be sure to find them in the vendor hallBallrooms A and D in the Alumni Center.Click here to see this year’s sponsor’s. Fortinet – Cybersecurity is the foundation of every great IT strategy,and Fortinet continues to lead the way in protecting our schools fromevolving threats. Stop by their sessions to learn how their security-driven networking approach keeps data safe and accessible! Kansas City Audio Visual – Seamless communication and interactivelearning start with the right AV solutions. KCAV delivers cutting-edgeaudiovisual technology that enhances collaboration in classrooms andbeyond. See their latest innovations in action! Heartland Business Systems – From infrastructure to cloudsolutions, Heartland Business Systems is dedicated to helping K-12institutions build resilient and efficient IT environments. Don’t misstheir insights on optimizing technology for education. CDW Education – Supporting schools with customized IT solutions,CDW Education bridges the gap between technology and learning. Theirexpertise in ed-tech solutions ensures that schools have the tools theyneed to succeed in the digital age.Visit Their Booths & Sessions!MACE MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER VOL 2
Antalya CityTurkish PilavPazar FestivalPAGE 4ARTIFICIALARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCEINTELLIGENCEAI BOOT CAMP EMPOWERED EDUCATORS TO TRANSFORM TEACHING AND LEARNING([Manhattan, KS] – ITN pre-conference boot camp, "From Ideas to AI: A Teacher'sGuide to AI in the Classroom," proved a resounding success, equipping educatorswith the knowledge and tools to integrate artificial intelligence into their teachingpractice. The immersive session, held yesterday, provided a hands-on explorationof AI's transformative potential in education.Participants explored how AI can enhance learning outcomes and preparestudents for a tech-driven future through engaging activities and collaborativediscussions. The boot camp covered key areas, including:Demystifying AI Fundamentals: understanding of what AI is and its growinginfluence on education.Mastering Prompt Engineering: practical techniques for crafting effectiveprompts for AI tools like ChatGPT to generate insightful and relevant contentfor their lessons.Exploring AI Tools: AI applications and resources that streamline lessonplanning, content creation, and boost student engagement.Discussing Ethical Considerations: ethical implications of AI in education,including data privacy and responsible use, preparing educators to navigatethis evolving landscape.Participants left the session with valuable skills and innovative strategies, ready totransform their ideas into AI-powered learning experiences. The boot camp servedas a valuable opportunity for school professionals to be at the forefront ofeducational innovation.
PREMIER SPONSORSPREMIER SPONSORSINDUSTRYINDUSTRYPARTNERSHIPSPARTNERSHIPSBRENTHAVENLAPTOP COVER GIVEAWAYASL INTERPERTER FOR ITN
GOLD SPONSORSGOLD SPONSORSClassLinkHoward Technology SolutionsInstructureLightspeed technologiesParentSquareSchoolAIShort AnswerTrne US IncSILVER SPONSORSSILVER SPONSORSAllegiant TechAtlonaBenQ EdByteSpeed‘Cytek Media Systems, IncECCEdPuzzleEmporia State University School of Library and Information ManagementFilament Information SecurityHaddock EducationiBenzerKS Association of American EducatorsKS National Education AssociationKSU Department of Curriculum and InstructionRiverside Technologies Inc (RTI)PAGE 6
Keynote: A Struggle to Learn – Leslie FisherGood grades? For Leslie Fisher, they were hard-earned. As a visual learner in a time when visuals were scarce, Leslie struggled throughout her formal education. It wasn't until she received herfirst computer (ironically, at graduation) that she discovered her lifelongpassion for learning – a passion that required the right tools. With animpressive 27-year career as an Educational Technology presenter, Leslie willshare her personal journey, demonstrating how someone who never enjoyedschool dedicated her career to helping teachers create engaging classrooms.She'll also share inspiring success stories from teachers she's worked withalong the way.Breakout 1: Tools You Can Use TomorrowThis session highlights tips, tricks, new features, and "Did you know" aboutsome of the easiest-to-use, popular solutions used in EdTech today andintroduces you to some new solutions as well. This session is ever-changing,and you are guaranteed to see new features from some of your favoritesolutions and hopefully learn about an all-new solution. The focus will be ononline solutions (many also have apps) that can be used in various gradelevels and focuses. The goal is to show you useful solutions that are easy touse and can be used immediately.Breakout 2: Content Creation and Storytelling – Best Apps and Sites forTeachers and StudentsInterested in empowering your students to become effective contentcreators? This presentation offers practical solutions and guidance you canuse immediately to support student content creation. Explore tools andtechniques for digital storytelling, image creation, and more, equipping yourstudents with the skills they need to express themselves creatively andeffectively.KEYNOTEKEYNOTEMACE MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER VOL 2
Rachel MeenenWith 15 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career tohelping students reach their potential. For the first eight years of mycareer I was a classroom teacher and for the last seven years I have beenworking as an Instructional Coach. Both of these roles have allowed meto affect students in different ways and I believe that we can learn just asmuch from our students as they learn from us. As a lifelong learner, Iconstantly seek effective strategies and innovations to enhanceeducational practices.Breakout: Sparking Positive DisruptionTechnology can easily replace paper and pencil in the classroom, whichmakes teacher life more efficient. What if we used technology as apositive disruptor instead of just a replacement for paper and pencil? Inthis session, I will introduce you to the T3 Framework and how you canlevel up the use of technology to disrupt the normal day to day use. Wewill explore different platforms that can elevate student engagementand learning outcomes and help you spark a positive disruption!3 and 4 pm in Forum hallSPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHTPAGE 8Click to Ask AI Bot about MACE
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We’re excited to share that college credit isavailable for those attending the MACEConference through Baker University! This is agreat opportunity to further your professionaldevelopment while participating in theconference.To register for credit, please visit thefollowing link:https://bakeruniversity.formstack.com/forms/mace_mid_america_coop_regPAGE 10
FOOD, FUN,FOOD, FUN,FACEBOOKFACEBOOKFood, Food, and MoreFoodAt MACE, we celebrateeducators with morethan just inspiringsessions—we nourish thebody and soul! From adelightful sit-down lunchin the KSU UnionBallroom to energizingsnacks, hors d'oeuvres,and a hearty breakfast,MACE provides the fuelyou need to connect andcollaborate. Share ameal, find a new face,network, makeconnections, and learnfrom others whileenjoying good food andeven better company.Social Media Shout OutMaximize yourconference experienceby connecting andsharing on social media!Use the #MACEKS25 tojoin the conversation,discover key takeaways,and network with fellowattendees. Share yourown insights, favoritequotes, and photos ofinspiring moments. Youmay find your name onthe prize board! Social media extends thelearning beyond theconference walls,allowing you to buildprofessional connectionsand continue theconversation long afterour event. MACE MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER VOL 2#MACEKS25
MACEMACE SOCIAL HOURSOCIAL HOURNetwork and Have FunJoin Us for an Eveningof Networking andRefreshments! After aday of learning andinspiration, unwind andconnect with felloweducators at our socialnetworking hour! Joinus for hors d'oeuvres,drinks, and engagingconversation at theAlumni Center from5:00-6:00 PM. It's theperfect opportunity tonetwork, share ideas,and build connectionswith colleagues fromacross the state. Welook forward to seeingyou there!Explore the LatestEdTech Innovations:Visit Our Exhibit Hall!Step into the future ofeducation! Take sometime to explore ourexhibit hall in BanquetRooms A & D, whereyou'll discover the latestcutting-edgetechnologies, tools, andresources designed toenhance teaching andlearning. Connect withvendors, get hands-ondemos, and findinspiration for yourclassroom. Don't missthis opportunity to seewhat's new in ed tech!PAGE 12Thank you to our sponsor:
Tour the Sunderland Foundation Innovation LabJeff Sheldon - Sunderland Foundation Innovation LabThe Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab is K-State's shared learningenvironment and makerspace that's open to all faculty, staff, students,and the surrounding community. This collection of spaces blendsinnovative and emerging technologies with experiential learning on twofloors of K-State’s historic Hale Library. Join Innovation Lab staff for a tour of this exciting environment andlearn more about how our media, data, and prototyping resources addvalue to the K-State experience and advance the University’s LandGrant mission.SUTHERLANDSUTHERLANDFOUNDATIONFOUNDATIONINOVATION LABINOVATION LABMACE MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER VOL 2
Adam Vinter Adam is an Education Outreach Manager at Omaha Public Schools inOmaha, Nebraska. He collaborates with Common Sense Media to helpregional educators, students, and families approach media andtechnology thoughtfully while building healthy habits at school andhome. By providing trustworthy, research-based information, Adamhelps navigate the ever-changing world of media and technology tocreate a more equitable and empowering future for all kids.Adam has more than ten years of wide-ranging experience in education.In previous roles, Adam has been a 3rd and 4th-grade teacher, computerscience specialist, and an elementary instructional technology coach.Adam holds a masters in Educational Leadership from Doane Universityand a masters in Instructional Technology Leadership from theUniversity of Nebraska-Omaha. Outside work, Adam can be foundsharing laughs with his wife and two young daughters or playing adultleague recreation hockey.Sessions on Thursday, March 6 at 12:45 and 1:45 and 3:00COMMONCOMMONSENSESENSEMEDIAMEDIAPAGE 14
MACEMACEMINI-GRANTSMINI-GRANTSThis grant will allow educators to purchase technology fortheir classrooms and schools that would otherwise not beavailable.Four $500 grants will be awarded through MACE for the2024-2025 school year at the opening session of theconference.All grants will be made to the individual awardee, not thedistrict, building, or organization. Please check with yourdistrict to understand your local policy for awardacceptance. Grant winners will be required to film a short video using thetechnology purchased with the grant. This video will beshared with MACE to be used on MACE social media and atthe annual conference. Be sure to check our website andsocial media to see the impact these grants make on learning.ADD WEBSITEMACE MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER VOL 2
Chris AdamsBeloit USD 273K-6 STEMMerge Cubes will provide ahands-on digital learningplatform that helps studentslearn science and STEMeffectively with 3D objects andsimulations they can touch, hold,and interact with.Laura LeisSmoky Valley USD 400Students can use micro bitcontrollers, which are simplifiedcomputers, to create newproducts or solve real-worldproblems. Some of the activitieswill include making wearableelectronics to count softballpitches, count and recordseveral items picked up, or lightup to the beat of the music.Students can also use featureslike GPS to create a collar fortheir dog that tracks theirmovements throughout the day.MINI-GRANTMINI-GRANTWINNERSWINNERSMadi AndersonMaize USD 266K-4 STEAMWe aim to create a student-driven STEAM BroadcastingClub using podcasting toolswhere students can expresstheir voices, developcommunication skills, and learnmedia production techniques.Melissa LoveMaize USD 266K-4 STEAMUsing Makey Makey kitsstudents will be able tounderstand coding, howcircuits work, and useinteractive designs. Studentswill also use 21st-century skillssuch as critical thinking,collaboration, and creativity.PAGE 16
Kansas educators, we know firsthand the critical role technology plays intoday's classrooms. Across the state, dedicated IT staff are workingtirelessly to enhance learning, improve efficiency, and strengthencybersecurity in our schools. From implementing new help desk systemsand deploying cutting-edge classroom tools to streamlining datamanagement and safeguarding student data, their contributions areinvaluable.MACE ITN is seeking your help to recognize and celebrate these unsungheroes of K-12 education. We invite you to nominate outstanding IT staffin your district who are going above and beyond to support students andteachers. Let's shine a spotlight on the innovative and impactful workhappening in K-12 IT across Kansas! Nominate your tech heroes today! Click here to to learn more about the MACE Tech Staff RecognitionProgramRECOGNITIONRECOGNITIONMACE MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER VOL 2MACE TO LAUNCH NEW MONTHLY TECH STAFFRECOGNITION PROGRAMTechDepartmentInnovation