SWWC IT² 2026

Educational technology should never be implemented simply because it is available. It should be deployed with purpose, aligned to instructional goals, and used to create meaningful learning experiences that improve outcomes for students. Over the past decade, schools have experienced an unprecedented expansion of devices, digital tools, online resources, and data systems. The rapid transition to remote learning accelerated technology adoption across K-12 education, often leaving districts little time to fully align technology investments with instructional practices, professional learning, and long-term strategic goals.

Today, school leaders face a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, increasing concerns about student screen time and distraction, heightened expectations around data privacy and cybersecurity, and growing demands for digital literacy and citizenship. At the same time, communities expect schools to prepare students for a future in which technology and AI will be embedded in nearly every aspect of work, learning, and daily life.

This session will challenge participants to rethink the role of technology in K-12 education and explore what it means to implement technology with purpose. Together, we will examine how districts can move beyond technology for technology's sake and develop systems, practices, and cultures that support learning, empower educators, and prepare students for an increasingly digital world. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for aligning technology initiatives with instructional priorities, fostering responsible and effective AI use, strengthening digital citizenship, and ensuring that technology investments positively impact student learning. The future of educational technology is not about more tools. It is about making intentional decisions that help students become capable learners, informed citizens, and responsible stewards of our intellectual, natural, and digital resources.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

In this one-hour session, Jocelin Maine and Maureen Carrigan, will highlight the challenges that prompted change, including the key pain points they were experiencing across access, account management, and instructional time. Attendees will gain insight into their implementation process, get a live look at their district’s digital access platform, share lessons learned along the way, and how ongoing support has helped sustain success.The session will also explore additional tools and capabilities available to districts, with a focus on opportunities that extend beyond what Lakeville is currently using. Walk away with practical insights and real-world strategies to help improve access, save time, and better support teaching and learning in your district.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Join us for a high-impact walkthrough of how AI supercharges Blocksi’s platform to address real-world K–12 challenges—starting with student safety and classroom management, all the way to intelligent web filtering and academic integrity. From threat detection to smarter content categorization, we’ll show how our AI-driven tools work behind the scenes to support safer, more efficient learning environments.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Technology leaders are being asked to do more with fewer resources while supporting AI initiatives, securing devices, simplifying management, and empowering teachers with tools they'll actually use. Join this interactive session to see how today's classroom technology can work together as a complete ecosystem—not just another interactive display. Through live demonstrations, explore practical ways to: Turn Google Slides into interactive lessons using EZWrite, Save teachers time with built-in AI tools like AI Quiz Builder, Ask AI, and intelligent search; Improve accessibility with speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and real-time language translation; Create engaging lessons using math tools, annotation, and collaborative whiteboarding; Enable seamless wireless casting, screen sharing, and remote device control with InstaShare 2; Manage displays at scale with DMS, AMS, and IAM; Communicate district-wide using Broadcast and X-Sign digital signage; Walk away with practical ideas for creating AI-ready classrooms while reducing management complexity for your IT team.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User Support;Technology Integration

During this presentation we'll review some of the biggest Cybersecurity Risks and ways to protect your network with defense in layers. We do a quick check on Lifecycle of Windows software and review the latest password standards in NIST 800-63B.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Waubun Public Schools implemented the American Time EverAlert Notification System to strengthen school safety, improve emergency communication, and provide consistent campus-wide messaging. The system integrates with 3CX and enables administrators to instantly deliver visual and audible alerts during emergencies such as severe weather, lockdowns, fire alarms, or other critical situations, helping ensure that students, staff, and visitors receive clear instructions in real time. In addition to emergency notifications, EverAlert supports daily communications, synchronized timekeeping, announcements, and scheduling, creating a more efficient and connected learning environment. By adopting this technology, Waubun Public Schools enhanced its ability to communicate quickly, accurately, and effectively while promoting a safer school community.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

HPE Self-Driving Networks leverage agentic AI, digital twins, and Large Experience Models (LEMs) to create an autonomous infrastructure that self-optimizes, self-protects, and self-heals in real time, eliminating manual troubleshooting. The platform enables proactive assurance, dynamic capacity optimization, and autonomous operations, resulting in a 75% reduction in support tickets and enhanced security, as demonstrated by real world environments. By shifting IT operations from reactive firefighting to proactive management, organizations can prioritize strategic innovation. You can learn more about this technology on the HPE website or by contacting your Marco rep.

Target audience identified by presenter: Network Support ;Technology Systems and User Support;Technology Leadership;Cybersecurity

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Target audience identified by presenter:

You’re the go-to person for all things tech in your district and increasingly expected to handle administrative tasks like budgeting, strategic planning and security. This session is designed for K-12 technology professionals ready to embrace and enhance their leadership capabilities. We will explore opportunities to hone leadership skills, foster valuable collaborations and find support among colleagues available through regional, state and national organizations like SWWC, COSN-MN, MASA, ISTE and more. Join us for an open discussion, idea sharing and learning.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership