ATLE Convergence 2025: Full Schedule

Convergence wouldn’t happen without the support of volunteers!
We need 1 person in each breakout session to volunteer to be the moderator for the session.

Duties would include:

Arriving 5 minutes early to the session to greet the speaker and ensure tech needs are met. Contacting the Convergence team if any issues need to be resolved.
Introducing the speaker and session. (Biographies will be printed and provided.)
Moving portable microphone(s) between attendees for Q&A.
Recording an approximate number of attendees for the session and reporting to registration desk.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW

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7:30am MDT

Breakfast

Thursday July 24, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am MDT

Event Centre

Thursday July 24, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am MDT
Event Centre

Meals

8:00am MDT

Registration

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00am - 10:30am MDT

Concourse

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00am - 10:30am MDT
Concourse

Registration

8:45am MDT

Personal Devices Panel Discussion

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT

Legacy A

The Personal Devices in Schools Panel Discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing the Ministerial Order of Alberta regarding personal devices in schools. School leaders and IT professionals will share their perspectives on implementing the Ministerial Order, considerations, and how it has impacted schools and divisions.

Speakers

Blythe Evans

Teacher-consultant, Edmonton Public Schools

Blythe has been with Edmonton Public Schools for 17 years. She started her career as an elementary teacher, then continued as a technology lead teacher, assistant principal, and assessment consultant. Through each of these roles, Blythe continued learning about technology integration... Read More →

Lyle Lee and group

Director of Information Technology, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division

Kylie Kissel

Director, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Kylie is the current Director of Education Technology at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. Growing up in a family of educators, he never imagined that he would end up in the Alberta K-12 education system, but by good fortune, he accidentally became a teacher in 2009. Since then... Read More →

Jesse Sadlowski

Director of Technology, Lethbridge School Division

As the Director of Technology Learning and Innovation, Mr. Sadlowski is responsible for the overall planning, organizing, and execution of all IT functions within the district. This includes overseeing all IT operations that help meet educational requirements as well as support and... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Legacy A

E is for Everyone

8:45am MDT

Vretta for ET

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT

Legacy C

TBD

Speakers

Jennifer Philips

Online Assessment Specialist, Alberta Education

Jeremy Wiebe

Manager, Online Assessment, Alberta Education

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Legacy C

E is for Everyone

8:45am MDT

Don’t Let AI Scare You: Embracing AI in Elementary School

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT

Paskapoo 3

Does AI have a place in the elementary school landscape? Do students need exposure to it in the early years or are they simply too young? Join me as we explore what Generative AI can look like in an elementary school and how you can use it with your staff and students to empower them and set our youngest learners up to thrive and succeed in a quickly evolving world!

Speakers

Kim Kruchkowski

Elementary Educator, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

My name is Kim Kruchkowski. I am an elementary educator with a passion for hands-on learning, inquiry and incorporating technology purposely into the classroom. I have been teaching for 11 years in elementary and I have my Masters of Arts in Learning and Technology. I am very passionate... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Paskapoo 3

Educational Technology

8:45am MDT

Backdoors and Breaches: Incident Response with a Card Game Twist

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT

Paskapoo 1

Dive into the world of incident response with "Backdoors and Breaches," an engaging card game designed to teach and enhance your cybersecurity skills. This session will explore real-world attack scenarios and response strategies through interactive gameplay. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, join us to learn effective tactics for identifying and mitigating security threats while having fun. Plus, attend for a chance to win your own set of "Backdoors and Breaches" cards, courtesy of Black Hills Information Security. Audience participation is highly encouraged!

Speakers

Shawn Logan

Assistant Manager Information Services, St. Albert Public School Division

I have been in IT for 25 years, with the majority of my experience in Public Education. Over the past 23 years, I have dedicated myself to Public Education and spent 2 years in the private industry. Currently, I serve as the Assistant Manager for Information Services at St. Albert... Read More →

Dave Webster

Manager, Information Services, St. Albert Public Schools

Dave has been providing IT support in education for 33 years. As the Manager of Information Services at St. Albert Public Schools, he is responsible for the overall planning, organizing, and execution of all IT functions within the division.

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Paskapoo 1

IT / Infrastructure

8:45am MDT

Cultivating EdTech Integration: A Collaborative Approach

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT

Paskapoo 2

Cultivating technology integration in the classroom requires input from everyone. Join our interactive session where we will reflect on how as EdTech consultants, we have worked towards cultivating collaboration between a variety of parties, from teachers, leaders, IT professionals, and more. Through this session, we hope to share a few EdTech integration frameworks, discuss our journey as EdTech consultants, and give participants an opportunity to reflect on their context as they share and connect with others.

Speakers

David Herrera Cruz

TIPS (Educational Consultant), Edmonton Public Schools

David is an EdTech Consultant with a high school science and second languages background. In his work as an EdTech consultant, he has extensively provided training on AI in Education. He has also been heavily involved in Student Leadership; Anti-Racism, Reconciliation and Equity... Read More →

Bernice Pui

Educational Technology Consultant, Edmonton Public School Board

Bernice has been with Edmonton Public Schools for almost a decade as a Knowledge and Employability (K&E) teacher, high school science/biology/chemistry teacher, advanced placement teacher, speech & debate teacher, Department Head of Technology, and now, technology consultant. Bernice... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Paskapoo 2

Leadership

8:45am MDT

Defining the AI Adoption Timeline and Use Cases In Education

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT

Paskapoo 4

Hear from Intel and HP Inc. on the latest developments in AI, the hurdles to adoption, current and future state use cases, and how to deploy and securely manage your devices in the ever changing AI landscape.

Speakers

Cameron Allen

Intel

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Paskapoo 4

Vendor

8:45am MDT

SIS Unconference

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Legacy B

Do you work in SIS? Is there something you would love to discuss with others? This unconference style session will have you, the attendees, in control of the discussion topics. We look forward to generating some engaging discussion and sharing our best tips and tricks with each other.

Resources discussed are available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dszDWp5dYSuPhCf4XHzop1I2O7Gh5aJc?usp=sharing

Speakers

Brian Wynder

Elk Island Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 41, Elk Island Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 41

Brian Wynder has been with Elk Island Catholic Schools as the data coordinator for over 12 years. He brings wide experience using PowerSchool, PASIPrep and other tools to manage student data and to build business processes using that data within school environments.

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Legacy B

IT / Infrastructure, SIS

9:45am MDT

Flexin' on old hardware: Breathe new life into devices and protect against ransomware with ChromeOS Flex

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT

Legacy A

Have old PCs and Macs collecting dust, or Windows 10 machines that cannot be upgraded? Transform aging tech with ChromeOS Flex and better secure your environment. This cloud-powered operating system is not only secure, fast, and free, but it also plays nicely with your existing Chromebooks making management a breeze. School teams across the country are using Flex to reduce e-waste and to get devices into the hands of more students and staff. As part of this session, we’ll hear from an IT Director who has leaned into Flex on hundreds of devices.

Speakers

Troy Sigvaldason

Tom Woods

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Legacy A

E is for Everyone

9:45am MDT

Vretta for IT

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT

Legacy C

TBD

Speakers

Jennifer Philips

Online Assessment Specialist, Alberta Education

Jeremy Wiebe

Manager, Online Assessment, Alberta Education

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Legacy C

E is for Everyone

9:45am MDT

No Wand Necessary: MagicSchool AI

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT

Paskapoo 3

MagicSchool AI is quickly becoming a huge hit in schools across North America. With over 60 tools for teachers and 40 more for students, this tool allows teachers and students to work with AI in a safe guarded environment. Every learner can benefit from using the tools in MagicSchool AI and every teacher can benefit from the time saving tools they have access to. In this session, we will dive into the teacher tools and the student tools to demonstrate how your life at school and the learning your students do can be enriched by AI.

Speakers

Charity Helman

Calgary Academy

Charity currently works at Calgary Academy as an Instructional Design Lead with a passion for creating and designing engaging and innovative learning experiences. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan, Charity has worked in several schools over the last 22 years, spending... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Paskapoo 3

Educational Technology

9:45am MDT

The four key steps to getting your cybersecurity program off the ground

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT

Paskapoo 1

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the challenges in cybersecurity are becoming increasingly complex and daunting. As threats grow more sophisticated, the need for robust security governance and leadership has never been more critical. Prepare yourself for an unparalleled security leadership session! Curtis Blais, the Shared CISO for Cybera, Alberta’s not-for-profit Research & Education Network facilitator, will draw from his extensive 35+ years of experience in IT and IT security to highlight the four essential areas you must focus on to make your cybersecurity program effective. Drawing insights from his upcoming book, Curtis will offer a practical, no-nonsense approach to formalizing your security program. No AI gimmicks, no flashy distractions, and no jargon — just straightforward, proven, real-world advice.

Speakers

Curtis Blais

CISO, Cybera

Curtis is a multi-discipline certified IT professional, cleared to Secret with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. His career spans numerous disciplines in IT including application development; design, build and operations of inter-networking environments; design, construction/maintenance... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Paskapoo 1

IT / Infrastructure, Cybersecurity

9:45am MDT

XP Boost: Scaling Esports Programs Across Middle and High Schools

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT

Paskapoo 2

Discover the transformative power of esports in education through my firsthand experience of launching and scaling esports programs across middle and high schools. This session will delve into the practical steps, challenges, and successes encountered through building and supporting esports into our schools. Learn how esports can foster student engagement, enhance social-emotional learning, and create a dynamic, inclusive school community. Join us to explore strategies for implementing a thriving esports program that prepares students for future success both in and out of the game.

Speakers

Scott Blenkhorne

Teaching and Learning with Technology Specialist, Calgary Board of Education

Scott is a technology learning specialist with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), where he has been an educator for the past 17 years. He has taught students in grades 6-12, specializing in Math, Science, and a wide range of complementary subjects including robotics, graphic design... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Paskapoo 2

Leadership

9:45am MDT

Resolving the login challenge at Rocky View Schools

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT

Paskapoo 4

Young students at Rocky View Schools lost learning time when they had to remember their usernames and passwords to log in. The IT team decided to solve the challenge with Clever Badges so logins were fast, secure and fun! Join us to hear from Clever about what Clever Badges are, and why Rocky View implemented and their learnings.

Speakers

Clever

Clever and Rocky View Schools will present about how Clever helped them streamline access with Clever Badges.

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Paskapoo 4

Vendor

9:55am MDT

Exploring ways to manage the transition from one year to the next in the SIS world

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:55am - 10:30am MDT

Legacy B

The "End of Year" Process can honestly be considered to start as early as December in many cases. Planning for, and managing, the transition of student information from one year to the next is a months long process that touches on multiple disciplines. This session will explore this process through several different lenses, all tracking the decisions and processes which successfully move a student's record through the end of year process.

Speakers

Brian Wynder

Elk Island Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 41, Elk Island Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 41

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:55am - 10:30am MDT
Legacy B

Leadership, SIS

10:30am MDT

Coffee with Vendors

Thursday July 24, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am MDT

Event Centre

Thursday July 24, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am MDT
Event Centre

VENDOR Time

10:30am MDT

Hands On with Lego Spike Prime with Rundle College Students

Thursday July 24, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Foyer

Come check out Lego Spike Prime with Rundle College students.

Thursday July 24, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Foyer

Educational Technology

11:15am MDT

AI in Education: What's at Stake?

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Legacy B

The use of generative AI will inevitably become more prevalent and embedded in K-12 education. It is already happening. Whether working as a teacher, technology support, administrator or any other supportive role, this session will explore some of the implications of using, or not using, generative AI in an educational setting. Attendees can expect to be able to approach AI with some new questions focused on educational and societal impact, as we continue to engage in the thoughtful application of this transformative and disruptive technology in K-12.

Speakers

Jeff Cullen

Director of Technology, Foundations for the Future Charter Academy

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Legacy B

E is for Everyone

11:15am MDT

Vretta Roll Out in Schools Unconference

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Legacy A

The Vretta Roll-Out Unconference session will provide a platform for school leaders and IT professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices for implementing Vretta in schools. Participants can come up with questions that they can bring up to engage others in discussions on various aspects of Vretta's implementation in schools and divisions.

Speakers

Blythe Evans

Teacher-consultant, Edmonton Public Schools

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Legacy A

E is for Everyone

11:15am MDT

Outsmarting AI: Crafting Resilient Assessments and Revolutionary Courses in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 3

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming education, how do we create assessments that withstand the relentless advances of AI? Join us for an electrifying session, "Outsmarting AI: Crafting Resilient Assessments and Revolutionary Courses in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," where we delve into the art and science of developing AI-resistant assessments.

Discover practical techniques and proven methodologies for designing assessments that emphasize critical thinking, originality, and deep reflection. Learn how to safeguard academic integrity in a world where AI tools are readily accessible to students.

But that's not all! In this session we will also showcase the groundbreaking Intro to AI course developed in just a few weeks using AI technologies. Witness firsthand the remarkable responses and feedback from students, and explore how AI can be harnessed to create engaging, high-quality educational experiences.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leader in the field of eLearning. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to help you outsmart AI and elevate the standards of your assessments and courses. This is a must-attend session for educators, instructional designers, and anyone passionate about the future of education.

Speakers

Stephanie Krammer

Teacher, Ignite Centre for eLearning

https://atleconvergence2023.sched.com/speaker/stephanie.krammer1 Steph has a passion for innovative learning solutions, and serves as the Assistant Principal and Instructional Design Lead at Ignite Centre for eLearning. She spearheads the development of cutting-edge instructional... Read More →

Selina Toyad

Teacher, Ignite Centre for eLearning

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 3

Educational Technology

11:15am MDT

Assignable Time Calculator

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 1

ATC - New plugin that allows you to create an Assignable Time Calculator for your teachers. This is created within Powerschool - SIS and would be done by your principals and managed through your HR. In the past, if you have used the excel spreadsheets, this will replace those spreadsheets.

Speakers

David Lorenson

Red Deer Public School District, Red Deer Public School District

David Lorenson - Red Deer Public School District - System Analyst

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 1

IT / Infrastructure, SIS

11:15am MDT

Teaching Computer Science with Virtual Machines

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Legacy C

Teaching computer science amidst stringent network security protocols can be quite stressful and challenging. However, the integration of Virtual Machines (VMs) has brought about a positive change, leading to contented computer science educators who can conduct practical labs without compromising our network’s security. In this session, we will explore both the challenges encountered and the solutions implemented.

Speakers

David Harmon

Senior Security Analyst, Lethbridge School division

I am an Senior Network Security Analysis with a broad range of expertise across several key areas, including Site and Corporate Network Security, Cloud Deployment, Database Administration, Software Development, Device Deployment (PC, Chromebook, Mobile), Server and System Administration... Read More →

Jesse Sadlowski

Director of Technology, Lethbridge School Division

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Legacy C

IT / Infrastructure

11:15am MDT

Security Sense: Empowering People to Mitigate Cyber Risks

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 2

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technology task, it’s a collective responsibility. Regardless of where you work, if you're connected, you're affected. This session will highlight the top risks affecting users, showcase an organization's efforts to boost digital literacy, and detail the tools they use to enhance cybersecurity awareness. You will gain valuable insights and effective strategies to cultivate a culture of cybersecurity within your organization and even improve your own personal cybersecurity.

Speakers

Stephanie Thero

Manager, Technology Services, TRAC - Yellowhead Regional Library

Stephanie Thero is Manager of Technology Services at Yellowhead Regional Library. As an information professional, she is enthusiastic about digital literacy. It is her mission to build cybersecure cultures and empower people to navigate the online world confidently and safely.

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 2

Leadership, Cybersecurity

11:15am MDT

HP/Poly- What’s the Big Deal with AI?

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 4

Join this session to learn what all the “AI” marketing jargon really means and how HP is implementing AI in our new solutions.

Speakers

Kevin Campbell

UC Collaboration Specialist, HP Inc.

Jon Crutchley

Enterprise Account Manager, HP Canada

Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 4

Vendor

12:15pm MDT

Doceo AI Journey In Implementing AI

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 12:35pm MDT

Paskapoo 1

DOCEO AI focuses on making sense of data using AI. DOCEO is a Latin word that means inform, enlighten, and make bright. It takes
our focus on data analytic to the next level by using AI to predict and provide suggested strategies to improve processes and
decision making in schools. The approach is to use existing data that is already created in the classroom, schools and district to provide a prediction of challenges and successes and in addition provide suggestions, recommendations and strategies to support student learning.

Speakers

doceoAI

CEO, DOCEO AI

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 12:35pm MDT
Paskapoo 1

Vendor

12:15pm MDT

Chromebook Plus for teachers (plus the latest Chrome updates!)

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Legacy C

Exploring new laptops for staff? Chromebook Plus is the new daily driver for teachers, specifically designed to meet everyday needs inside and outside the classroom. Join this session to explore the unique features and capabilities of Chromebook Plus, an enterprise grade device that can help streamline workflows and facilitate collaboration. We’ll also review the latest Chrome updates that impact education, always with a focus on keeping our schools safe and secure. (Fun fact: There have been no reported ransomware attacks ever on any business, education, or consumer ChromeOS device!)

Speakers

Tom Woods

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Legacy C

E is for Everyone

12:15pm MDT

Five Districts, Five Approaches: FOIP Coordinators' Panel Discussion

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Legacy B

Join in this Q&A panel session to learn about how different districts are handling FOIP challenges when evaluating third-party classroom apps.

We'll explore the questions below and more. Bring YOUR questions to help level up everyone through rich conversations.

Starter questions include:

Who decides what to evaluate? (Differences between CBE and others)
Personnel - who does the work?
Turnaround Time - How long does it take?
Communications - How do teachers know what has been "approved" or greenlighted? What does your "output" look like?
What’s important? - What are the drivers specific to your context and privacy?

Presenters:
Cathy Evanochko, Calgary Board of Education;
Angela Dearing, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools;
Lydia Van Thiel, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools;
Karen Plant, Edmonton Public Schools
Memorese, Peace Wapiti Public Schools

Moderator: Shayne Pierson

Speakers

Angela Dearing

Education Technologist, Convergence Conference Chair, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools

Angela Dearing has been a teacher with Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools for 22 years. Her teaching experience covers grades 1 through 9 with specializations in Language Arts. Throughout her career, technology has had important place in her pedagogy and classroom teaching. In 2015... Read More →

Cathy Evanochko

Shayne Pierson

DIrector of Technology Services, Peace River School Division

Karen Plant

Educational Technologist, Edmonton Public School Division

Karen Plant is an Educational Technology Consultant with Edmonton Public Schools. As a member of the EPSB Technology Integration Planning and Support Team, Karen helps teachers to navigate the myriad of challenges and opportunities educators face in today's complex classrooms. Before... Read More →

Lydia Van Thiel

Technology Consultant, FMCSD

Passionate about supporting students in using technology to both support and enhance learning. Current focus is on privacy review of apps.

Memorese Walter

ProLearn Team, ATLE

I have worked for the Peace Wapiti Public School Division since 1991, when I began my teaching career. Over my 30+ years with Peace Wapiti, I taught everything from ECS to Grade 12! My passion for technology, which has been present since its inception in education, and my goal of... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Legacy B

E is for Everyone

12:15pm MDT

Design Thinking: Tips, Kits & Stacking Bricks

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 3

Get ready for some hands-on learning and learn how to build your own design thinking kit! Explore curriculum connections, review design protocols, access experts, and prototype using high and low tech options including Minecraft Education, 3D printing, and loose parts. Whether you are building curriculum resources at the District level, providing instructional leadership to staff, or looking for ways to augment your existing approach to design thinking, this session will broaden your perspective through hands-on, interactive learning!

Speakers

Christopher Blais

Teaching & Learning with Technology Specialist, Calgary Board of Education

Christopher Blais is a passionate educational leader, community ambassador, and creator of Level Up Calgary, a system-wide design challenge that engages youth to envision a sustainable future using Minecraft Education. As a Teaching & Learning with Technology Specialist for the Calgary... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 3

Educational Technology

12:15pm MDT

CyberAlberta - New Challenges mean New Strategies!

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Legacy A

A discussion about cybersecurity trends and how CyberAlberta is developing awareness and mitigation strategies.

Speakers

Stuart Lee

Director, Cybersecurity Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement, Government of Alberta

Stuart Lee has been with the Government of Alberta for over 25 years and joined the Corporate Information Security Office in 2010. His experience in Information Technology include operations management, client services, project management, IT disaster recovery, business continuity... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Legacy A

Leadership, Cybersecurity

12:15pm MDT

The Magic of IT

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 2

Is IT magic? Or is IT just some sleight of hand? We’ll explore why what we do is like magic to many of our “customers” Are we trying to continually fool them or are we opening the curtain to expand their skills as they bring their best to students every day? Let’s move beyond the cheap parlor tricks and hoarding of the technology secrets.

Speakers

Todd Kennedy

Director of Technology, Golden Hills School Division

Todd is the Director of Technology for Golden Hills School Division, in Strathmore Alberta. His team manages all of the technology and infrastructure for a school population of about 12,000 students and 1,000 staff, spread across 47 schools, both traditional and on-line.Todd has a... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 2

Leadership

12:15pm MDT

Bookit Preview: Parent-Teacher Conferences Made Simple

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 4

An exclusive look at Rally’s upcoming digital solution for K-12: Bookit! Coming in 2025, the all-new Bookit will transform how your school organizes parent-teacher conferences. Take a look at how we built this powerful, intuitive tool to make booking parent-teacher conferences simple for administrative staff, teachers, and parents.

Speakers

Rachel Fawcett

Account Manager, Rally

Rachel has been working with Rally for 3 years as an Account Manager and loves working with school districts across the country. She is passionate about finding creative solutions to your website needs and enjoys building relationships with all of Rally’s great clients. She looks... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 4

Vendor

12:40pm MDT

Powerschool - Student Header Modification (new UI)

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:40pm - 1:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 1

Powerschools new UI has a basic header within the student pages. We have created a new look. We would go over the new look and if you want the change, we can help add to your SIS

Speakers

David Lorenson

Red Deer Public School District, Red Deer Public School District

David Lorenson - Red Deer Public School District - System Analyst

Thursday July 24, 2025 12:40pm - 1:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 1

IT / Infrastructure, SIS

1:00pm MDT

Lunch with Vendors

Thursday July 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

Event Centre

Thursday July 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Event Centre

VENDOR Time

1:30pm MDT

Lunch Time Prizes!

Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

Event Centre

Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Event Centre

General Assembly

2:15pm MDT

Engaging Learners through Visual Teaching: Using Digital Tools to Create Dynamic Learning Experiences

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 3

In today’s diverse classrooms, engaging students is essential for meaningful learning. Visual teaching strategies, enhanced by digital tools, can transform passive learners into active participants by catering to a wide range of learning preferences and abilities. This session will focus on how to use digital tools to make learning more engaging, interactive, and student-centered through visual learning techniques.

Participants will explore a variety of digital tools that support visual learning, understand how to create dynamic learning experiences, and gain practical strategies to keep students engaged. By making learning more interactive and visually stimulating, educators can captivate their students' attention and foster deeper understanding.

Speakers

Nicole Cunningham

Emtech, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Nicole Cunningham is a Consultant with the Emerging Technology team in Learning Services with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has been an educator with ECSD for 26 years, teaching K-6 students and serving as a technology coach for Early Learning, Inclusive Education and Curriculum... Read More →

Joel Kristiansen

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Joel is part of the Emerging Technology team at Edmonton Catholic Schools. Joel has worked in ECSD for over a decade, spending most of his time in K-9 schools teaching design, robotics, and collaborating with teachers to integrate makerspaces into their subject area.

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 3

Educational Technology

2:15pm MDT

Elasticsearch : turning data into stories

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 1

Elasticsearch is the distributed search and analytics engine at the heart of the Elastic stack. Learn how Edmonton Public Schools has set up an elasticsearch cluster to index, search, create dashboards and alert on a variety of data types. We will show how to use the free features in elasticsearch in order to centralize logging and add insight into your network data.

Speakers

Kurt Isaacson

Edmonton Public Schools

Greg Salomons

Edmonton Public Schools

I work with the Networking and Cyber Security teams at Edmonton Public School to monitor and troubleshoot a wide variety of technical issues. As part of my role in EPSB, this includes building and maintaining the Division’s elasticsearch cluster. I have experience with a wide range... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 1

IT / Infrastructure

2:15pm MDT

Survive the next cyber attack: Resilience for cyber leaders.

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

Legacy A

Agenda:
Cyberattack Preparedness as the path to cyber-resilience
Case study of a ransomware attack
⁠Modus operandi of Threat Actors
Introduction to Breach Response
⁠How to prepare for a Breach
⁠Importance of playbooks
Q&A

Speakers

Arani Adhikari

Arani Adhikari is a seasoned cybersecurity and consulting professional with over a decade of experience in the banking and financial services industry globally. Arani has a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex cybersecurity challenges, including technical threat... Read More →

David Chernitzky

As CEO and co-founder of Armour Cybersecurity, David Chernitzky brings more than 25 years of experience and expertise in cybersecurity, complemented by his proficiency in cultivating high-performance teams.His career was notably shaped by his time as an officer in the Elite Technology... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Legacy A

IT / Infrastructure, Cybersecurity

2:15pm MDT

AI Through A Social Justice Lens

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 2

AI through a social justice lens lets us rethink how data is being used within the context of diversity, equity and inclusion. We need to reinvest in what it means to be human with ethics and morales at the forefront of education.

Learning Outcome:
Identify ethical challenges in AI development and deployment. Summarize how AI algorithms can perpetuate bias and discrimination. Relate AI principles to real-world scenarios, considering social justice implications. Connect AI ethics to broader social justice movements.

Speakers

Monica Gadsby

Tech Coordinator, Seven Oaks School Division

My name is Monica Gadsby (she/her). I have over 12 years of teaching experience in business education, technology, and social justice. I recently completed a PBDE in school counselling and am passionate about integrating identity, anti-racism, and mental health into our daily practices... Read More →

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 2

Leadership

2:15pm MDT

Empowering Educators and Students with the Latest Innovations in Texthelp Tools: Read&Write, Equatio, OrbitNote, uPAR, and More!

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

Legacy B

Join us for an exciting session where we’ll explore the latest advancements in Texthelp’s suite of product. This session will cover:
● Read&Write: Learn about the latest features, including the integration of the Co:Writer Neuron Prediction Engine, providing even more intuitive writing support and the addition of AI Voices, which deliver a more natural reading experience.
● Equatio: Discover the new whiteboard tool, a math-specific Jamboard-like feature, perfect for collaborative problem solving and visual learning. Whether you're teaching or working with complex equations, this addition enhances mathematical interactions across the board.
● OrbitNote Revamp Development: Dive into the all-new OrbitNote, now with significant improvements that make PDF annotation more accessible and versatile. The addition of Exam Mode allows educators to lock down specific tools during assessments, maintaining test security while still offering necessary accommodations. Plus, the new Worksheet Creator feature makes it easier than ever to convert PDFs into interactive, fillable worksheets, allowing for greater engagement and customization. These updates elevate OrbitNote as the ultimate tool for PDF interaction, annotation, and secure collaboration in both learning and professional environments.
● uPAR (Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading): Maximize the potential of your Read&Write tools with uPAR, a revolutionary assessment tool that helps IT professionals and educators identify the optimal reading accommodations for each user. By evaluating how students perform with different levels of reading support—ranging from no assistance to full auditory aid—uPAR delivers data-driven insights, enabling you to personalize support for individuals and groups. This program not only streamlines decision-making but also ensures that each user gets the most out of their Read&Write experience, boosting engagement, accessibility, and academic success across your institution.
● New Data Dashboard: We’ll also introduce the new Data Dashboard, a powerful tool that gives you insights into software usage, adoption trends, and user success metrics, empowering you to make data-driven decisions. By attending this session, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge of the latest updates in the Texthelp suite, empowering your schools to enhance productivity, accessibility, and collaboration. Whether it’s optimizing Read&Write with uPAR, transforming math instruction with Equatio, or leveraging new tools in OrbitNote, these innovations will help you streamline workflows and provide more inclusive support for all users. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your team is fully equipped to implement these cutting-edge solutions.

Speakers

Mimi Altman

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Legacy B

Vendor

2:15pm MDT

Playful Learning: Engaging Students with Data Dunkers & Girls Who Game

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 4

Discover the magic of play-based learning where the excitement of basketball and video gaming opens doors to data science, STEM, and AI literacy.

Data Dunkers is an innovative program that teaches foundational data science skills through basketball statistics in a fun and inclusive environment. Girls Who Game develops STEM and leadership skills through gaming, making learning enjoyable.

This session will reveal how merging passions with education captivates students and equips them with critical digital age skills while promoting equity and inclusion. Come and see how to transform play into a powerful vehicle for learning and empowerment in an ever-evolving digital world.

Speakers

Katina Papulkas

Education Strategist, Dell Technologies

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 4

Vendor

2:15pm MDT

ChromeOS for Staff: A Tale of Two Implementations

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Legacy C

This session will review the deployment and adoption of ChromeOS devices as primary staff devices in two school divisions in Alberta. Join us for a discussion on the reasons why these Districts chose this strategy.
Learn about the differences and similarities of these deployments, lessons learned from the technical and classroom teaching and learning perspective and ask questions about how these devices have met the needs of staff and students in K-12 settings.

Speakers

Scott Hetherington

Senior Systems Analyst, Wild Rose School Division

Scott is a Senior System Analyst at Wild Rose School Division in Rocky Mtn House, specializing in Microsoft Azure, Intune, and legacy systems with 17 years of experience. Now with 50% more AI.

Terry Korte

Managing Director, Technology & Information Management, Edmonton Public Schools

Terry has been the Managing Director of Technology and Information Management at Edmonton Public Schools since 2020. He has been a high school teacher (Medicine Hat High), a sessional instructor (UofA, Faculty of Education), and an education technology consultant in Edmonton Public... Read More →

Jaymon Lefebvre

Director, IT Services, Wild Rose School Division

Jaymon Lefebvre is the IT Services Director for Wild Rose School Division, where he has been a constant advocate for change for over 20 years. Jaymon is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Cloud Security Professional, and Certified Ethical Hacker.

Jen Lefebvre

Director of Instruction, Wild Rose School Division

Director of Instruction for Wild Rose School Division. Passionate about all things in education, technology and the outdoors!

Will Rice

Edtech Consultant, Edmonton Public School Board

Will Rice is a teacher consultant for Edmonton Public Schools. Specializing in educational technology he has a keen interest in leveraging the power of technology to engage students.

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Legacy C

E is for Everyone

3:15pm MDT

Design Thinking in Education: Fostering Innovation and Creativity in Students

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 3

Design thinking is an iterative, creative problem-solving process that encourages students to develop solutions to real-world challenges. This hands-on, human-centered approach promotes innovation, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in the classroom. By integrating design thinking, educators can engage students in active learning, encouraging them to think deeply and work collaboratively to solve complex problems.
This session will guide educators on how to incorporate design thinking into their teaching practices, creating a student-centered environment that fosters innovation. Participants will explore design thinking principles, practical applications for various subjects and grade levels, and real-world examples that highlight the positive impact of this approach on student engagement and problem-solving skills.

Speakers

Nicole Cunningham

Emtech, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Joel Kristiansen

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 3

Educational Technology

3:15pm MDT

Syncing macOS Accounts with XCreds

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Legacy B

We are interested in sharing some user login challenges on macOS devices that we have encountered with FileVault. We want to discuss our implementation of XCreds as a solution to synchronize FileVault with our On-Premises Active Directory effectively.

Speakers

Ryan Ziebart

School Support Analyst, Calgary Board of Education

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Legacy B

IT / Infrastructure

3:15pm MDT

Level up inclusion with Esports.

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 2

How do we catch kids that are falling through the cracks? Come learn the how, why, and when of Esports!

Speakers

Koji Nagahama

Division Esports Coordinator / Division Technology Support, Lethbridge School Division

John Thai

LCI Esports Director, Lethbridge School Division

Level up inclusion with Esports

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Paskapoo 2

Leadership

3:15pm MDT

AVI-SPL - Classroom Displays and Interactive Software - Security, AI, and LMS Integration

Thursday July 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Paskapoo 1

Interactive panels are now a platform in classrooms that connect students to teachers, teachers to content, and content to the system. There have been significant changes in the display market over the last year, and with that, essential requirements to ensure maintained security, device equity, and upgradablity.

This session explains the market shifts and what to ask of your partners.

Speakers