ATLE Convergence 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Are you struggling to keep talent? Do you understand what truly motivates and engages your team members? Are you new to a leadership position and would love a simple and fun tool to quickly help you improve engagement and retention?

Taking learnings from the Centre for Talent Retention, this session will provide an overview of a hands-on tool that captures the variables impacting why people join, engage, and stay within organizations. Starting with a card game, the presenter will walk attendees through three simple steps to move managers away from the ineffective, "How's it going?", to increased engagement and productivity.

Exceptional leaders understand their people, know their individual motivators, and are able to focus on “hot buttons” to improve morale, attitude and results. This session will provide actionable steps to retaining a happy and productive team.

The success (or failure) of implementations often comes down to effective communication. No matter how great the solution is, the needs of your IT team and the classroom have to be carefully considered! Join Stephanie Proctor, a System Applications Consultant at the Calgary Catholic School District, to discuss strategies to bridge communication gaps and ensure the success of your next project!

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the intersection of teaching and technology is more critical than ever. Kandis, Adam and Lyle will explore the immense value of integrating educators within the technology departments of Alberta school divisions. As frontline experts in pedagogy, teachers bring a unique understanding of student needs, classroom realities, and curriculum design, which enhances technology implementation in schools. Attendees will learn how educators and technical staff can bridge both technical solutions and instructional goals, ensuring that technological tools support organizational practices in meaningful ways. Plus, these three presenters are incredibly fun, so it will be a good time!
The session will focus on several key points:

• The unique perspectives of technical staff and educators guide the development of user-friendly and effective tech solutions.
• The role of educators in advocating for students and teachers while still considering technical systems during tech decision-making processes.
• Examples of how embedding educators in the tech department has improved organizational outcomes and logistics.
• Best practices for fostering collaboration between IT and ET professionals to create a cohesive and innovative approach to technology use for all stakeholders.
• How the investment of ET staff maximize the impact of technology processes and tools

This session is ideal for school leaders, IT specialists, and educators looking to understand the strategic advantage of having a cross-disciplinary team, where technology meets pedagogy for improved learning outcomes. Now lets gET techy with IT!