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TCEA 2024: K–12 IT Experts Talk AI, Esports and Other Digital Transformation Aspects

There’s something for everyone at the 2024 TCEA convention and exposition in Austin, Texas.

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Rebecca Torchia is a web editor for EdTech: Focus on K–12. Previously, she has produced podcasts and written for several publications in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and her hometown of Pittsburgh.

Schools strive to give students experiences that engage them in learning and prepare them for their future. In today’s education environment, that often means incorporating technology into teaching and learning, resulting in K–12 IT departments looking for ways to sustain and advance their tech investments.

At this year’s TCEA convention and exposition in Austin, Texas, IT-minded education professionals will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends in ed tech. They can seek new tech solutions for their districts or problem-solve with the help of experts and peers. Whether they need assistance with championing the implementation and integration of technology, planning sustainably for the future, or trying something new in their schools and classrooms, TCEA attendees will find opportunities to explore solutions, learn and grow.

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Keynote Speakers Bring Big Conversations to Conference Power Hours

The event features five days of sessions, learning labs and presentations, in addition to poster fairs and a can’t-miss exhibit hall. Keynote speakers take the stage throughout the conference for power-hour talks on hot topics.

On Feb. 4, Todd Nesloney, director of culture and strategic leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, talks about the importance of culture on a K–12 campus.

Tackling the topic of artificial intelligence in education on Feb. 5 is a panel of experts that includes Alfonso Mendoza, instructional software specialist at Sharyland Independent School District; Rachelle Dené Poth, Spanish and STEAM teacher at Riverview School District; and others.

Jorge Valenzuela, an education coach, author and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined, will share tools to help students connect passion to learning during the Feb. 6 power hour.

Wrapping up the conference on Feb. 7, Leslie Fisher will bring attention to some of the newest and most fun gadgets in education.

EXPLORE: Are you following these five trends in K–12 technology?

Digital Transformation for K–12 Students and Teachers

Sessions at the TCEA 2024 convention and exposition revolve around themes of digital transformation. These are a few of the sessions on transforming classrooms with emerging and trending technologies:

“Supercharge Your Teaching with AI Tools” is about streamlining teaching with AI, hosted by two digital learning coaches from Frisco Independent School District.
“Experiencing the Immersive Classroom of the Future Today” is a session by CDW’s Akilah Willery on using a variety of emerging technology in the classroom.
“ChatGPT (and Other AI) Can Do WHAT?” is a discussion-based session that will explain how librarians can provide support and training to teachers and students using AI in the classroom.
“Top AR/VR Trends to Transform Learning” covers the latest augmented and virtual reality trends, presented by K–12 IT influencer Jaime Donally.

There’s also a focus on digital transformation for educators. Implementing digital tools rests heavily on the shoulders of the teachers asked to integrate them. To that end, here is a sampling of the myriad sessions at this year’s conference on professional development:

“Systematic Support of New Teachers” highlights how the high school in Eanes Independent School District created a model to support new educators through PD and coaching.
“Transforming Professional Development: Using Tech to Enhance Training and Collaboration” is a session hosted by individuals from New Caney Independent School District on tech-based PD.
“Building Capacity with Technology Through Teacher Leadership” is about empowering classroom teachers to improve PD and teacher retention, presented by Polk County Schools instructional technology coaches and supervisors.
“School Transformation Using Microsoft Tools and Technologies” will describe how schools can train teachers with support from Microsoft and its technologies.

Conferencegoers can also prioritize sessions that support schoolwide digital transformation efforts, such as starting and advancing an esports team, in sessions like “Zero to Hero: Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Esports Program” and “Hosting a Live Esports Event - Light, Sound, and Games!”

Wherever ed tech leaders look at this year’s TCEA conference, there will be sessions, experts and demonstrations that help them digitally transform their schools’ technology and bring it to the next level.

To ensure you don’t miss a moment of TCEA event coverage, keep this page bookmarked and follow @EdTech_K12 on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates and behind-the-scenes looks.