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Welcome to the 2025 Upstate Technology Conference!

Registering for a Sched account or selecting classes is for participant convenience only and DOES NOT grant admittance into the conference or individual sessions. All participants must be registered for the conference through Eventbrite and sessions are first-come, first-serve at the conference.
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Wednesday, July 16
 

8:30am EDT

AI and the Law: What Educators Need to Know
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Explore the legal implications and complexities related to AI in our schools with key insight from an educator and an attorney in this informative session. We will discuss privacy concerns, data protection, and compliance with COPPA, FERPA, and other relevant laws. We will also cover copyright, licensing, and ownership issues relevant to educators and students and provide guidance on navigating these challenges responsibly while fostering student innovation and creativity in the classroom.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Rachelle Dene Poth

Rachelle Dene Poth

High school teacher, Pennsylvania
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s, and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
202
  *Featured Speaker*

8:30am EDT

Amplify Student Voice & Choice
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Teaching students how to amplify their voices to create student choice opportunities in their own education is crucial. Come learn how to transform some of the tech tools you already use in the classroom (and some new tools too) to teach the standards while amplifying student voices to create student choice opportunities.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Desiree Alexander

Dr. Desiree Alexander

Founder CEO, Louisiana
Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator, speaker, and author who has been in the educational field since 2002. She is the Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC and the Deputy Director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. She... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
201
  *Featured Speaker*

8:30am EDT

Keepin’ It Reel With Canva
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Canva’s incredible design resources now include tools for video creation, editing. Educators can use these tools to create micro media shorts and reels to target student learning, peer collaboration, and community connections.In this session, we will create a workflow on how to create, edit, and host the impactful videos
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for James Varlack

James Varlack

Instructional support, Texas
James Varlack is a Digital Learning Specialist with McAllen ISD in McAllen, TX. The Digital Learning Team provides instructional technology support for 21,000 students and 1600 teachers and staff. He currently loves eating Sour Patch and connecting with educators on Twitter.
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Media Center
  *Featured Speaker*

8:30am EDT

Tips & Tools for Teaching Multilingual Learners & Students with 504’s & IEPS
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Effective use of technology can create more equitable learning experiences that accelerate the academic outcomes of students who are classified as having specialized learning needs (504s, Special Education, and ESOL). This session will review strategies and tech tools that can help increase student achievement in all grades and subjects. You will need access to a laptop/iPad for this session.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for P. Sloan Joseph

P. Sloan Joseph

Instructional Coach, Hughes Academy
P. Sloan Joseph is an Instructional Coach, Educational Consultant, and keynote speaker from Greenville, SC with over twenty years of experience assisting K-12 public and private school educators. She specializes in the areas of school and classroom culture, student engagement, and... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
203
  *Featured Speaker*

8:30am EDT

Curipod for 100% Student Engagement
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Spark creativity and dynamic discussions to make learning rigorous and fun. In this session, discover how to leverage AI to plan creative full classroom experiences and provide an immediate feedback loop that drives achievement (increase ‘meets’ and ‘masters’ 22%). Then, Curipod’s insight reports will be used to capture both classroom-wide and individual progress, providing valuable data to inform and refine instructional strategies. Walk away with a ready-to-use lesson customized to meet the needs of your classroom.
X: @curipodofficial
Instagram: curipod
Session Resources
Speakers
SC

Stephanie Crews

Vendor, Curipod
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
204
  AI Tools

9:45am EDT

AI and the Law: What Educators Need to Know
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Explore the legal implications and complexities related to AI in our schools with key insight from an educator and an attorney in this informative session. We will discuss privacy concerns, data protection, and compliance with COPPA, FERPA, and other relevant laws. We will also cover copyright, licensing, and ownership issues relevant to educators and students and provide guidance on navigating these challenges responsibly while fostering student innovation and creativity in the classroom.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Rachelle Dene Poth

Rachelle Dene Poth

High school teacher, Pennsylvania
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s, and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
202
  *Featured Speaker*

9:45am EDT

Digital Breakouts Using Google Forms & Google Sites
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Have you heard of an escape room? Well, help your students escape mundane lessons by creating free digital breakouts to use in your classroom. Come learn how to use Google Forms and Google Sites to create free digital breakout games that encourage collaboration, stimulate problem solving, nurture content knowledge development and have fun while doing it! Break out of the same routine with a free digital breakout.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Desiree Alexander

Dr. Desiree Alexander

Founder CEO, Louisiana
Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator, speaker, and author who has been in the educational field since 2002. She is the Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC and the Deputy Director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. She... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
201
  *Featured Speaker*

9:45am EDT

S.L.A.Y. the Day--Creating Effective Digital Experiences
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Technology is intended to enhance the learning environment. But, sometimes using digital devices results in students being distracted and teachers being disappointed. This session will empower teachers to focus on making small changes that will make a big impact on the digital learning experience.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for P. Sloan Joseph

P. Sloan Joseph

Instructional Coach, Hughes Academy
P. Sloan Joseph is an Instructional Coach, Educational Consultant, and keynote speaker from Greenville, SC with over twenty years of experience assisting K-12 public and private school educators. She specializes in the areas of school and classroom culture, student engagement, and... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
203
  *Featured Speaker*

9:45am EDT

Strategies to Assess Prior Knowledge
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Let's explore some ways you can use digital tools to tap into what your students already know before you dive into a new lesson.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for James Varlack

James Varlack

Instructional support, Texas
James Varlack is a Digital Learning Specialist with McAllen ISD in McAllen, TX. The Digital Learning Team provides instructional technology support for 21,000 students and 1600 teachers and staff. He currently loves eating Sour Patch and connecting with educators on Twitter.
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Media Center
  *Featured Speaker*

9:45am EDT

Curipod for 100% Student Engagement
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Spark creativity and dynamic discussions to make learning rigorous and fun. In this session, discover how to leverage AI to plan creative full classroom experiences and provide an immediate feedback loop that drives achievement (increase ‘meets’ and ‘masters’ 22%). Then, Curipod’s insight reports will be used to capture both classroom-wide and individual progress, providing valuable data to inform and refine instructional strategies. Walk away with a ready-to-use lesson customized to meet the needs of your classroom.
X: @curipodofficial
Instagram: curipod
Session Resources
Speakers
SC

Stephanie Crews

Vendor, Curipod
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
204
  AI Tools

9:45am EDT

Interactive EdTech Workshop: Bring Your Questions, Leave with Solutions
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Are you looking for new ways to integrate edtech into your classroom or school? Struggling with student engagement, tech management, or finding the right tools to support instruction? Sometimes, the best instructional strategies emerge from great collaborative conversations—and this session is designed to spark just that. Join Josh Shepard, a former elementary teacher, instructional technology coach, and K-12 Chief Technology Officer for Oconee County Schools, SC, who now serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of an edtech software company. With experience on all sides of education technology—from the classroom to district leadership to building innovative edtech solutions—Josh brings a unique perspective on how to maximize technology for teaching and learning. This interactive session is an open forum where teachers and administrators can bring their questions, challenges, and ideas related to edtech integration, student engagement, classroom management with technology, and more. Whether you need practical strategies, expert insights, or creative solutions, this session will help you walk away with actionable takeaways to implement in your school or classroom. Come ready to ask, share, and collaborate—because sometimes the best solutions come from simply talking through the challenges together!
X: @joshua_shepard
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Josh Shepard

Josh Shepard

Co-Founder & CEO | Former K12 CTO, EdTech Coach, and Elementary Teacher, simpldiscipline
Josh Shepard is an innovative leader with a proven track record in K-12 education, educational technology, and strategic management. With a career that began in the classroom as an elementary school teacher (5th grade was his favorite), Josh later served as an instructional technology... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
208

11:00am EDT

AI in Education: 10 Things to Try and 10 to Avoid
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
AI has the power to transform how we teach and learn, offering new opportunities to enhance student engagement and personalize learning experiences. Join me to explore some do's and don't when it comes to AI and then we will dive into some tools to bring to your classroom! Reimagining Learning and the Classroom * Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world of education and work. AI is being used to personalize learning, provide feedback, automate tasks, and more which have the potential to improve student outcomes. We need to embrace new ideas and help our students navigate the rapidly changing digital world.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Rachelle Dene Poth

Rachelle Dene Poth

High school teacher, Pennsylvania
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s, and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
202
  *Featured Speaker*

11:00am EDT

Reimagining Classroom Management–Using Tech to Connect
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
One of the most effective ways to decrease negative behaviors is through meaningful connections with students. Although this can be a daunting task, technology can make it easier. In this session, participants will learn tech tools that help develop three areas (establishing, maintaining, and restoring relationships), making class time more positive and productive. You will need access to a laptop/iPad for this session.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for P. Sloan Joseph

P. Sloan Joseph

Instructional Coach, Hughes Academy
P. Sloan Joseph is an Instructional Coach, Educational Consultant, and keynote speaker from Greenville, SC with over twenty years of experience assisting K-12 public and private school educators. She specializes in the areas of school and classroom culture, student engagement, and... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
203
  *Featured Speaker*

11:00am EDT

The Forgotten Google Tool…Google Docs
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Often overlooked, Google Docs is a surprisingly versatile and powerful tool that can supercharge collaboration, streamline feedback, and foster deeper student engagement in ways you might not have imagined.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for James Varlack

James Varlack

Instructional support, Texas
James Varlack is a Digital Learning Specialist with McAllen ISD in McAllen, TX. The Digital Learning Team provides instructional technology support for 21,000 students and 1600 teachers and staff. He currently loves eating Sour Patch and connecting with educators on Twitter.
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Media Center
  *Featured Speaker*

11:00am EDT

Curipod for 100% Student Engagement
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Spark creativity and dynamic discussions to make learning rigorous and fun. In this session, discover how to leverage AI to plan creative full classroom experiences and provide an immediate feedback loop that drives achievement (increase ‘meets’ and ‘masters’ 22%). Then, Curipod’s insight reports will be used to capture both classroom-wide and individual progress, providing valuable data to inform and refine instructional strategies. Walk away with a ready-to-use lesson customized to meet the needs of your classroom.
X: @curipodofficial
Instagram: curipod
Session Resources
Speakers
SC

Stephanie Crews

Vendor, Curipod
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
204
  AI Tools

11:00am EDT

Using Online NASA Resources to Teach STEM Concepts
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Educators will be introduced to and explore online NASA Resources to enhance their STEM teaching and student STEM learning. This presentation will help teachers find what they need when faced with all that NASA education has to offer.
Session Resources
Speakers
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
227

12:45pm EDT

Differentiation with Google Forms
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
You've used Google Forms for years...now what? Come learn fast tips, tricks and hacks to use Google Forms in ways you never have before! Learn how to differentiate using branching, password your sections, have your self-grading quizzes work even better and more! Let's go to the next level!
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Desiree Alexander

Dr. Desiree Alexander

Founder CEO, Louisiana
Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator, speaker, and author who has been in the educational field since 2002. She is the Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC and the Deputy Director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. She... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
201
  *Featured Speaker*

12:45pm EDT

Digital Choice Boards: Using Canva for Blended Learning
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Ready to transform your classroom into a canvas of creativity? Join us for "Digital Choice Boards: Using Canva for Blended Learning" – the ultimate adventure where students wield the power of design for educational triumph! In this engaging hour, we'll unleash the power of choice boards and witness classrooms transform into dynamic hubs of creativity and collaboration, letting Canva be the catalyst for student-driven education. Experienced users of the website are welcome to join us for a deep dive where education meets innovation, projects become personalized masterpieces, and students become the true architects of their learning foundation.
X: @designsandsuch
Instagram: designs.and.such
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Sela C Estelle

Sela C Estelle

Elementary Teacher, Greenville County
Sela is a fifth grade teacher in Greenville County Schools with a graduate degree in educational technology. Through her small business, she works to help bridge the gap between educational resources and high-quality graphic design. She supports educators by creating resources with... Read More →
avatar for Shane  Peek

Shane Peek

Instructional support, Greenville County
Shane serves as an Instructional Technology Facilitator with Greenville County Schools where he irons the capes of the true superheroes (teachers). As just one member of a dynamic team, his mission is to grow and equip teachers through professional development, co-teaching, model... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
214

12:45pm EDT

Canva 201: Empowering Education with Canva's New Features
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Canva is revolutionizing the way educators create and share instructional materials, with a suite of new features designed specifically for the classroom. During the session, a professional graphic designer from South Carolina ETV will guide participants through the platform's new tools, including customizable lesson plans, presentation templates, and classroom activities that cater to diverse teaching styles and subjects. Educators will discover how these tools help streamline the content creation process, saving valuable time while elevating the quality of educational materials. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Educator Kits, a collection of resources designed to support teachers in all aspects of curriculum development. These kits include interactive infographics, customizable worksheets, and collaboration tools that make it easy for teachers to integrate creativity into their teaching methods. Additionally, the session will explore how Canva fosters collaboration among students and encourages them to take an active role in creating visually stimulating projects. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clear understanding of how Canva can enhance their teaching practices. They will also be equipped with practical knowledge on how to implement Canva’s tools and Educator Kits into their library programs and classroom settings. This session will help educators foster an engaging, dynamic learning environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning experiences for their students.
Session Resources
Speakers
FF

Furman Fortner

Other, SC Educational Television
Furman Fortner is an instructional technology specialist for South Carolina Educational Television. Furman has produced educational material for SC students and teachers, the general public, first responders, healthcare professionals, and higher education for the entirety of his professional... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
238

2:00pm EDT

AI in Education: 10 Things to Try and 10 to Avoid
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
AI has the power to transform how we teach and learn, offering new opportunities to enhance student engagement and personalize learning experiences. Join me to explore some do's and don't when it comes to AI and then we will dive into some tools to bring to your classroom! Reimagining Learning and the Classroom * Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world of education and work. AI is being used to personalize learning, provide feedback, automate tasks, and more which have the potential to improve student outcomes. We need to embrace new ideas and help our students navigate the rapidly changing digital world.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Rachelle Dene Poth

Rachelle Dene Poth

High school teacher, Pennsylvania
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s, and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
202
  *Featured Speaker*

2:00pm EDT

Cloze Reading Activities with Google Docs & AI
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
This session explores how to create engaging cloze reading activities using Google Docs. Participants will learn how to effectively remove words from a text and provide options for students to fill in the blanks, enhancing their reading comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for James Varlack

James Varlack

Instructional support, Texas
James Varlack is a Digital Learning Specialist with McAllen ISD in McAllen, TX. The Digital Learning Team provides instructional technology support for 21,000 students and 1600 teachers and staff. He currently loves eating Sour Patch and connecting with educators on Twitter.
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Media Center
  *Featured Speaker*

2:00pm EDT

Do You Really Know How to Read&Write?
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
This simply amazing Google Chrome extension will amaze you with what how it can help you and your students! Text-to-speech, Voice Comments, Vocabulary List Builder, Speech Input, Fact Finder, Translator and so much more! You must see this exciting tool for yourself to believe it!
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Desiree Alexander

Dr. Desiree Alexander

Founder CEO, Louisiana
Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator, speaker, and author who has been in the educational field since 2002. She is the Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC and the Deputy Director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. She... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
201
  *Featured Speaker*

2:00pm EDT

Canva 201: Empowering Education with Canva's New Features
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Canva is revolutionizing the way educators create and share instructional materials, with a suite of new features designed specifically for the classroom. During the session, a professional graphic designer from South Carolina ETV will guide participants through the platform's new tools, including customizable lesson plans, presentation templates, and classroom activities that cater to diverse teaching styles and subjects. Educators will discover how these tools help streamline the content creation process, saving valuable time while elevating the quality of educational materials. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Educator Kits, a collection of resources designed to support teachers in all aspects of curriculum development. These kits include interactive infographics, customizable worksheets, and collaboration tools that make it easy for teachers to integrate creativity into their teaching methods. Additionally, the session will explore how Canva fosters collaboration among students and encourages them to take an active role in creating visually stimulating projects. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clear understanding of how Canva can enhance their teaching practices. They will also be equipped with practical knowledge on how to implement Canva’s tools and Educator Kits into their library programs and classroom settings. This session will help educators foster an engaging, dynamic learning environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning experiences for their students.
Session Resources
Speakers
FF

Furman Fortner

Other, SC Educational Television
Furman Fortner is an instructional technology specialist for South Carolina Educational Television. Furman has produced educational material for SC students and teachers, the general public, first responders, healthcare professionals, and higher education for the entirety of his professional... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
238
 
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