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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.
Audience: Middle clear filter
Tuesday, July 15
 

11:00am EDT

Exploring the Power of AI: New Tools for Innovation
Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
As more and more AI apps and tools become available, it is often difficult to know where to begin. Will this app help? Is this tool really free? What does this resource do? This session will explore free and low-cost AI resources that will aid both teachers and students in planning and content creation. Please bring your laptop or mobile device, and let’s see what some new and exciting AI tools can do!
Session Resources
Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
225
  AI Tools

12:15pm EDT

Exploring the Power of AI: New Tools for Innovation
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
As more and more AI apps and tools become available, it is often difficult to know where to begin. Will this app help? Is this tool really free? What does this resource do? This session will explore free and low-cost AI resources that will aid both teachers and students in planning and content creation. Please bring your laptop or mobile device, and let’s see what some new and exciting AI tools can do!
Session Resources
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
225
  AI Tools

12:15pm EDT

Gizmos in the Math & Science Classroom
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Gimzos is an interactive math and science website suitable for elementary through high school. There is a wide range of topics for students' exploration, experimentation, and visualization. Greenville County Schools purchases Gizmos for grades 3-5 in the areas of math and science, and Gizmos are also available for science in the middle and high school grades. This session is intended for teachers new to Gizmos, not for advanced users. We will look at the website's organization, topics, and features, as well as discuss a variety of ideas for classroom use. The presenter is a fifth-grade teacher and will focus mostly on the elementary curriculum; however, middle and high school teachers are also welcome to attend.
X: @JessicaRahn
Instagram: @_rahnsrockets_
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Rahn

Jessica Rahn

Elementary school teacher, Greenville County
I attended Greenville County Schools and grew up here in Greenville. I graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in 2007 and also completed a Master's in Literacy at Furman University in 2010. I was honored to be selected as a top ten finalist for the 2014/2015 Greenville County... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:45pm EDT

Unlocking the Power of Desmos: Effective Strategies for Engaging 8th Grade Math Instruction
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
In this session, I will share effective strategies for leveraging Desmos in the 8th-grade math classroom to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding of mathematical concepts. As an advocate for innovative teaching practices, I believe that harnessing technology like Desmos can transform the learning experience and empower students to take ownership of their mathematical journeys.
Session Resources
Speakers
GG

Graham Garcia

Middle school teacher, Greenville County
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
211
  Apps or Web 2.0 tools

12:45pm EDT

A Taste of the Metaverse
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Join Ken Morrill, co-founder of The Diner Studio and middle school art and design teacher, to explore how metaverse spaces are transforming STEAM education. Learn how custom virtual environments connect K-12 students, educators, and professionals for interactive, project-based learning. See real-world examples of digital twins and career-connected experiences while discovering best practices for integrating metaverse tools into your curriculum. This session includes a hands-on demo and design session, so bring a laptop or tablet to explore live metaverse experiences. The future of learning is here—be part of it! More details at www.thediner.rocks/utc.
Instagram: @kmorrilldesign, @gxxnar, @thediner.rocks
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Ken Morrill

Ken Morrill

Middle School Art Teacher, Greenville County
Ken Morrill has enjoyed working with the students, families, and community partners at Fisher Middle School since 2017 to carry on the fine arts tradition and bring some of his design and tech passions to students who want to explore the wide world of ART+DESIGN all around us. He... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
234

2:00pm EDT

Beyond the Red Pen: Effective Strategies for Instant AI-Powered Student Feedback
Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Giving students timely, meaningful feedback shouldn’t mean spending hours grading. In this session, you’ll learn how to implement immediate feedback using free, AI-powered tools designed to support student learning while saving you time. These tools provide real-time, personalized feedback on writing and assessments, helping students improve while they work—not days later. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to integrate instant feedback into your classroom and see how AI can support, not replace, your role as an educator. Plus, all tools covered are FERPA and COPPA compliant, ensuring student data stays protected.
X: @resilientteachr
Instagram: @teachingmindbodyandsoul
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Brittany Blackwell

Brittany Blackwell

Educational Consultant & Podcast Host, The Resilient Teacher Podcast
Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed., is an an award winning special educator and teacher burnout & sustainability strategist from South Carolina. With over thirteen years of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms, Brittany has become an expert in addressing teacher burnout. She... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
223

2:00pm EDT

Ignite Critical Thinking: Spark Brain Power with Flippity and Canva Whiteboard
Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
In our classrooms we see students struggle with thinking critically and independently, often relying on surface-level responses rather than engaging in deep thought. This session will explore strategies that fuel critical thinking, enhanced by interactive and dynamic activities designed with Flippity and Canva. Join us as we ignite critical thinking and inspire students to engage with standards-based learning on a deeper level.
X: @MrsAPursley
Session Resources
Speakers
AP

Ashley Pursley

Instructional support, Anderson School District Five
Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
225

2:00pm EDT

Unlocking the Power of Desmos: Effective Strategies for Engaging 8th Grade Math Instruction
Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
In this session, I will share effective strategies for leveraging Desmos in the 8th-grade math classroom to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding of mathematical concepts. As an advocate for innovative teaching practices, I believe that harnessing technology like Desmos can transform the learning experience and empower students to take ownership of their mathematical journeys.
Session Resources
Speakers
GG

Graham Garcia

Middle school teacher, Greenville County
Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
211
  Apps or Web 2.0 tools

3:15pm EDT

Beyond the Red Pen: Effective Strategies for Instant AI-Powered Student Feedback
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Giving students timely, meaningful feedback shouldn’t mean spending hours grading. In this session, you’ll learn how to implement immediate feedback using free, AI-powered tools designed to support student learning while saving you time. These tools provide real-time, personalized feedback on writing and assessments, helping students improve while they work—not days later. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to integrate instant feedback into your classroom and see how AI can support, not replace, your role as an educator. Plus, all tools covered are FERPA and COPPA compliant, ensuring student data stays protected.
X: @resilientteachr
Instagram: @teachingmindbodyandsoul
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Brittany Blackwell

Brittany Blackwell

Educational Consultant & Podcast Host, The Resilient Teacher Podcast
Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed., is an an award winning special educator and teacher burnout & sustainability strategist from South Carolina. With over thirteen years of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms, Brittany has become an expert in addressing teacher burnout. She... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
223

3:15pm EDT

Ignite Critical Thinking: Spark Brain Power with Flippity and Canva Whiteboard
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
In our classrooms we see students struggle with thinking critically and independently, often relying on surface-level responses rather than engaging in deep thought. This session will explore strategies that fuel critical thinking, enhanced by interactive and dynamic activities designed with Flippity and Canva. Join us as we ignite critical thinking and inspire students to engage with standards-based learning on a deeper level.
X: @MrsAPursley
Session Resources
Speakers
AP

Ashley Pursley

Instructional support, Anderson School District Five
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
225
 
Wednesday, July 16
 

8:30am EDT

Folders and Binders Goodbye, Hello GoodNotes!
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Do you have folders or binders weighing you down? Reading groups, faculty meetings, or on-track meetings are much easier to navigate and arrive prepared for. Goodnotes makes your iPad a one-stop shop of information and resources that interfaces seamlessly with your phone, so you're only a click away. Use Goodnotes as a planner, create lifestyle journals, organize and use reading group lesson plans and schedules for groups, and take notes to share instantly. Experience with iPad, PDFs and images, and Google Slides encouraged. Although not required, please load the Goodnotes app onto your iPad to apply and practice simultaneously. Apple Pencil (or a compatible alternative) is not required but encouraged.
Instagram: _michelle.lynch
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Lynch

Michelle Lynch

Elementary school teacher, Greenville County
I have taught first grade for 15 years. I taught at AJ Whittenberg for 14 years, and now Buena Vista is my new home. I continuously try to find new ways to keep students engaged during independent work. It must be engaging, effective, and give immediate feedback. I can't wait to share... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
236

8:30am EDT

IXL to the Max!
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
IXL is a skills-based website that can help students in ALL grades target specific topics and reinforce learning. This session will help you take IXL to the MAX as we explore all of the features available, including instructional videos, state standards alignment, real-time analytics, personalized learning, quizzes, and group jams! Please make sure that your school has purchased or is interested in purchasing a subscription before attending this session. This session could also be appropriate for instructional leaders and administration considering purchasing IXL for their schools. The presenter is a fifth-grade teacher and will focus primarily on the elementary school curriculum, but middle and high school teachers are also welcome to attend.
X: @JessicaRahn
Instagram: @_rahnsrockets_
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Rahn

Jessica Rahn

Elementary school teacher, Greenville County
I attended Greenville County Schools and grew up here in Greenville. I graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in 2007 and also completed a Master's in Literacy at Furman University in 2010. I was honored to be selected as a top ten finalist for the 2014/2015 Greenville County... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
234

8:30am EDT

Programmatic Growth Through STEM Competition
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
An exploration on promoting growth in STEM courses through content relevant competitions. The topic will look at robotics, drones, and more and how to engage students outside the classroom to develop interest in CTE courses. The course will explore: - Available Competitions - Funding - Maintaining Programs - Applications to Classroom Growth
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for David Bennett

David Bennett

PLTW Teacher/CTE Department Chair, Greenville County Schools
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
235
  Coding/Robotics/STEAM

8:30am EDT

Spark Curiosity in Coding
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Learn about coding platforms that use block coding to teach students basic coding skills. This can be done in any subject area, to spark the students curiosity while using problem solving skills to code. Free platforms will be explored during the presentation. Attendees will learn about free platforms for coding; code.org, pencil.net, vr.vex.com, Brush Ninja, Hour of Code, and Scratch.
X: @Mickeyteacher
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Abby Schiferl

Abby Schiferl

Middle school teacher, Pickens County
Abigail Schiferl currently serves as a middle school Gateway to Technology teacher that teaches Project Lead the Way classes Automation/Robotics, Design/Modeling and Flight/Space.  She works at Pickens Middle School  in the School District of Pickens County in Pickens, South Carolina. In her 17  years of teaching she has taught middle level math & science and currently PLTW. She is Google Certified Level 1 & 2,  Wakelet Certified & Ambassador, Flipgrid Ambassador, Kami Certified Educator 1 & 2 & Kami... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
230
  Coding/Robotics/STEAM

9:45am EDT

Folders and Binders Goodbye, Hello GoodNotes!
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Do you have folders or binders weighing you down? Reading groups, faculty meetings, or on-track meetings are much easier to navigate and arrive prepared for. Goodnotes makes your iPad a one-stop shop of information and resources that interfaces seamlessly with your phone, so you're only a click away. Use Goodnotes as a planner, create lifestyle journals, organize and use reading group lesson plans and schedules for groups, and take notes to share instantly. Experience with iPad, PDFs and images, and Google Slides encouraged. Although not required, please load the Goodnotes app onto your iPad to apply and practice simultaneously. Apple Pencil (or a compatible alternative) is not required but encouraged.
Instagram: _michelle.lynch
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Lynch

Michelle Lynch

Elementary school teacher, Greenville County
I have taught first grade for 15 years. I taught at AJ Whittenberg for 14 years, and now Buena Vista is my new home. I continuously try to find new ways to keep students engaged during independent work. It must be engaging, effective, and give immediate feedback. I can't wait to share... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
236

9:45am EDT

IXL to the Max!
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
IXL is a skills-based website that can help students in ALL grades target specific topics and reinforce learning. This session will help you take IXL to the MAX as we explore all of the features available, including instructional videos, state standards alignment, real-time analytics, personalized learning, quizzes, and group jams! Please make sure that your school has purchased or is interested in purchasing a subscription before attending this session. This session could also be appropriate for instructional leaders and administration considering purchasing IXL for their schools. The presenter is a fifth-grade teacher and will focus primarily on the elementary school curriculum, but middle and high school teachers are also welcome to attend.
X: @JessicaRahn
Instagram: @_rahnsrockets_
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Rahn

Jessica Rahn

Elementary school teacher, Greenville County
I attended Greenville County Schools and grew up here in Greenville. I graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in 2007 and also completed a Master's in Literacy at Furman University in 2010. I was honored to be selected as a top ten finalist for the 2014/2015 Greenville County... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
234

9:45am EDT

Programmatic Growth Through STEM Competition
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
An exploration on promoting growth in STEM courses through content relevant competitions. The topic will look at robotics, drones, and more and how to engage students outside the classroom to develop interest in CTE courses. The course will explore: - Available Competitions - Funding - Maintaining Programs - Applications to Classroom Growth
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for David Bennett

David Bennett

PLTW Teacher/CTE Department Chair, Greenville County Schools
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
235
  Coding/Robotics/STEAM

9:45am EDT

Spark Curiosity in Coding
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Learn about coding platforms that use block coding to teach students basic coding skills. This can be done in any subject area, to spark the students curiosity while using problem solving skills to code. Free platforms will be explored during the presentation. Attendees will learn about free platforms for coding; code.org, pencil.net, vr.vex.com, Brush Ninja, Hour of Code, and Scratch.
X: @Mickeyteacher
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Abby Schiferl

Abby Schiferl

Middle school teacher, Pickens County
Abigail Schiferl currently serves as a middle school Gateway to Technology teacher that teaches Project Lead the Way classes Automation/Robotics, Design/Modeling and Flight/Space.  She works at Pickens Middle School  in the School District of Pickens County in Pickens, South Carolina. In her 17  years of teaching she has taught middle level math & science and currently PLTW. She is Google Certified Level 1 & 2,  Wakelet Certified & Ambassador, Flipgrid Ambassador, Kami Certified Educator 1 & 2 & Kami... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
230
  Coding/Robotics/STEAM

12:15pm EDT

Gizmos in the Math & Science Classroom
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Gimzos is an interactive math and science website suitable for elementary through high school. There is a wide range of topics for students' exploration, experimentation, and visualization. Greenville County Schools purchases Gizmos for grades 3-5 in the areas of math and science, and Gizmos are also available for science in the middle and high school grades. This session is intended for teachers new to Gizmos, not for advanced users. We will look at the website's organization, topics, and features, as well as discuss a variety of ideas for classroom use. The presenter is a fifth-grade teacher and will focus mostly on the elementary curriculum; however, middle and high school teachers are also welcome to attend.
X: @JessicaRahn
Instagram: @_rahnsrockets_
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Rahn

Jessica Rahn

Elementary school teacher, Greenville County
I attended Greenville County Schools and grew up here in Greenville. I graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in 2007 and also completed a Master's in Literacy at Furman University in 2010. I was honored to be selected as a top ten finalist for the 2014/2015 Greenville County... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:45pm EDT

A Taste of the Metaverse
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Join Ken Morrill, co-founder of The Diner Studio and middle school art and design teacher, to explore how metaverse spaces are transforming STEAM education. Learn how custom virtual environments connect K-12 students, educators, and professionals for interactive, project-based learning. See real-world examples of digital twins and career-connected experiences while discovering best practices for integrating metaverse tools into your curriculum. This session includes a hands-on demo and design session, so bring a laptop or tablet to explore live metaverse experiences. The future of learning is here—be part of it! More details at www.thediner.rocks/utc.
Instagram: @kmorrilldesign, @gxxnar, @thediner.rocks
Session Resources
Speakers
avatar for Ken Morrill

Ken Morrill

Middle School Art Teacher, Greenville County
Ken Morrill has enjoyed working with the students, families, and community partners at Fisher Middle School since 2017 to carry on the fine arts tradition and bring some of his design and tech passions to students who want to explore the wide world of ART+DESIGN all around us. He... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
234

12:45pm EDT

Google Docs Does THAT!?
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Level up your Google Docs with new built-in tools that take your digital activities from “ok” to AWESOME! This session blends instructional design, technology, and a pinch of graphic design to help you give your Google Docs a glow-up.
Session Resources
Speakers
EH

Erik Hansen

High school teacher, Greenville County
Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
213
  Chromebooks  Google

2:00pm EDT

Google Docs Does THAT!?
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Level up your Google Docs with new built-in tools that take your digital activities from “ok” to AWESOME! This session blends instructional design, technology, and a pinch of graphic design to help you give your Google Docs a glow-up.
Session Resources
Speakers
EH

Erik Hansen

High school teacher, Greenville County
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
213
  Chromebooks  Google
 
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