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Artificial Intelligence in education is focus of 2026 IgniteND Conference

Gary Lloyd | Apr 29,26 | 01:47 EST

Technology

Valley City State University and the AI Institute for Teaching and Learning are partnering with NDIT-EduTech to hold the annual IgniteND conference June 2-3 on the VCSU campus. The conference will focus on practical strategies and hands-on learning in AI, computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and essential digital skills for K-12 teachers, administrators, and technology leaders.

About the IgniteND Conference IgniteND is a two-day conference for K-12 educators and technology leaders, offering practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to foster innovation in education. This year, the conference's central theme is artificial intelligence, covering topics like computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and digital skills. Attendees can earn professional development credit hours through VCSU Distance and Continuing Education, and early-bird registration is available for $50 after a stipend. Keynote: “Facing the AI Challenge” — Mark Hagerott, Ph.D. Mark Hagerott, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address, exploring how AI is transforming attention, creativity, and decision-making, and its implications for the future of education. His presentation aims to provide participants with clear questions to guide AI discussions in their classrooms, practical strategies for integrating AI tools with students, and concrete insights into the evolving landscape of learning due to these technologies. “The Engagement Drop-off” — Dieumerci “DM” Christel Dieumerci “DM” Christel will present on 'The Engagement Drop-off,' demonstrating how AI can assist teachers in identifying student interests and building stronger classroom connections. He will provide a live demo of an AI-powered classroom game and share practical methods for engaging with students, drawing inspiration from a teacher who positively influenced his own life growing up in North Dakota. Cybersecurity Training — Chuck Gardner, Ph.D. Chuck Gardner, Ph.D., will discuss the feasibility of implementing hands-on cybersecurity training for all students in North Dakota. His keynote will move beyond theoretical discussions to introduce a proven, operational model that provides virtual labs, competitions, and real-world cybersecurity experiences to students, irrespective of their geographical location. The session will address critical aspects such as infrastructure, access, and funding required to make such an initiative successful.

About the IgniteND Conference

IgniteND is a two-day conference for K-12 educators and technology leaders, offering practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to foster innovation in education. This year, the conference's central theme is artificial intelligence, covering topics like computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and digital skills. Attendees can earn professional development credit hours through VCSU Distance and Continuing Education, and early-bird registration is available for $50 after a stipend.

Keynote: “Facing the AI Challenge” — Mark Hagerott, Ph.D.

Mark Hagerott, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address, exploring how AI is transforming attention, creativity, and decision-making, and its implications for the future of education. His presentation aims to provide participants with clear questions to guide AI discussions in their classrooms, practical strategies for integrating AI tools with students, and concrete insights into the evolving landscape of learning due to these technologies.

“The Engagement Drop-off” — Dieumerci “DM” Christel

Dieumerci “DM” Christel will present on 'The Engagement Drop-off,' demonstrating how AI can assist teachers in identifying student interests and building stronger classroom connections. He will provide a live demo of an AI-powered classroom game and share practical methods for engaging with students, drawing inspiration from a teacher who positively influenced his own life growing up in North Dakota.

Cybersecurity Training — Chuck Gardner, Ph.D.

Chuck Gardner, Ph.D., will discuss the feasibility of implementing hands-on cybersecurity training for all students in North Dakota. His keynote will move beyond theoretical discussions to introduce a proven, operational model that provides virtual labs, competitions, and real-world cybersecurity experiences to students, irrespective of their geographical location. The session will address critical aspects such as infrastructure, access, and funding required to make such an initiative successful.