VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – 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.
IgniteND is an exciting two-day conference designed for primarily for K-12 teachers, education administrators, and technology leaders. The conference offers practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to spark innovation in education and lifelong learning across North Dakota, with artificial intelligence (AI) as this year’s central focus.
Conference attendees will explore practical strategies and hands-on learning in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and essential digital skills. Expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and statewide partnerships will equip educators to implement new ideas and technology practices in their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Attendees can also earn professional development credit hours, awarded through VCSU Distance and Continuing Education.
Early-bird registration is currently open for just $50 after a stipend supplied by the VCSU AI Institute for Teaching and Learning. Learn more and register at https://www.edutech.nd.gov/ignitend
IgniteND Conference – Featured Presentations
Keynote: “Facing the AI Challenge”
Dr. Mark Hagerott will deliver the keynote presentation – “Facing the AI Challenge” – where he explores how AI reshapes attention, creativity, and decision-making and what that means for the future of education. You’ll leave with clear questions to drive AI discussions in your classroom, practical strategies to integrate tools with students, and concrete insights into how learning is changing with these technologies.
“The Engagement Drop-off”
In “The Engagement Drop-off,” Dieumerci “DM” Christel shows how AI can help teachers discover what interests their students and create stronger classroom connections. You’ll get to see a live demo of an AI-powered classroom game and pick up practical ways to connect with students. Dieumerci grew up in North Dakota, where a teacher’s encouragement made a big difference in his life. Now, he creates tools to support educators everywhere.
Dr. Chuck Gardner
What would it take to bring hands-on cybersecurity training to every student in North Dakota? Dr. Gardner’s keynote goes beyond theory. It introduces a proven, working model already delivering virtual labs, competitions, and real-world cybersecurity experiences to students, regardless of location. From infrastructure to access to funding, this session focuses on what it takes to make it happen.
