Written by: Kyleigh Kumm<\/p>\n
Austin, Texas – a city known for its vibrant music scene, world-class barbecue, and cutting-edge tech innovation, was the perfect backdrop for TCEA 2025! The energy at the conference was nothing short of electrifying as educators, tech enthusiasts, and forward-thinkers gathered to explore the latest in educational technology, best practices, and groundbreaking innovations. The TCEA conference is relocating to San Antonio for the next few years as the conference center is rebuilt to hold the teacher volumes attending this annual conference in the Texas State Capitol. Mark January 31 \u2013 February 4, 2026 on your calendar to attend this action-packed conference with a schedule fit to meet all your education needs. From AI-powered learning tools to game-changing instructional strategies, this year\u2019s conference left us inspired and ready to take on the future of education. Let\u2019s dive into some of the most exciting highlights and sessions from TCEA 25!<\/span><\/p>\n AI was the talk of the town, with sessions like <\/span>\u201cAI in Action: Why, What, and How\u201d<\/b>, which explored practical ways for educators to integrate AI into their classrooms, and <\/span>\u201cFrom Zero to Chatbot Hero\u201d<\/b>, a step-by-step guide for teachers looking to implement chatbots to enhance student engagement and automate administrative tasks. Teachers also discussed the importance of AI literacy in <\/span>\u201cBigger Fish to Fry: AI\u2019s Role in Education\u201d<\/b>, where experts highlighted how AI can personalize learning experiences while ensuring ethical and responsible usage in the classroom. Some of the most popular sessions highlighted the following AI tools: Brisk, Canva, Curipod, Driffit, Elicit, and Magic School AI.<\/span><\/p>\n Notebook LM was one of the most popular tools highlighted throughout the conference. I created a <\/span>podcast<\/span><\/a> to show the power of the podcast feature this AI tool has. Notebook LM is an AI-powered research and writing assistant designed to help users organize, analyze, and generate insights from their notes and documents. To use Notebook LM, users can upload their documents, such as research papers, PDFs, or personal notes, and the AI will summarize key points, answer questions, and generate structured content based on the information provided. This tool is particularly beneficial for students, researchers, and professionals as it streamlines the process of gathering and synthesizing information, saving time and improving productivity. Additionally, Notebook LM enhances comprehension by identifying key themes and patterns within large amounts of text, making it easier to extract relevant information and generate well-structured reports, summaries, or creative content.<\/span><\/p>\n Equity and accessibility took center stage with incredible presentations on making learning inclusive for every student. <\/span>\u201cThe Inclusive Classroom: Creating Accessibility for ALL Students\u201d<\/b> introduced adaptive technologies and tools that make learning materials accessible for students with disabilities, including speech-to-text applications and screen readers. <\/span>\u201cPushing Past Boundaries: AI and the Accessible Future\u201d<\/b> showcased how AI-driven solutions can support neurodiverse learners, helping them navigate complex educational tasks with greater independence. Sessions also demonstrated how platforms like Book Creator and immersive game-based learning can make a significant impact on student engagement and comprehension. We have multiple rooms dedicated to AI in education over our two-day conference. Do you have specific needs for AI in your school or classroom? Find a session that will assist in growth for your district at NETA 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n The buzz around eSports was undeniable! Sessions like <\/span>\u201cEstablish and Sustain a Thriving eSports Program\u201d<\/b> provided a roadmap for educators to set up competitive gaming teams in schools, covering essential topics such as funding, equipment needs, and student engagement. In <\/span>\u201cLeveraging Game-Based Learning to Support Special Needs\u201d<\/b>, educators explored how video games can be used as an interactive learning tool to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students with special needs. The rise of eSports in education is not just about competition\u2014it\u2019s about fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and career pathways in digital fields. Did you know that we host an eSports competition at NETA? Add this to your session agenda on Sched.<\/span><\/p>\n Design and creativity played a major role at this year\u2019s TCEA, with hands-on workshops like <\/span>\u201cKeepin\u2019 It Reel with Canva\u201d<\/b>, where teachers learned how to use Canva\u2019s new video editing features to create engaging classroom content. <\/span>\u201cAI Art in the Classroom\u201d<\/b> explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity, showing educators how AI-powered tools can be used to enhance student projects in art and design courses. Adobe and Microsoft sessions focused on empowering educators with digital storytelling tools that allow students to express their ideas in innovative ways.<\/span><\/p>\n As schools continue their digital transformation, cybersecurity remains a top priority. <\/span>\u201cCyber Resilience for Schools: Simulating and Stopping Ransomware\u201d<\/b> provided educators with strategies to protect their school networks from cyber threats, including real-world case studies on mitigating ransomware attacks. <\/span>\u201cAI to Assist in Cybersecurity\u201d<\/b> delved into how artificial intelligence is being used to identify vulnerabilities in school systems and prevent data breaches. Meanwhile, <\/span>\u201cEmpowering Campus Leaders with ChatGPT\u201d<\/b> focused on how AI-driven chatbots can support school administrators in streamlining communication, managing workflows, and providing instant access to critical information.<\/span><\/p>\n TCEA 2025 wasn\u2019t just about the latest gadgets and tech trends\u2014it was about <\/span>innovation with purpose<\/b>. Educators left with not just new tools, but new mindsets on how to create engaging, equitable, and future-ready learning environments. Whether it\u2019s integrating AI, launching an eSports league, or leveraging Canva for student creativity, one thing is clear: the future of education is <\/span>bold, dynamic, and full of possibilities<\/b>! Leslie Fisher\u2019s sessions were highly attended and this year we are bringing her to NETA 2025 to help explore the vendor hall! Look for these innovative experiences and many more on our socials over the next couple of months!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many of these great tools are included in NETA 2025\u2019s lineup for its <\/span>sessions<\/span><\/a> throughout the conference agenda. We hope to share some great content from educators in Nebraska that aligns with some of these valuable topics!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Written by: Kyleigh Kumm Austin, Texas – a city known for its vibrant music scene, world-class barbecue, and cutting-edge tech innovation, was the perfect backdrop for TCEA 2025! The energy… <\/p>\nAI: The Future is Now!<\/b><\/h3>\n
Tech-Powered Accessibility for All<\/b><\/h3>\n
Game On! The Rise of eSports in Schools<\/b><\/h3>\n
Creativity Unleashed: Canva, Adobe, & More!<\/b><\/h3>\n
Cybersecurity & Digital Leadership<\/b><\/h3>\n
The Takeaway: Innovation with Purpose<\/b><\/h3>\n