NETA 2026: Full Schedule

The NETA Board is excited to welcome you to a dynamic learning experience on April 30-May 1,2026, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

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10:15am CDT

Authentic Connection: Building Real Relationships in a Digital World

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Bronze 2

In an increasingly isolated world, where technology increases quantity but reduces quality, human connection is more vital than ever. As parasocial relationships with online creators and influencers grow, more young people are turning to digital spaces for a sense of belonging and connection. Join us to explore lessons from Common Sense that teach students how to establish healthy digital boundaries and emphasize the importance of real-world relationships and genuine human connections.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Media

Adam is an Education Outreach Manager at Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. He collaborates with Common Sense Media to help regional educators, students, and families approach media and technology thoughtfully while building healthy habits at school and home. By providing trustworthy... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Bronze 2

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Computer Science, Digital Citizenship, Library Media, Social Emotional Learning
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

10:15am CDT

ESPORTS More than Just Games

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Silver 5

More than a Sport, more than just games, eSports is a community and there is a future in it. It gives some students a reason to attend school, focus on academics and participate in a Sport while learning to eliminate online toxic behavior. Learn more about gaming with a purpose in a controlled environment and what is needed for a school to get going and be successful. Help schools teach real digital skills through the language kids already understand: gaming. Gaming Concepts curriculum helps students build confidence in digital literacy, problem-solving, and responsible tech use through ready-to-teach lessons aligned to Nebraska standards in all and built for grades 3-12.

Speakers

Jonathan Franta

Teacher and Coach, Omaha Central ESPORTS Coach

Rachel Murray

Customer Success Manager, PlayVS

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Tech Coordinators
Audience Computer Science, Digital Citizenship, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Middle, Secondary, Higher Education, All Levels
Area All

10:15am CDT

Surviving on Coffee, Chrome Tabs, and Cool Classroom Tech.

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Silver 8

Get ready to walk away with ready-to-implement tech strategies that energize student participation and elevate the look and impact of your teaching. A smorgasbord of free (or cheap), easy to use websites that make your presentations pop!

Speakers

Jachob Wiedeburg

4th Grade & High Ability Learning Teacher, Sidney Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 8

Mini Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Canva, Classroom Management, Digital Citizenship, Multimedia
Subject All Levels
Area All

11:15am CDT

Exploring the CYBER.ORG Range

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Bronze 3

Experience CYBER.ORG’s browser-based Cyber Range, a safe virtual environment where students can explore cybersecurity concepts through real-world simulations. Participants will learn to set up classes, launch virtual machines, and preview engaging lessons that teach password security, data privacy, and cybersecurity skills for grades 6-12. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help you seamlessly integrate this resource into your classroom.

Speakers

Nikki Hendricks

Curriculum Designer-Instructor, CYBER.ORG

Nikki Hendricks is a retired Texas educator and school librarian who now serves as a Curriculum Designer–Instructor at CYBER.ORG, where she develops middle and high school curriculum focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computational thinking.

Nikki previously taught high school cybersecurity and computer science. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and several industry certifications, including CompTIA CySA+, Security+, and Network+, and is currently working toward her SecAI+ certification... Read More →

Charlene Cooper

Director, CYBER.ORG

Charlene Cooper is the Director of CYBER.ORG, the academic division of the Cyber Innovation Center. As Director, she leads the team in developing cybersecurity resources for teachers and students nationwide. A National Board Certified Teacher, Charlene brings over 20 years of experience... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Career and Technical Education, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Citizenship
Subject All Levels
Area All

1:00pm CDT

Ctrl+Alt+Fix: Rebooting Your School’s Tech Strategy and Culture

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 4

After going 1:1 post-COVID without structure, our school faced inconsistency and frustration. A teacher-driven plan introduced access tiers, intentional blocking/unblocking, and a quick request process to align tools with learning. Now, tech use is purposeful—students create, collaborate, and practice digital citizenship, teachers lead PD, and a shared Tech Philsophy ensures transparency and a consistent, empowering culture.

Speakers

Leia Rumsey

Media Specialist, Norris 160 Intermediate School

Make your library the heart of the school with creative programming that draws in students and staff alike. Discover the impact of themed events, whole-school celebrations, and fun passive programs (like Fat Bear Week, book brackets, or kindness challenges) that spark excitement without... Read More →

Jason Gault

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Classroom Management, Digital Citizenship, Leadership, Learning Spaces
Subject Elementary, Middle
Area All

2:45pm CDT

Beyond Chatbots: Teaching the Real Lessons Behind Fake Content

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Silver 10

Generative AI is changing what we see, hear, and believe—and it’s time our classrooms caught up. In this interactive session, educators will explore how generative AI tools that create images, videos, and voice content can be used to teach critical thinking, media literacy, and ethics. Participants will safely experiment with AI generation and detection while uncovering the real lessons behind fake content.

Speakers

Kimberly Ingraham-Beck

Computer Science Teacher/Esports Coach, Gretna Public Schools

Kimberly Ingraham-Beck is a high school Computer Science teacher at Gretna Public Schools with a background in music education, technology, and curriculum development. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and three master’s degrees... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Library Media
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Cross Curriculum, Digital Citizenship
Subject Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Area All

3:45pm CDT

Teaching Beyond the Prompt: Authentic Learning with AI

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Silver 4

Discover how to integrate artificial intelligence in K–12 classrooms without losing authentic learning. This session helps teachers design lessons where students think critically, create meaningfully, and use AI responsibly. Attendees will learn how to balance technology use with cognitive engagement and ethical classroom practices that promote deeper understanding.

Speakers

Kelly Gatewood

Instructional Design and Technology Professor, Keiser University

Hi,
My name is Kelly Gatewood. I have been active with NETA for 30+ years. My interests include instructional design for motivating student through technology use and events of instruction.

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assessment, Digital Citizenship, Staff Development
Subject All Levels
Area All

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

11:15am CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

3:45pm CDT

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