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

Leveraging iPad Functionality to Increase Access for Students

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Bronze 2

Did you know you can connect a mouse to an iPad? Or that a text in a photograph can be read aloud? This session will focus on ways the iPad can help make content accessible for students based on real-life situations encountered by students and staff in Omaha Public Schools.

Speakers

Colleen Collins

Special Education Assistive Technology Specialist, Omaha Public Schools

Shared Leveraging iPad Functionality pptx

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Bronze 2

Concurrent Session

Company Special Education, Teaching & Learning
Audience Apple Tools, Assistive Technology
Subject All Levels
Area Novice

10:15am CDT

Virtual Friends, Real Risks: Guiding Youth in the Age of AI

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Silver 5

Nearly three out of four teens have used AI companions. This session examines its impact on the well-being and social development of youth. Attendees will learn why teens turn to chatbots, the risks of emotional dependency, and how to guide students and families toward healthy digital boundaries and human relationships.

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 →

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Citizenship, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Social Emotional Learning
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

3D Printing in Elementary

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Bronze 3

Have a 3D printer or want one? Come see how I integrate 3D printing in my media lessons.

Speakers

Valerie Chmelka

Media Specialist, Grand Island Public Schools, Dodge Elementary

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Library Media, Maker/Makerspace, STEM / STEAM
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

Before The Prompt: Foundational Skills for AI-Ready Students

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 5

AI literacy— the ability to understand, question, and thoughtfully engage with AI systems—begins well before students use chatbots. In this session, educators will explore foundational lessons from Common Sense that help students question what's real, evaluate altered media, credit original work, identify credible sources, and understand digital consent. We must build students' critical thinking and ethical awareness to prepare them for an AI-driven world.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Media

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Citizenship, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Library Media
Subject Elementary, Middle
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

Digital Accessibility — By Everyone, For Everyone

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 10

Digital accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s about giving every student, staff member, and community member equal access to online information and tools. With new ADA regulations coming soon, this session offers tips and resources for educators and tech leaders on what’s changing, where to start, and simple ways to build more inclusive digital spaces.

Speakers

Terry Julian

Technology Facilitator, Hastings Public Schools

I have long enjoyed helping teachers use technology, As a district technology facilitator, I am very thankful to now be able to do that on a daily basis.

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session

Company Technology Coordinators, Technology Integration Specialists
Audience Administrative Planning, Assistive Technology, Cross Curriculum, World Languages
Subject All Levels
Area Novice

1:00pm CDT

Use a Maker Approach to Engage Students in Literacy

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 10

Come and get making with your favorite books! Come explore ways to get students actively playing with ideas and characters in their favorite stories like Ten Black Dots, It Looked Like Spilt Milk, and more.. Learn how to scaffold and coach them as they cut, glue, build, and create in real life and expand with digital tools.

Speakers

Valerie Chmelka

Media Specialist, Grand Island Public Schools, Dodge Elementary

Melinda Kolk

Editor, Creative Educator magazine

Melinda is the Editor of Creative Educator magazine. For the past 25 years, Melinda has led workshops at schools around the world and presentations at education conferences, such as CUE, ASCD and ISTE, on the topics of creativity, project-based learning, and open-ended technologies... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Language Arts, Maker/Makerspace, Multimedia
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

11:15am CDT

11:15am CDT

11:15am CDT

1:00pm CDT

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