NETA 2025: Full Schedule

The NETA Board is excited to welcome you to a dynamic learning experience on May 1-2, 2025, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

11:30am CDT

Maximizing conneCTION: A Comprehensive Workshop for Teachers on Digital Lesson Management and Sharing Strategies

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Bronze 1

Last spring, conneCTION debuted at NETA as an online platform for Computer Science
educators. Led by developer Ian Kollipara, this workshop oJers an in-depth exploration of
the platform. Learn to create compelling lessons, master advanced resource discovery,
engage with a statewide educator network, and seamlessly integrate conneCTION into your
classroom. Perfect for CS instructors at every experience level seeking to elevate their
teaching resources and connectivity.

Speakers

Ian Kollipara

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Leen-Kiat Soh

Charles Bessey Professor, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 1

Mini Session

Strands that Match Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Tags Career and Technical Education, Distance/Online Learning, Leadership, Social Networks
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

11:30am CDT

Pathways to Teaching CS

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 9

With Nebraska’s recent mandate for K-12 CS education, there’s an urgent need for more teachers prepared to deliver engaging CS lessons. The initiative we will discuss tackles that head-on by developing new, hands-on curricula and courses tailored for future educators in elementary, business, and STEM fields. The program doesn’t stop at content knowledge; it empowers educators with the pedagogical tools to make CS accessible, relatable, and fun for all students, including underserved communities.

Speakers

Brian Dorn

Gwen Nugent

Research Professor, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and School

Gwen Nugent coordinates and supports research, development and grant writing project teams formed by the Nebraska Center for Research on CYFS. She has more than 30 years' experience in the design, production and evaluation of mediated instruction, and has served as project manager... Read More →

Leen-Kiat Soh

Charles Bessey Professor, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

University of Nebraska - Lincoln - Guy Trainin

Professor of Education, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

UNL Tech EDGE MissionTo create a generation of teachers who are effective and confident using new technologies to prepare the students of Nebraska to participate and lead in tomorrow’s global society. Necessary technology integration skills suggested by skilled practitioners along... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 9

Mini Session

Strands that Match Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Tags Business, Career and Technical Education, Computer Science, Staff Development
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Transform Student Learning in STEM, CTE, and Careers with AR/VR and AI

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Bronze 3

Walmart, Tesla, Delta, Warby Parker, Home Depot, your local hospital - what do these have in common? They all employ graduates from our schools. They also leverage augmented and virtual reality! Students will engage with AR/VR in their careers. After hearing use cases, you may consider STEM, CTE, and Career Exploration at your school or district. How do you engage students at high levels?

Speakers

Dee Dickson

Customer Success Manager, zSpace

Dee Dickson, M.EDSr. zSpace Customer Success ManagerzSpace, Inc. EdTech is Dee’s thing! As an educator with 20+ years of teaching and corporate training experience, she has a deep understanding of the technological demands that are required of today's instructors. Over the years... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bronze 3

Exhibitor Session

Strands that Match Administration/Leadership, Teaching & Learning
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Career and Technical Education, STEM / STEAM
Grade Level Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience All

3:15pm CDT

You Want to Get Started with Canva?

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT

Silver 12

So you want to get to know Canva, do you? Whether you’re designing posters, presentations, or social media graphics, this session is for you! No need to feel Grinchy if you’re new to Canva or unsure how to use tools like background removers. Being a beginner means endless possibilities, and we’re here to help you unlock your full creative potential. Let’s turn your ideas into visuals you’ll love so much more!

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Teacher/Tech Coach, Milford Jr/Sr High School

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information) Mini Session

Strands that Match Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Tags Canva, Career and Technical Education, Leadership, Staff Development
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience Intermediate

3:15pm CDT

Beyond the Breadboard: Moving students towards Printed Circuit Boards

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT

Silver 9

Prepare your students for the future of industrial electronics! All modern electrical equipment utilizes Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). This session explores how to design, manufacture, and assemble custom circuit boards through practical and entertaining projects. All while keeping the whole process cheap! Leave with resources to implement PCB projects in your classroom and inspire the next generation of tech-savvy innovators.

Speakers

Travis Ray

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
Silver 9

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information) Mini Session Show and Share Poster Session

Strands that Match Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Tags Career and Technical Education, Creation/Design Tools, Industrial Technology, Maker/Makerspace
Grade Level Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience All

4:15pm CDT

The Fundamentals of Networking and Code.org’s Internet Simulator

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Silver 9

Empower your students to grasp the inner workings of the internet by deepening your own understanding of networking fundamentals. In this engaging and practical session, high school teachers will explore key concepts such as IP addresses, DNS, routing, and packet transmission in a way that can empower them in their classrooms. Leave equipped with strategies to make the internet come alive in your classroom!

Speakers

Riley Swedberg

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Silver 9

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Computer Science, Higher Education
Tags Career and Technical Education, Computer Science, Higher Education, Secondary (9th-12th)
Grade Level Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience Intermediate

10:15am CDT

Unlocking Purpose and Creativity: The Power of 'Why'

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Silver 4

In this student-driven session, attendees will explore Golden Circle concepts and their powerful impact on digital media projects. By focusing on the 'Why,' participants will learn how to design projects that spark students’ passion, creativity, and purpose. Attendees will leave with innovative project ideas, practical classroom tools, and strategies for helping students connect and network through digital media, which will foster deeper student engagement.

Speakers

Liliana Macken

Dan Sanborn

Teacher - Digital Media, Nebraska Christian School

I am what I would call a "non-traditional" shop teacher. Although I have a deep love for traditional trade skills like woodworking and metals, I also teach courses in graphic arts, production printing and most recently Digital Media. This course in particular has expanded the... Read More →

Abigail Young

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Tags Career and Technical Education, Creation/Design Tools, Secondary (9th-12th), Social Networks
Grade Level Secondary
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Authentic Dig Cit: Building a Team of Social Media Content Creators

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 4

Would you like help in telling your school’s story? Do you sometimes wish you could clone yourself and be in two places at once? Dr. Jill will empower you to do this by creating and sustaining a social media team. From recruitment to retainment, learn how to select, train, and inspire the students and adults in your district to take ownership of telling their school’s story. Walk away with some great tips for motivating others to create content for someone other than themselves!

Speakers

Jill Johnson

President, Class Intercom

I was involved in education for 30 years as a classroom teacher, professional development consultant, and high school administrator before moving into my current role as President of Class Intercom. My passion, work, and research focus on student-led social media teams, social media... Read More →

Mitchell Roush

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Career and Technical Education, Digital Citizenship, Social Networks
Grade Level Secondary
Target Audience Intermediate