2026 Summer TEchNOLOGY Institute
Powering Progress
August 4-6, 2026 | Virtual Event
Please join us for this dynamic community event on August 4 – 6, 2026.
This virtual conference will have thematic strands, workshops, plenary sessions, community building, networking, and learning. We will be inspired by leaders, researchers, and innovators in both library sciences and educational technology from across the United States. Come learn with us as we move together in powering progress.
Participants will earn contact hours/CEUs through professional development or 3 graduate credits by enrolling in either EDT 580 or LMS 580.
For more information, contact Mia Morrison, Summer Technology Institute Coordinator, at mia.morrison@maine.edu.
This event is sponsored by the collaborative Master of Education in Instructional Technology program, an effort between the University of Maine, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the University of Southern Maine.
Plenary Sessions
AI Workout: Strengthening Human-Centered Classrooms with AI
Nicole Davis
Emerging Technology Specialist
Maine Department of Education
Strands
Workshop leaders and Sessions
Day 1: August 4 – 1:30-2:45 p.m.
From Passive to Powerful in Practice: Designing Creative Classrooms That Work
Kristen Brooks
Innovative Learning Specialist
#EDU LLC
Jennifer Fronczak
Professional Learning Specialist
RiSE Center, University of Maine
Justin Dimmel
Interim Director, Maine RiSE Center; Associate Dean for Academics and Student Engagement, College of Education and Human Development
University of Maine
Making Library Learning Visible Through Collaboration
Michelle Lopez
Secondary Library Assistant
American Community School of Abu Dhabi
Day 2: August 5 – 1:00-2:15 p.m.
What Makes Learning Matter? Student Perspectives on Purpose, Engagement, and Real-World Impact
Jodie Deinhammer
Science Educator
Coppell High School, Coppell TX
AI in Education: From Exploration to Application
Eric Lawson
Director of Technology & Innovation
York School Department
Think, Tinker, Transform: STEM-rich Making in School Libraries
Aubrey Rogowski
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Maine
Day 3: August 6 – 11:00 A.M.-12:15 p.m.
Copyright/Fair Use + GenAI for Teachers & Librarians
Kamal Chawla
Assistant Professor of Education and Applied Quantitative Methods
University of Maine
Beyond Engagement: Designing Meaningful Learning with the Triple E Framework
Kathy Garcia
Senior Director of Technology
Cathedral Catholic High School, San Diego, CA
10 Quick Student Engagement Tips
Megan Ryder
STEAM Interventionist
Winfield School District 34, Winfield, IL
Event Schedule
Registration
Graduate Credit
(includes 3-Day Institute)
Enroll in either EDT 580 or LMS 580 to earn 3 graduate credits
Graduate Course Dates:
July 20 – August 14, 2026
Graduate Course Registration Deadline: July 24, 2026
How to enroll:
Summer Technology Institute
(3-Day Institute Only)
Register for Summer Technology for 25 contact hours or 2.5 CEUs.
Institute Dates:
August 4 – 6, 2026
Institute Registration Deadline:
August 3, 2026
How to Register: