Sessions

Please check back for an updated listing of sessions. More will be added soon!

Presenter	Learning Strand	Session
Kealii Akina Kehau Usui	Cyber Savvy XP	Kilo Kumu: Using AI to Assess, Reflect, and Refine Teaching Practices Discover how integrating teacher guides with powerful AI tools can enhance teacher growth and student success. This workshop introduces resource-specific learning models like Notebook LM, creative solutions like MagicSchool and Napkin.ai, and strategies for crafting effective prompts. Engage in a hands-on session tailored to your teaching style, empowering you to build personalized systems for evaluation and growth. Join us to explore innovative tools that honor culture, improve teaching practices, and foster student achievement.
Kealii Akina Iwalani Haia Maikalani Glendon-Bacliq	Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	Reclaiming Hawaiian History Through Critical Pedagogy Explore how to teach Hawaiian Kingdom history with culturally responsive frameworks that challenge dominant narratives. This session introduces primary sources, project-based learning, and digital tools to engage students in self-determination discussions. The new online curriculum will analyze treaties, economic strategies, and diplomatic relations of the 19th century. This presentation aims to share an online curriculum with other educators to encourage collaboration. Leave with resources to empower students as critical thinkers and advocates for lāhui.
Shane Asselstine	Contemporary Learning XP	Unlock New Learning Possibilities with AI: An Introduction to Google NotebookLM Step into the future of learning with Google NotebookLM, a cutting-edge generative AI tool poised to transform how we interact with information. This session explores how NotebookLM can revolutionize research, enhance understanding, and spark new avenues for both teaching and departmental innovation. Discover its power to synthesize complex information and generate insightful connections, empowering you to elevate your practice and contribute to a dynamic learning environment.
Shane Asselstine	Contemporary Learning XP	AI for Effective Assessment This session empowers educators to leverage AI for effective assessment. Explore strategies for designing standards-aligned assessments, crafting clear rubrics, and utilizing AI tools to create engaging performance tasks. Through interactive demos, hands-on activities, and discussions, discover how AI can unlock personalized feedback on student writing, generate practice activities tailored to individual needs, and reveal hidden strengths through AI-powered insights. Leave with an action plan to implement AI-enhanced assessments and personalize learning for all students!
Danielle Baudendistel	Contemporary Learning XP	Spark Student Creativity Through Engaging Interactive Lessons, and Hip Hop Music This session is perfect for educators looking to create the ultimate experience in their classroom by infusing excitement, equity, and effectiveness into their teaching. Discover how the dynamic platforms—Nearpod and Flocabulary—can transform your classroom into an interactive, student-centered learning environment. Boost student engagement through engaging and interactive standards aligned lessons while incorporating the power of hip-hop. See how Flocabulary will immerse your students in the Science of Reading by combining music, storytelling, and creativity to build vocabulary and content knowledge across subjects.
Evan Beachy Kealohi Reppun	Contemporary Learning XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP, Wellness XP	Rooted Before Ready: Pt.1 Part 1: Kilo, Trauma-Informed Care, and the Conditions for Belonging Part 1 of a two-part series on anchoring learning in the AI age through analog and human-centered practices. This session explores how kilo—the Native Hawaiian practice of deep observation—and trauma-informed care help establish the emotional safety and cultural grounding essential for learning. Educators will engage in reflective practice, examine the neuroscience of trauma, and leave with tools to build belonging and readiness in their classrooms, especially for students facing adversity.
Evan Beachy Mitch Weathers	Contemporary Learning XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP, Wellness XP	Rooted Before Ready: Pt.2 Executive Functioning Skills for Cognitive Readiness Part 2 in a two-part series on analog practices that strengthen learning in an AI-enhanced world. This session explores how executive functioning—skills like planning, focus, and emotional regulation—are essential for student success, especially in trauma-impacted and tech-rich classrooms. Drawing from Mitch Weathers’ best-selling book Executive Functions for Every Classroom, this session offers concrete routines, modeling strategies, and tools to help students build cognitive resilience and agency.
Dagan Bernstein	Community & Collaboration XP	Malama Kaiaulu: Sustaining Community Partnerships in Experiential Learning How can educators engaged in experiential, project-based, ‘āina-based, and community-based learning ensure that partnerships are reciprocal and sustainable? This open forum brings together educators from charter, public, and private schools to explore ways to malama kaiaulu—care for our communities—while engaging in authentic learning experiences. Participants will discuss strategies to avoid overextending community partners, foster long-term relationships, and navigate the power dynamics that often exist between schools and local organizations. Join us in sharing insights, challenges, and solutions for ethical and effective community collaboration.
Tye Deal, EdD *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	eXPerience Innovation in Professional Learning Are you ready to transform professional learning? Join me for a hands-on session using AI tools to gain practical experience designing impactful professional learning experiences. Designed for educators, trainers, and learning professionals, this session dives into innovative approaches to strengthen your design practices. Discover exciting AI tools to streamline design and content creation. Discuss strategies for aligning professional learning with adult learning principles and educational technology standards while grounding learning in standards unique to your learners. Leave with practical, innovative strategies that will save you time and enhance your professional learning opportunities.
Leilani Eteuati, MAEd Christopher Padesky, PhD	Play & Learn XP	Simple STEAM Activities for All Grade Levels This session will introduce methods to create as well as locate premade STEAM activities appropriate for all grade levels. Using classroom materials to blend engineering, art and technology, participants will explore five fun STEAM activities together. These include Chat GPT & Teaching Morphology with Pokémon, Marble Roller Coasters, Virtual Reality, Hour of Code, and Holiday Activities. The presentation will include websites, links, relevant curriculum standards, teacher tips, materials needed and student feedback. Distributed materials include master copies of activity templates and worksheets. Come ready to collaborate and create together!
Levanna Eugenio	Community & Collaboration XP	Beyond the Classroom: Using AI & Tech to Teach Business, Marketing, and Design Explore how AI and tech can bring business, marketing, and design to life in your classroom! Using the AI Food Truck Challenge, this hands-on session shows how tools like Canva, ChatGPT, MagicSchool.ai, and DALL·E empower students to create logos, design marketing strategies, and develop business ideas. You’ll hear from students who’ve completed the project, sharing their experiences and final creations. Participants will experiment with AI tools, gaining practical strategies and resources to integrate these technologies into any subject area. Leave with actionable ideas to make learning hands-on, relevant, and future-ready!
Hillary Foster	Play & Learn XP	Where are our native forest birds? The application of GIS in remote area avian conservation Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a key tool in avian research and conservation, aiding in the study of bird distributions, population densities, home range characteristics, and habitat quality. GIS helps map species ranges, track bird movements, and visualize successful habitats. At MFBRP, we use ArcGIS Online-linked apps for data collection, streamlining analysis and reporting. Our biologists study birds in forests, using GIS to navigate and document bird interactions. In the office, data is analyzed to map bird ranges and densities in critical habitats. This presentation will teach students to use ESRI apps in avian research and conservation, turning data into valuable insights for conservation management.
Mike Fricano II	Play & Learn XP	AI and the Future of Literacy: Critical Analysis of AI-Generated Content In an age of rapidly advancing AI, discerning truth from fabrication is more crucial than ever. This session empowers educators to equip students with essential critical literacy skills for navigating AI-generated content. We’ll explore how AI creates text and images, uncover its inherent limitations and biases, and learn practical strategies for identifying manipulated media. Discover how to teach students to evaluate credibility, analyze bias, and become savvy consumers of information in the AI era. Gain actionable techniques to foster digital citizenship and ensure students are prepared to thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.
Mike Fricano II	Play & Learn XP	Play and Learn with AI Tools Dive into the world of generative AI in this interactive session. Teachers will have the opportunity to explore a range of AI tools and experiment with their capabilities. From generating text and images to exploring AI in video, code, and games, this session will provide practical experience and inspire creative applications for the classroom.
Mike Fricano II	Play & Learn XP	Create, Connect, Cultivate: Gen AI for Educators Explore the potential of generative AI to transform your teaching practice! This workshop will introduce educators to AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and MagicSchoolAI and demonstrate how to use them to save time, personalize instruction, and enhance learning experiences. Learn practical strategies for lesson planning, creating materials, assessing students, and more.
HSTE (Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education) Mike Fricano II Shane Asselstine Dagan Bernstein Alan Tamayose		HSTE EdTech SLAM Need practical EdTech tools and a good laugh? Join the HSTE EdTech SLAM! Educators from HSTE will share their best tips and resources in a dynamic, entertaining showdown. You, the audience, vote for the winner in this spirited competition. Walk away with tangible tech solutions and enjoy a truly fun session.
HSTE (Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education) Mike Fricano II Shane Asselstine Dagan Bernstein Alan Tamayose		HSTE AI SLAM Explore the power of AI in education – SLAM style! HSTE educators present their top AI tips and tools in a high-energy, humorous competition where you pick the champion. It’s a friendly-yet-fierce battle guaranteed to leave you with actionable AI insights and a memorable, fun experience.
HSTE (Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education) Mike Fricano II Shane Asselstine Dagan Bernstein Alan Tamayose		Ed Tech Playground Ignite your vision for a more innovative Hawaii at the HSTE EdTech Playground! This interactive space is being provided to empower educators to explore and engage with technology. Dive into cutting-edge technologies alongside fellow educators. Share best practices, discover solutions to personalize learning, and bridge the digital divide. Let’s empower learners, ensure equitable access, and unlock their full potential. Join us at the HSTE EdTech Playground: It’s where we build the future of education in Hawaii, together!
Angela Gadtke Kris Szajner	Contemporary Learning XP, Play & Learn XP	The Experience Matters: Designing Joyful & Accessible Classrooms that Drive Academic Success Research shows that when students have a joyful and engaging elementary school experience, it lays the groundwork for long-term academic achievement and a lifelong love of learning. In this session, discover how to create classroom environments where every learner can thrive. Learn how Seesaw’s evidence-based platform brings Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to life—removing barriers, supporting accommodations, and embracing learner variability through multimodal tools. See how students can capture and explain hands-on learning to support student agency, and give teachers meaningful insights to identify growth, address gaps, and celebrate success.
Angela Gadtke Kris Szajner	Contemporary Learning XP, Play & Learn XP	Seesaw Show and Tell Join us for a Seesaw Show and Tell where you’ll collaborate and share innovative practices among educators using Seesaw. It features interactive activities, quick presentations by teachers and administrators, networking, discussions, and workshop stations where attendees can get hands-on and explore new features and resources.
Makana Garma Manuwai Peters Leināʻala Medeiros Heidi Waiamao	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP, Play & Learn XP, Wellness XP	Princess Luka. Using Technology to Ignite Curiosity and Engagement in Learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Come check out this interactive activation/presentation that celebrates ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) in a fun and non-intimidating way. Historically, as soon as ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi was made available in the written form, people were constantly looking at ways to learn more about the outside world thus, making Hawaiʻi the most literate nation in the world. Our aliʻi spoke beautiful ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and English. This activation celebrates one such aliʻi, Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani and being kūpaʻa (steadfast) on advocating for ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Attendees will learn about her and the history of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, being banned from the public schools and government and then invited to challenge oneself to begin their ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi journey.
Jose Gonzalez *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP	STEAM and Project-Based Learning PBL is an instructional method that encourages students to learn by engaging in projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. At Davis Middle, this approach has been utilized to address real-world issues, with a particular focus on climate change. Through hands-on projects, students investigate local environmental challenges, collaborate with peers, and develop actionable solutions.
Dorothy Hirata *Featured Presenter* Laura Chuang George *Featured Presenter* Alice Swift *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, Play & Learn XP	Ready for Some Fun with AI? Join the iPlay Experience! Have you struggled to find time to explore the latest and greatest new technology out there, despite wanting to stay on top of current trends and technology, like AI? Look no further! Designed for innovators eager to explore cutting-edge tools, the Innovation Playground (iPlay) is a unique professional development (PD) model that encourages innovation, creativity, and opportunities to ʻimi aku, ʻimi mai (research, explore, investigate). Join in as an iPlay participant to explore some generative AI tools (e.g., text-to-text, text-to-multimedia, academic/research-related AI tools, and more!) in a collaborative setting. Don’t forget to bring your laptop or smart device to jump in on the exploration! Leave the session with a wealth of resources to continue your AI and iPlay adventures.
Evan Jenkins	Contemporary Learning XP	Hawaiian Political Hero, Digital artwork I will be presenting student’s completed work and the process we engaged in using Adobe Fresco. Students researched in their homeroom classes and chose a specific Hawaiian political hero. In my art class with the use of digital art tools we are in the second year with this project and have created original portraits of their Hawaiian political hero which are called their “Hawaiian political hero posters”. I will show important steps related to the process of teaching students of this age how to work with digital art applications and how that was introduced in earlier digital art lessons. Trouble shooting tools I use in lessons with issues that arise in the application and what are the shortcuts that really work and click for the student to make this a successful lesson.
Chloe Keane	Wellness XP	Lumi Ho’omaha Step into Lumi Hoʻomaha, the Break Room, a space designed to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. Unwind and find your rhythm of rest amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Join us and discover where relaxation meets creativity, and leave feeling recharged.
Johnny Kissko	Contemporary Learning XP	Reimagining Learning: Closing the Gap with Apple Technology What does powerful learning look like today—and what could it look like if we reimagined it through the everyday experience of every student? In this interactive session, participants will collaboratively define their current learning environments and envision their ideal future learning experiences. Through group discussions, we’ll identify opportunities for transformation. Together, we’ll explore how Apple technology can serve as a catalyst for change—bridging gaps, amplifying student voice, and bringing learning visions to life. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your school’s aspirations and actionable strategies for using technology to help achieve them.
Johnny Kissko	Cyber Savvy XP	Apple Intelligence for Education: A New Era of Innovation This session is designed to help school leaders navigate how Apple Intelligence fits into their school and learning environments, while also enhancing personal productively. We’ll explore how Apple Intelligence can seamlessly integrate into your schools and daily workflow, learning how to use new tools such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Transcripts to deliver meaningful outcomes that enhance productivity and creativity. We’ll also walk through how data is handled privately and securely – key priorities in the world of education. We’ll be exploring Apple Intelligence on iPad. Participants are encouraged to bring an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with the latest OS installed because many of the features we’re exploring are available across Apple devices. If you don’t have a Mac or iPad, we’ll have one you can use during this session.
Abe Lagrimas	Contemporary Learning XP	Integrate Music with the Help of AI: Ukulele Blues Songwriting Join Lōkahi: The Ukulele Collective as we demonstrate how anyone can teach arts integrated, music and writing lessons using the ukulele and Fender Play, an innovative music teaching using AI listening technology. Experience how non-music and music teachers alike are bringing music back into the school day! By the end of this session you will be able to teach students how to: *Use Fender Play to learn a few chords *Play a 12 bar blues song *Write your own lyrics *Get feedback on playing using the Feedback Mode listening engine Experience how teachers around Hawaii and the country, including the Hawaii Department of Education, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and DC Public Schools, are building music programs with the help of this exciting approach!
Justin Lai	Contemporary Learning XP, Play & Learn XP	AI + Artisanship: Reimagining Design Thinking for Digital Fabrication This session shows how AI transforms design thinking while preserving hands-on skills. I’ll showcase AI chatbots for student research and ideation in the context of laser cutting projects. Using classroom tool design case studies, participants will see how each phase of design thinking can be enhanced with AI. You’ll get strategies to responsibly integrate AI in creative projects, empowering students to shape their learning while developing digital and physical making skills. This approach personalizes learning while preserving the craftsmanship central to an embodied education, preparing students for a human-centered, technology-rich future.
Justin Lai Eva Lam		Vibe Coding in the Classroom: An Invitation to Experiment Together This session explores “vibe coding” – generating functional apps from conversational descriptions – and how it might transform CS education through meaningful student projects. As an educator approaching this from generative AI and design thinking rather than traditional CS training, I’ll demonstrate a hands-on framework where students become project managers and teachers handle AI-assisted development. Participants will build a real conference networking app together, experiencing how AI can generate single-file web applications with educational constraints baked into prompts. You’ll see live prompt engineering, code scaffolding strategies, and practical deployment using familiar tools like Google Sites. Rather than teaching concepts first, this approach lets students learn by customizing apps they actually want to use, bridging from visual programming environments to professional development practices. Join this experimental community of educators exploring where AI-assisted coding meets student-centered learning.
Patricia Louis *Featured Presenter* Catherine Malulani Kamanu *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	Game On! Saving ʻAmaʻama with Tech Discover how Kamehameha School 6th graders are blending game design, AI, and ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) to restore the ʻAmaʻama, the Hawaiian Striped Mullet. This session showcases a collaborative project where these students developed an educational game using data from field studies, traditional research, and insights from cultural experts. The game emphasizes the cultural significance, moʻolelo, lifecycle, and environmental threats to the ʻAmaʻama. The 6th graders will share their experiences and play the game with participants, making this session interactive and engaging. Join us to learn how this project integrates ʻike kūpuna with modern technology to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Jill Loveall	Play & Learn XP	Curiosity in Action: Play, Projects, and Design Thinking Discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand through sustained inquiry and hands-on exploration in STEM and project-based learning. This session will highlight how to spark curiosity using the Stanford Design Thinking Process, student-led discovery, and immersive experiences—including virtual field trips—that turn classrooms into spaces of joyful, meaningful learning.
Amy McKee Carolyn Rojsutivat Blythe Yoshikane	Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	ʻĀinaQuest: A Case Study of ʻŌiwi Innovation Bridging Ancestral Knowledge and Pop Culture This session shares the co-founders’ journey of creating ʻĀinaQuest, a “pick-and-pass” card game that uniquely blends ancestral Hawaiian knowledge of native plants with contemporary pop culture to cultivate ʻāina-based stewardship. Participants will gain insights into the design process, the principles guiding the integration of traditional wisdom, and the strategies employed to make this knowledge accessible and relevant for a modern audience.
Joe & Kristin Merrill *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	Empowering Learning with AI Ready to empower your students with AI? In this hands-on session, you’ll explore creative and adaptable ways to integrate AI into lessons that spark curiosity and engagement. We’ll share tools that give you practical strategies to elevate student learning with AI-driven tools in any classroom setting!
Joe & Kristin Merrill *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	Teaching AI: We’re Never Getting Back Together with Old Methods Inspired by Taylor Swift’s iconic anthem “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” we’ll SHAKE OFF into how AI is reshaping teaching practices, leaving traditional methods in the rearview mirror.
Joe & Kristin Merrill *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	Unlock Your Creativity ERA with Canva; From ‘BLANK SPACE’ to ‘LOVE STORY Sparks Fly’ when working with Canva’s creative power! ‘Begin Again’ in the classroom, crafting creative activities better than your ‘Wildest Dreams’ – posters, infographics, animations, and more. ‘Shake It Off’ and redefine how students demonstrate their learning today in this Taylor Swift inspired session!
Joe & Kristin Merrill *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	The InterACTIVE Class: Using Technology to Make Learning More Relevant and Engaging Looking to make learning more relevant and engaging? Whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience with EdTech, this session is for you! Join Joe and Kristin Merrill, teachers and authors of The InterACTIVE Class series, as they share practical techniques for transforming your lessons. Learn how to breathe new life into old lessons through gamification, project-based learning, and the integration of educational tools, no matter your level of expertise. This session will equip both beginner and intermediate EdTech teachers with strategies to make their classrooms truly interactive!
Joe & Kristin Merrill *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	Creation Over Consumption: Reimagining How Students Engage with Content in the Classroom Rethink traditional methods and empower students to create and innovate in the classroom! Learn ideas to harness the power of creation over consumption and how to promote a highly engaging classroom environment.
Micah Mizumoto, Skye Espino, Alex Ishikawa, Kim Kunitomo, Ronette Ojeda, Jan Shimoda, Rachel Tanaka & Julie Teruya	Contemporary Learning XP, Play & Learn XP	Early Learrning Playground The Early Learning Playground invites you to eXPerience hands-on, interactive tables and floor spaces, designed for educators working with children aged 3 to 8. Explore innovative and practical teaching strategies, age and developmentally-appropriate digital tools, and ignite your teaching practice with creativity and curiosity. Meet your fellow educators, gain fresh insights, and enhance your skills to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for your students.
Marc Nakayama *Featured Presenter*	Play & Learn XP	From Prompt to Print: The AI Sticker Experience Join us in this dynamic conference session where educators will dive into the world of stickers using AI-generated images. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how to use text prompts to generate AI designs and print custom stickers. Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or sticker enthusiast, this session will be great for you and your students!
Marc Nakayama *Featured Presenter*	Play & Learn XP	Laser-Focused: Engaging Students Through Innovation Discover how laser cutters can transform student engagement and learning in the classroom. This session will provide an overview of laser cutting technology, demonstrate its integration into various subjects, and showcase its ability to foster creativity and critical thinking. In this hands on session, participants will receive practical resources, explore examples of student projects, and design their own laser cut masterpiece. Whether you’re new to laser cutting or an experienced user, you’ll leave with valuable insights and tools to inspire your students.
Marc Nakayama *Featured Presenter*	Play & Learn XP	Crafting Creativity: Laser Cut Jewelry in the Classroom Join us in this hands-on workshop where educators will explore the fascinating world of laser cut jewelry. We’ll cover laser cutting basics, design creation, hands-on crafting, and a brief discussion on education integration. Attendees will leave with a personalized wood pendant, keychain, or earrings, ready to inspire creativity and engagement in their students.
Marc Nakayama *Featured Presenter*	Play & Learn XP	Press & Impress: The Art of Heat Transfer Vinyl Unlock the creative potential of Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and iron-on transfers to personalize fabric surfaces like t-shirts, bags, and more! In this hands-on session, educators will explore the fundamentals of both HTV and iron-on applications, dive into innovative design techniques, and gain practical insights for integrating these creative processes into classroom projects. Whether you’re an experienced educator or new to crafting, this workshop will equip you with the skills and inspiration to help students bring their custom-designed wearables to life.
Jamie Nunez *Featured Presenter*	Wellness XP	Mālama ʻOe: Digital Wellness Strategies for Educators As educators, we are constantly giving to our students and communities. But how do we care for ourselves in a digital world? Join Common Sense Education as they lead an interactive session that invites educators to explore digital wellness practices using online tools. Participants will engage in live mindfulness exercises, digital organization activities, and self-care planning using apps that foster balance and well-being. You’ll collaborate with peers to create your digital wellness plan and reflect on strategies that align with your lifestyle and values. Leave with tangible tools and a renewed sense of mālama ʻoe
Jamie Nunez *Featured Presenter*	Community & Collaboration XP	Kaiaulu Connected: Guiding ʻOhana Toward Healthy Digital Habits Empower ʻohana to foster healthy digital habits by exploring practical, interactive strategies for families and classrooms. In this session, educators will work together to create sample tech agreements and role-play scenarios to practice guiding parents in managing screen time, setting boundaries, and building positive digital habits at home.
Jamie Nunez *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	AI in Action: Practical ways to use AI for research & learning AI doesn’t have to be intimidating! In this hands-on session, educators will learn how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and Scite.Ai to create research-based topics and support critical thinking skills. Through interactive exercises, participants will create lesson prompts, conduct live research with AI tools, and design student-centered activities that integrate AI. Educators will collaborate with peers to discuss how AI can enhance culturally relevant learning while supporting diverse student needs. Leave with personalized AI prompts and practical techniques to implement right away in your classroom.
Nick Okafor Justin Kellum	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP, Cyber Savvy XP	Mapping Justice: Using Data, Storytelling, and Tech to Amplify Youth Voice What happens when youth are given the tools to map their world—and imagine something better? This session explores Mapping Justice, a hands-on program where students use geospatial tools and data storytelling to tackle real issues in their communities. By integrating digital tools with community-grounded content, Mapping Justice builds technical and emotional literacy. It bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary tech to cultivate kuleana and collective identity. This session will share powerful examples from recent student cohorts in Hawaiʻi and explore how educators can integrate these practices into their own classrooms. Perfect for educators interested in new ideas and free resources on personalized learning, culturally grounded tech education, or project-based collaboration.
Jon Pennington & Haumāna *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP	Truthspoken: Students from 5 Schools Navigate the Storm With Purpose and Power In this dynamic session, five students from five diverse public, private, and charter schools share how they use AI to transform their learning and shape their lives. Their stories reveal a powerful shift—from passive recipients to active designers—and offer educators, leaders, and peers a bold new vision of what’s possible when truth is spoken at the edge of innovation.
Katie Pillen	Contemporary Learning XP, Cyber Savvy XP	Digital Branding for Educators: Mastering LinkedIn In this engaging session, I will dive deep into the art of creating an impressive LinkedIn profile. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, optimizing your LinkedIn presence is essential because a LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume—it’s your digital brand! Join us to unlock the secrets of a standout profile and take your professional journey to new heights!
Katie Pillen	Cyber Savvy XP, Wellness XP	LinkedIn Learning for Educators: Enhancing Your Skills Join us for an engaging session on LinkedIn Learning tailored for K-12 educators! Discover how LinkedIn Learning can enhance your teaching skills, keep you updated with the latest educational trends, and support your professional development. We’ll explore beneficial courses, practical tips for incorporating LinkedIn Learning into your classroom, and strategies for leveraging it for career advancement. Learn about AI-powered features like Role Play, Career Journey, and AI Coaching, and how 24/7 access allows for just-in-time learning. Attendees will receive free one-month access to LinkedIn Learning. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your professional journey! 😊
Phaedra Robinson Laura Morrison Dr. Ululani Brigitte Russo Oana Rosanna Nusseiri	Community & Collaboration XP, Play & Learn XP	Our journey with HCBE with a Mobile Makerspace in Rural Oahu Sharing our experience collaboratively planning STEAM x HCBE units, our team of mana wahine (2 teacher-researchers, a classroom teacher and a Native Hawaiian scholar)will engage the audience in an interactive discussion about our journey to design relevant and relatable CTE activities in a rural Elementary school in an effort to increase interest and engagement in STEM. Concluding with a group discussion at the end, we will connect our joint experience to the classrooms here in Hawai`i, and how incorporating HCBE into curricular activities in collaborative school-community-industry partnerships may increase student engagement in STEM content areas.
Tami Saito	Community & Collaboration XP	Integrating Music in 5th Grade: Exploring Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion Instruments In the 2023-2025 school year, I started an afterschool music program at Waihee Elementary, which has grown to 22 5th-grade students in its second year. Through this program, students explore percussion, woodwind, and brass instruments, while also having the opportunity to create their own music or songs using AI learning tools or stop-motion animation. Students can also research their instruments to deepen their understanding. With mentorship from intermediate, high school, and adult musicians, students develop foundational skills and are inspired to expand their musical journey through creativity and collaboration.
Erin Samson	Contemporary Learning XP	Preserving our place in Resin In our Hoʻokele Mahi class, a nature journaling lesson becomes more than just art—it becomes a way to connect with cultural memory, identity, and kuleana. Students preserve a small natural item in resin to honor a meaningful place, turning personal moʻolelo into a lasting symbol of their responsibility to and connection with ʻāina. The phrase “Preserving our place in resin” reflects our commitment to remembering, protecting, and honoring the deep stories and relationships we hold with the land.
Aaron Schorn *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	Trust: Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI As artificial intelligence redefines education, how can we ensure that student work and assessments remain relevant, trust-driven, and centered on the human experience? It’s all about capturing the process. In this workshop we will explore the role of authenticity and student-led documentation in creating a culture of trust in learning environments. By fostering transparency and connection, educators and technology leaders can build a foundation for deeper, more impactful learning in the age of AI.
Aaron Schorn *Featured Presenter* Trinity Asing	Community & Collaboration XP	Unlocking Brilliance: Insights from Nalukai’s Place-Based Entrepreneurship Programs This isn’t your typical PD. This is an interactive, high-energy deep dive into how entrepreneurship rooted in Hawaiian culture sparks innovation, empower students, and turn passion into action. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies to bring place-based entrepreneurship into your classroom—and maybe even your own life. You will gain insights into methodologies that empower students to develop ventures rooted in their cultural and community contexts. Expect to think fast, create boldly, and walk away inspired.
Aaron Schorn *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	Beyond Grades: Building Authentic Assessment, Metacognition, and Visible Learning in Education Traditional assessments often fail to capture the depth of student learning. This session explores how authentic assessment, learner documentation, and visible learning foster student agency, transparency, and trust. Rooted in Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike, we will reframe assessment through an ancestral lens—prioritizing experiential learning and actionable, authentic feedback. Drawing from Lean Startup, Agile Management, and communal assessment methodologies, we’ll examine how portfolios, storytelling, and iterative documentation and reflection create meaningful evidence of learning. Educators will leave with practical strategies to implement assessment systems that empower students, develop durable skills, and connect learning to mentors and communities.
Kalani Soller	ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	HCBE, Technology & Me Aloha mai a e komo mai! Discover how HCBE can be seamlessly integrated into an online learning management system (LMS), making a unique approach to education accessible to everyone. This approach emphasizes the importance of cultural identity & heritage in shaping well-rounded, informed, & culturally awakened students. HCBE is at the forefront of modern education, innovating with deep respect for the culture & traditions of the elders & the land. It advances new educational methods & ideas while honoring & incorporating the richness & wisdom of Hawaiian culture & heritage.
Waiw.ai Studios	Contemporary Learning XP	Chat M.AI: Youth-Led Storytelling at the Intersection of Culture and Technology Waiw.ai Studios is back to share Chat M.AI – Mana of Ancestral ʻIke, a completely youth-produced docuseries and podcast exploring moʻolelo as the original technology—a vessel for ancestral knowledge, values, and vision. Created by three ʻōpio, the series uplifts stories of place—past, present and future. With two 30-minute episodes released and a third in production, they artfully weave mele, ʻōlelo noʻeau, and moʻolelo—each element contributing cultural depth and creative resonance. Through hopeful narratives gathered from kiaʻi and community leaders, they spotlight real-world solutions already in motion. This project is a living testament to what becomes possible when youth find their piko and activate their voice, brilliance, and kuleana.
Victoria Thompson *Featured Presenter*	Cyber Savvy XP	Digital Footprint: What it is, What it Isn’t, and How to Use It Regardless of your role in education, social media and the idea of having a positive “digital footprint” can be a very powerful tool. Educators can unlock the potential of social media in constructive ways that can help to lead to personal and professional advancement. In this session, we’ll dive in together on the impact of having a digital footprint, how to maintain a positive professional presence online, and how to use social media to reach your personal and professional goals.
Victoria Thompson *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP	Exploring Responsible AI Use for Students As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent in education, it’s essential for students to understand its responsible use. But, how can we make this possible? In this session, we’ll explore best practices for incorporating AI into student learning environments. We will discuss topics such as AI bias, privacy concerns, and how to navigate AI-driven tools effectively and ethically. Participants will gain practical strategies for fostering critical thinking and responsible AI usage among students, ensuring they are prepared to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Marenka Thompson-Odlum *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	Mind the Gap: Bridging Object and Place-Based Learning with Digital Technologies Like them or loathe them museums are sites of learning. Museums offer rich opportunities for object-based learning, but how can we use digital technologies to enhance these experiences with a stronger sense of place? This session explores how tools such as podcasting, virtual tours & interactive applications can transform museum objects into dynamic, multi-sensory teaching resources. Using the Pitt Rivers Museum’s Ma uka to Ma kai exhibition as a case study, the session will highlight the power in multi-layered narratives, offering strategies for creating immersive, interdisciplinary, collaborative and culturally rich learning experiences. Finally it will include a reflective discussion on the ethics of digital representation and the role of technology in promoting cultural stewardship.
Miki Tomita Okamoto *Featured Presenter*	ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	ALOHA x Design: Place-Based Design Thinking inspired by Pono Shim & Pilahi Paki Our ALOHA x Design approach takes a place-based, culturally grounded approach to “rethink” Design Thinking. This framework can be applied to all levels of design, from classroom to school to community, and even into personal relationships. ALOHA x Design helps us to analyze who is at the center of and who benefits from our current state, and gives us tools to re-imagine and redesign. ALOHA practices and wisdom of noted Hawaiian healers are integrated throughout the process to anchor to indigenous wisdom and place. Participants will have the opportunity to deconstruct/redesign a current initiative or project during workshop time and provide feedback/insights to each other, so we may all move towards ALOHA-based systems and relationships.
Miki Tomita Okamoto *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP, Wellness XP	Mapping Your Life Voyage – From Stellarium to Star Compass In our lives, we are constantly navigating – in our daily choices, in our hopes and dreams for the future, backsighting our past choices and experiences to make sense of where we are today. What story do we tell ourselves about the course our lives have taken? How might reimagining our story help us navigate our future with confidence? What is the role of ancestral and genealogical wisdom in this process? In this session, we will focus on a few tools from app-based technologies like Stellarium to ancestrally-grounded ones like the Polynesian Star Compass that allow us insight into the various ways we might chart our course in life with passion and purpose.
Miki Tomita Okamoto *Featured Presenter*	ʻŌiwi Innovation XP, Wellness XP	Wayfinder Hawaiʻi: Finding our Way through Purpose and Place Join the Wayfinder Hawaii team to explore the newest version of Wayfinder, a leading purpose+belonging programs for K-12. Wayfinder Hawaii is a unique creation within the Wayfinder program led by Hawaiʻi partner Education Incubator; Wayfinder lessons and activities help learners through the processes of discovering their strengths, cultivating resilience and adaptability, and engaging with their communities and environment. Inspired by Hawaiʻi cultural practitioners of Polynesian wayfinding, storytelling, and ALOHA, Wayfinder’s K-12 teaching + learning resources support students in developing belonging + purpose by meaningfully connecting with their inner selves and the wider world.
Raechelle Villanueva Crystal Boucon	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP, Cyber Savvy XP, Wellness XP	The Power of Mo`olelo in the Digital Era Mauka to Makai is the idea of how mountains and all waters are connected for our island systems to flow smoothly. Project Based Learning enables students to create systems for their own learning to solve real world problems. Learn how students from various ages and schools, problem solved to navigate uncertainties in this digital era. Using lessons learned from the Pandemic, learn how this group of students created a mentorship program that incorporated Computer Science, Robotics, Digital Storytelling, and AI. At the core was the importance of sharing mo`olelo. Learning from Hawaiian Values, these students are empowered to move forward. Through their work, truly from schools Mauka to Makai, these students continue to share not only their own mo`olelo, but the mo`olelo of our kūpuna.
Beth Wardlaw	Contemporary Learning XP	Build Your Toolkit – with Freeform Discover how Freeform, Apple’s freely available, powerful visual thinking and collaboration app, can transform your classroom into a space where student creativity thrives. In this hands-on session, you’ll explore how Freeform on Mac and/or iPad can be used to support open-ended learning, project-based collaboration, and dynamic lesson planning. Learn how to guide students in using Freeform to brainstorm, organize ideas, make connections, and present their learning in visual, meaningful ways. From mind maps to multimedia projects, Freeform offers an infinite canvas where students can express themselves, work together, and think critically—all in a format that’s as flexible as their imaginations. You’ll leave with practical ideas, real classroom examples, and the confidence to start integrating Freeform into your teaching toolkit. Bring your device and be ready to create, collaborate, and inspire! Freeform is freely available on the Apple App Store. If you don’t have a Mac or iPad, we’ll have one you can use during this session.
Beth Wardlaw	Contemporary Learning XP	Composing Culture: Using GarageBand to Create Hawaiian Songs and Chants Bring student voice and culture to life through music in this creative, hands-on session designed for kumu passionate about integrating technology and Hawaiian identity. Learn how to combine GarageBand with Magic School AI to guide students in composing their own Hawaiian songs and chants for projects that honor and explore their heritage. In this session, you’ll explore how to use Magic School AI to aide in generating culturally relevant lyrics, themes, or starting points—while keeping student voice and cultural accuracy at the center. Then, you’ll dive into GarageBand on iPad or Mac to transform those ideas into unique, student-created musical pieces that can be shared as part of mo‘olelo (stories), hula, or multimedia projects. You’ll leave with practical strategies, sample lesson workflows, and hands-on experience empowering students to express their identity through sound, language, and technology—while honoring the traditions and creativity of Hawaiian culture. No musical background required—just a passion for student voice and cultural learning. Participants are encouraged to bring an iPad or Mac with the latest operating system installed and the latest version of GarageBand. If you don’t have a Mac or iPad, we’ll have one you can use during this session.
Beth Wardlaw		Interactive Storytelling with Pages: Creating Multimedia Books for the Classroom Unlock the power of Pages to bring student storytelling to life in this dynamic, hands-on session designed specifically for kumu. You’ll learn how to create interactive, multimedia-rich books that encourage creativity, collaboration, and deep learning. Through guided exercises in this workshop, you’ll explore how students can use Pages to create their own multimedia books—perfect for project-based learning, cultural storytelling, or integrating technology into literacy instruction. Whether it’s a personal narrative, a cultural story, or a collaborative class project, Pages allows you to transform traditional storytelling into an immersive, interactive experience that captures the imagination. Discover how to combine text, images, audio, video, and hyperlinks in Pages to build engaging digital stories that empower students to express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. You’ll leave with practical tips, examples, and ideas to implement immediately in your classroom. Participants are encouraged to bring an iPad or Mac with the latest operating system installed and the latest version of Pages. If you don’t have a Mac or iPad, we’ll have one you can use during this session.
Anisa Wiseman	Wellness XP	Building Your Emotional Toolkit Join Anisa Wiseman—peer, family member, and Deputy Director of NAMI Hawaii—for an engaging wellness session focused on building your emotional toolkit. In the first 20 minutes, Anisa will guide you through the “what” and “why” of emotional toolkits, and introduce practical coping tools like tapping, breathing, and other somatic techniques that support emotional regulation and resilience. The remaining time will be hands-on: explore the tools, practice the techniques, and begin building your own personalized emotional toolkit in a supportive space. Walk away with ideas you can use immediately—and share with others.
Gabriel Yanagihara *Featured Presenter*	Contemporary Learning XP, Community & Collaboration XP, ʻŌiwi Innovation XP	AI Literacy Through Place-Based Storytelling and Student Publishing Empower students to build AI literacy by telling stories rooted in their place, culture, and community. In this session, you’ll learn how students used AI tools to write and illustrate books inspired by family histories and cultural traditions, including a project from Molokai students who published their own books on Amazon. We’ll explore how AI image generators and Canva can support Hawaiian Cultural-Based Education (HCBE), with a spotlight on Kaiona and preserving the voices of our kupuna.