NCED Connect Symposium 2025

In recent years, tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons and Kids on Bikes have surged in popularity, offering more than just recreational fun. These games have proven powerful in developing students’ collaborative skills, critical thinking, empathy, storytelling, and creativity. This session is designed for K-12 educators and librarians who are curious about incorporating TTRPGs into their teaching practice, providing them with the tools, strategies, and firsthand experiences to see how role-playing games can engage students in unique and meaningful ways.  No prior experience with TTRPGs is necessary. By the end of this session, participants will have firsthand experience with TTRPGs, practical ideas for implementing them, and the confidence to facilitate these games with students. They’ll leave equipped to create engaging, imaginative learning experiences that foster a love for storytelling, critical thinking, and collaboration. Agenda:Introduction to TTRPGs in EducationHands-On Mini Campaign WorkshopFacilitating TTRPGS with StudentsQ&A/Resources

During our session on enhancing learning with visual audio (audiograms), educators will gain hands-on experience creating and implementing audiograms. We'll start with an immersive audiogram experience, sparking discussion on its impact and potential. After a tech demo of user-friendly audiogram tools, educators will create their own simple audiogram. Learners will have time to create their own audiogram using a sample audio clip or they can record and design their own. Time will be given for participants to share with those near them. Educators will consider ways to incorporate audiograms into their lessons. We'll also explore the potential of student-generated audiograms as a powerful learning tool. Possible challenges and solutions to them will be discussed as well. The session concludes with participants sharing their implementation plans and key takeaways, promoting knowledge retention and community building. Throughout, participants will learn: Cognitive benefits of visual audio in learning Practical tools and techniques for creating effective audiograms Strategies for integrating audiograms across subjects and grade levels Best practices for using audiograms to support diverse learning needs By the end, educators will have hands-on experience, a toolkit of resources, and actionable plans to enhance their teaching with audiograms. This interactive approach ensures engaged learners who can immediately apply their new skills in the classroom.

School library media coordinators are instructional leaders who can powerfully impact student learning. This interactive presentation highlights how principals can leverage them to elevate reading achievement, integrate digital literacy skills, collaborate with teachers, provide makerspace opportunities, support school improvement goals, and lead professional development. Aligned to evaluation standards, participants will gain insights into utilizing media coordinators as co-teachers, instructional partners and curriculum leaders beyond traditional services. Principals will leave understanding how to capitalize on this resource to advance literacy, technology integration and collaborative teaching.

Discover practical ways to integrate generative AI into various educational roles through an interactive, station-based session. This hands-on workshop is designed for school leaders, educators, and students, focusing on how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks, enhance classroom instruction, and support student learning.

Learn how AI can support English instruction while fostering academic integrity. This session will explore AI tools that enhance reading, writing, and feedback processes. Equip yourself with practical tools and approaches to engage students while maintaining the authenticity of their work.

School librarians, embrace your inner tech innovator! Join this session to see how AI can supercharge your workflow, equip your students, and propel your library to the forefront of digital literacy.  Leave the session feeling confident and empowered to lead your library into the future today, building information and media literacy skills with your students to support their success in our AI-enhanced world.