Creating Futures Through Technology Conference: Full Schedule

This will be a deep dive into common AI/ML techniques, highlighting how the different classes of algorithms work and how they can be used both to deliver a self-driving network and to empower the networking professional to be more efficient and proactive. AIOps is a powerful tool for the networking professional and it can be used to greatly reduce most common IT issues.

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Azalea B

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Data Conference - MCCB

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia G

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia G

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Enhancing Online Discussions: Integrating Structured Debates in Online Courses

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia F

Speakers

Scott Tollison

Provost / Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor, Management Information Systems, Mississippi University for Women

Online debates are an interactive instructional strategy where learners are assigned opposing positions on a topic and collaborate within structured teams. This presentation explores the integration of these structured debates into online course discussion boards to foster critical... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Give Your Students an Edge With Industry-Recognized Credentials

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia D

Speakers

Connie Beene

Territory Manager for Higher Education, Workforce Development and Correctional Education at Certiport, Certiport

Digital skills, technical skills, and industry-recognized certifications are critical components in education and workforce programs. Credentials allow students to document knowledge and demonstrate competency to accelerate career opportunities. Join program leaders to talk best practices... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia D

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Interactive Teaching Tools for Substantive Interaction

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia E

Strategies and tools to incorporate engaging activities in face-to-face and online learning environments that help promote substantive interaction between students, faculty, and content.

1. Participants will be able to integrate appropriate academic technology tools into their learning environment.
2. Participants will be able to identify academic technology tools to integrate substantive interactions into their learning environment.

Speakers

Carley Dear

Director of Academic Technology and Innovation for the School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, UMMC

Dr. Carley Dear is the Director of Academic Technology and Innovation for the School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. With experiences from teaching K12, at a community college, and in doctoral-level classes, Dear has a passion for face-to-face and online... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia E

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

IT Trends in Higher Education

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Azalea D

A recent article in "Today's Modern Educator" described three major trends in EdTech that academic institutions can expect to encounter in 2025 and beyond. These trends include: Hybrid Learning, Cybersecurity, and Generative AI. This talk will dive into each of those trends in more detail and discuss technologies and solutions educational institutions can equip themselves with to prepare. Attendees to this talk will learn about the following topics:

IT Modernization through alternative virtualization and containerization technologies

Cybersecurity through IT Automation and streamlined processes

GenAI on-premises as both learning/teaching and administrative tooling

Finally, we will discuss an option to incorporate instruction on the use of many of these technologies into student oriented curricula.

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Azalea D

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Leveraging CISA Cyber Services to Build Cybersecurity Resilience in Higher Education

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia B

A detailed discussion about current cyber threats and the risk landscape. Learn about the no-cost cyber tools and services available for hardening your network to defend against cyber-attacks.

Speakers

Greg Mallette

Cybersecurity State Coordinator for Mississippi, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Greg Mallette is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Cybersecurity State Coordinator for Mississippi. In this role, he serves as a federal cybersecurity risk advisor for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial government (SLTT) and private sector partners by... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia B

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Pileum Presentation - Cyber Security

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia H

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia H

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

WiFi 7: Is Your Campus Ready?

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Azalea C

Transform your network with Wi-Fi 7. Build an AI-native workplace and deliver experiences today that scale to tomorrow’s demands. Please join Cisco as we discuss how to prepare you campus for these new technologies.

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Azalea C

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

College President's Meeting Space

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 5:00pm CST

Oaks Boardroom

This space is at the deposal of any college president that may attend the conference.

Thursday March 6, 2025 8:30am - 5:00pm CST
Oaks Boardroom

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Accessible by Design: Tap, Swipe, Empower

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Azalea C

Accessible by Design: Tap, Swipe, Empower

Discover how iPad’s built-in accessibility features can enhance the user experience for everyone. This interactive session will explore tools designed to support vision, hearing, mobility, and more—showing how accessibility isn’t just for some, but for all. Learn how features like VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch, Live Captions, and more can empower users to navigate, create, and communicate with ease. If you’re an educator working to make your course more accessible, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of iPad’s powerful accessibility tools.

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Azalea C

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

AiMUP: Strengthening Advanced Manufacturing Initiatives in Mississippi

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Azalea D

The Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling, better known as AiMUP, is a collaborative effort between Mississippi State University, East Mississippi Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Northeast Mississippi Community College to create a standardized approach to advanced manufacturing training in the state of Mississippi. This effort includes the buildout of advanced manufacturing training labs at each of the partnering community college locations with the latest and greatest in robotics and industrial automation. These technologies include collaborative and mobile robotics, smart assembly lines, and advanced additive manufacturing equipment. AiMUP's mission is to turn Mississippi into an innovator of advanced manufacturing concepts to change the narrative in Mississippi from the "best kept secret" to the "early, obvious choice" for manufacturers looking to expand or relocate. The three primary areas of focus are:
Students: Provide students enrolled in college courses as well as K-12 students with experiential
learning/career exploration opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
Industries: Provide entry-level training and showcases an advanced manufacturing lab to companies and industries that are considering advancing their manufacturing processes and procedures.
Upskilling: Provide upskill training for industry employees currently working in manufacturing or that have an interest in learning more about advanced manufacturing.

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Azalea D

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Build a Culture of Integrity: Practical, Proactive Strategies

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Azalea B

What would you do if your student is suspected of academic dishonesty? Would you know how to approach the conversation—fact-based, fair, and without assumptions? Cheating isn’t new, but the digital era has made it easier and more pervasive, particularly online. Whether it’s whispered commands to voice assistants, covert smartphone searches, or AI-generated essays, technology has changed the integrity landscape. Engaging with students about suspected dishonesty can be daunting. It requires a clear understanding of institutional policies, objective evidence, and sensitivity to factors like disabilities and accommodations. How can you prepare yourself to navigate these challenging yet essential discussions effectively?

Join Honorlock experts as they explore strategies for leading impactful conversations about academic integrity. Learn to identify key evidence using the Honorlock Analytics Hub, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure fairness while balancing empathy and accountability. Understand how to craft transparent test policies, adopt rules to accommodate diverse needs, and utilize proctoring tools responsibly. Walk away with actionable tips and conversation templates to turn these difficult moments into opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways:
Learn to gather and interpret data-backed evidence through Honorlock’s Analytics Hub
Develop skills to connect with students, allowing them to explain their actions and ensure a balanced conversation
Understand the importance of proactive integrity policies

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Azalea B

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Data Conference Continued

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia G

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia G

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN): Driving the Future of AI and Workforce Readiness

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia D

Speakers

Kollin Napier

Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN): Driving the Future of AI and Workforce Readiness

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education and workforce development, transforming industries, and creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation. The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN)—the nation’s first and only statewide AI initiative—has... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia D

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Nearpod in High Education

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia F

Speakers

Amy Pate

Nearpod

Discover how Nearpod can transform teaching and learning in higher education! This interactive session will explore ways to use Nearpod to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. Participants will learn how to integrate multimedia content, real-time assessments, and... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Podcasting in the Classroom

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia E

Speakers

Carley Dear

Director of Academic Technology and Innovation for the School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, UMMC

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia E

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

State of AI in Cybersecurity

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia B

I will present a "State of AI in Cybersecurity" presentation. First addressing how the industry has evolved in the past 20 years and how AI is impacting the threat landscape. Then going into how Darktrace is purpose built to address the challenges associated with AI and machine speed threats. Goal is to highlight how the industry has changed, trends, common challenges teams face, priorities for security leaders, and creating a robust and comprehensive security posture while consolidating solutions to be more easily managed by a lean team.

Speakers

Mike Styve

Account Executive, Darktrace

Mike Styve is a Darktrace Sales Rep and has been with the company for about a year and a half. He is dedicated to the state of Mississippi and works with several organizations across the state to address their security challenges. I will present a "State of AI in Cybersecurity" presentation... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia B

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Transforming the Student Experience

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia H

Speakers

Bayless Parsley

Account Executive, Pathify

Explore the evolution of higher education technology and its current fragmentation. Discover how Pathify unites these elements, demolishing silos and creating slick, modern experiences for students, faculty and staff --- across any device. Over 150 institutions trust Pathify’s Engagement... Read More →

Vendors

Bayless Parsley

Account Executive, Pathify

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia H

Breakout, Subtype

11:30am CST

Keynote Luncheon

Thursday March 6, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm CST

Magnolia A, C & North

Thursday March 6, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm CST
Magnolia A, C & North

Lunch, Lunch

1:00pm CST

Aruba, Wifi 6e, New Central, Security

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Magnolia H

Aruba in Higher Education, Client Match, AirMatch, New Central, Network Security, Deployment and management

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Magnolia H

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Bridging Technology and Learning: The Role of Lenovo's Services & AI

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Azalea C

AI is transforming education, enhancing student success, streamlining IT management, and optimizing learning environments. This session explores how Lenovo’s Services and AI-driven solutions help institutions personalize learning, automate operations, and improve security. Learn practical strategies and real-world applications to integrate Lenovo Services and AI effectively in higher education.

Key Takeaways:
Understand Lenovo Services & AI impact on education and IT management.
Discover Lenovo’s AI solutions for personalized learning and automation.
Explore real-world applications and best practices for AI adoption.
Join us to see how Lenovo Services and AI can drive smarter, more efficient learning environments.

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Azalea C

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Data Conference Follow Up - If Needed

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Magnolia G

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Magnolia G

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Designing Dynamic Learning Journals with Pages on iPad

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Magnolia F

Join this hands-on session to explore how Apple Pages on iPad can transform learning journals into dynamic, interactive tools. Step by step, you'll learn to design a personalized journal that enhances organization, integrates visuals, and fosters meaningful reflection. Discover powerful features that bring content to life and create a resource you can immediately implement in your classroom. Bring your iPad with Pages installed and leave with a fully customizable journal template ready for your students!

Learning Objectives:
1. Design a personalized learning journal using Pages, incorporating multimedia elements such as images, annotations, and reflections.

2. Explore key features of Pages that enhance organization, creativity, and student engagement.

3. Develop a ready-to-use journal template that can be customized for various subjects and learning activities.

Speakers

Carlena Benjamin

NEMCC

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Integrating and Harnessing Neurodiversity in Training and Course Design: Lessons from Finding Dory

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Magnolia D

Come and explore the power of neurodiversity in training and course design, inspired by the beloved Disney movie, Finding Dory. This session, led by an expert instructional designer and fellow ADHD-er, will delve into how the character Dory's unique cognitive abilities provide valuable lessons for creating inclusive and effective training programs and courses. You will:
Gain theoretical insights and practical how-tos on integrating neurodiverse best practices, explore strategies for developing training and courses that leverages diverse cognitive strengths, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and enhancing overall organizational performance.

Speakers

Erin Richardson

Lessons from Finding Dory, Integrating and Harnessing Neurodiversity in Training and Course Design:

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Magnolia D

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Microsoft Copilot Essentials: From Web to PC

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Magnolia B

Join us for an enlightening session on the transformative potential of Microsoft's Copilot and Copilot+PC for higher education staff. Discover how Copilot, an AI-powered assistant, integrates seamlessly with your Windows interface to enhance productivity by responding to natural language prompts, configuring settings, and generating content. Experience how M365 Copilot can help you organize your schedule, draft emails, and manage tasks throughout your day, making you more efficient and effective. Additionally, explore the advanced capabilities of Copilot+PC, which leverages high-performance AI processors for unparalleled speed, security, and efficiency. Whether you're working on research projects, administrative tasks, or collaborations, Copilot+PC ensures a seamless and secure digital experience. Join us to see how these innovations can revolutionize your workflow and elevate your digital experience.

Purpose/Goals:

Participants will have an introduction to Microsoft Copilot Chat vs M365 Copilot

Participants will learn how to prompt in the web vs Outlook, Word and Excel

Participants will learn the use cases and steps to build a Microsoft Copilot Agent

Participants will discover the capabilities of Copilot+PC

Participants will explore self-skilling resources

Speakers

Melissa Hortman

Higher Education Account Executive, Microsoft

Melissa Hortman, EdD is a higher education leader in the areas of academic innovation and digital transformation. She is currently an Account Executive at Microsoft serving higher education institutions and technical schools in the southeast. She joined Microsoft in January of 2022... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Magnolia B

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Using Microsoft Sway as an Interactive Digital Newsletter

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Magnolia E

1. understanding the basics of Microsoft Sway: Explain what sway is and its primary uses. Identify the key features and components.
2. Creating a New Sway: demonstrate how to start a new sway from scratch. Show how to add and organize content using the Storyline.
3. Incorporating Multimedia elements: teach how to embed images, videos, and audio. Explain the use of interactive cards to enhance engagement.
4. Design and Customization: Explore various design options available. Show how to apply themes, styles and layouts to create visually appealing newsletters.
5. Sharing and Collaboration: Demonstrate how to share the Sway through Outlook. Bringing in Canva to create a graphic to go into the Email that links the Sway.
6. Practical Application: Provide examples of effective monthly newsletters created with Sway. Encourage participants to create their own Sway newsletter.

Speakers

Rachel Holloway

Using Microsoft Sway as an Interactive Digital Newsletter

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Magnolia E

Breakout, Subtype

1:00pm CST

Using Neat Collaboration Technology with NWN Carousel

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Azalea D

Using collaboration systems for video conferencing in classrooms, boardrooms, and modern meeting spaces

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Azalea D

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

Fortinet - Security Fabric, Building an Architecture

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST

Magnolia D

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Magnolia D

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

Addressing Higher Education Current Realities by Building a “Competent Institution” with AI

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Magnolia E

This session will review the current state of affairs of US higher education and will connect such state with the need to explore the concept of what Educause has deemed the “Competent Institution”. Attendees will be exposed to where operationally Artificial Intelligence can be used in support the “Competent Institution” concept.

Speakers

Eric Ellis

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Magnolia E

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

EDUCAUSE 2025 Top 10 Alignment to Google Cloud & CDW : One Solution to Solve them All

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Magnolia H

Google Cloud Platform's Infrastructure as a Service (with data center capabilities) has all the products and capabilities needed to meet all 10 (actually 11 this year as there's a tie for 10th) EDUCAUSE 2025 Top 10 buyer priorities. We will look at each of those 11 and discuss how well they align to the audiences priorities. Then I'll showcase which Google Cloud products and CDW services solve each of those challenges. We will do polling several times to gauge the relevance of the content to the audience priorities and shift as needed.

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Magnolia H

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

From Zero to Hero with GenAI: A Hands-on Prompt-a-thon Experience

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Magnolia B

Join us for an engaging and interactive prompt-a-thon designed specifically for Mississippi Community Colleges. During this session we will explore innovative prompting techniques to save time and enhance efficiency. Participants will have ample time to practice and refine their prompting skills through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions.

Purpose/Goals:

Participants will understand how to use effective prompting techniques

Participants will discover education use cases and scenarios for using Copilot to enhance efficiency and to improve daily workflows

Participants will engage in prompt challenges to develop a collection of prompts

Speakers

Melissa Hortman

Higher Education Account Executive, Microsoft

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Magnolia B

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

How to Get Your Technology Projects Funded

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Azalea D

SHI International Corp. invites you to learn about grants available to help your college achieve its technology goals. With a growing need for infrastructure improvements such as physical and cyber security, STEM, CTE, e-sports, and digital learning, SHI is excited to provide you with an overview of the available grants and information on how to get a comprehensive grant report for your technology initiatives. SHI will provide an overview of federally available entitlement and competitive grants, share philanthropic organizations that commonly fund higher education, and discuss state and local opportunities, all through the lens of technology-friendly funds.

Every college in attendance will also have the opportunity to get a customized grant report specific to your institution and project(s) and engage with a grants consultant as you pursue grant opportunities at no cost to you.

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Azalea D

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

Quick Wins with AI: Enhance Student Engagement

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Magnolia F

Discover how AI can streamline your workflow and enhance student engagement with quick, easy-to-implement strategies. This session will introduce tools like Question Well for generating quizzes and seamlessly importing them into Canvas, Brisk Teaching for AI-powered feedback and lesson enhancement, and Microsoft Designer for boosting creativity and personalization. Plus, learn how ChatGPT can help you craft clear instructions, develop creative project ideas, and save time on course prep. Walk away with practical AI-powered solutions you can start using immediately!

Learning Objectives:
1. Generate AI-Enhanced Assessments – Learn how to use Question Well to quickly create quizzes and import them into Canvas, saving time on assessment design.

2. Streamline Instructional Content – Explore how Brisk Teaching and ChatGPT can assist in crafting clear instructions, project ideas, and personalized feedback to enhance student learning.

3. Create Engaging Visuals with AI – Utilize Microsoft Designer and AI-generated images to design compelling instructional materials that capture students’ attention and support comprehension.

Speakers

Carlena Benjamin

NEMCC

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

Streamlining Reporting: Data Integration, Automation, and Compliance

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Magnolia G

Speakers

Jordan Sanderson

Associate Vice President of Reporting & Data Analytics Technology & Research - MGCCC, Institutional research and effectiveness professionals, data analysts, data scientists, and admissions officers

This session explores innovative approaches to optimizing institutional data reporting and compliance processes, focusing on the development of a centralized data warehouse, the use of Tableau for dynamic data verification and validation, and the implementation of Argos to generate... Read More →

Mollie Barger

Director of Admissions & Records - MGCCC, Institutional research and effectiveness professionals, data analysts, data scientists, and admissions officers

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Magnolia G

Breakout, Subtype

2:30pm CST

Wireless Casting in the Classroom with Newline Interactive

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST

Azalea C

Wireless Casting in the Classroom with Newline Interactive. How to get the most out of your classroom tools

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CST
Azalea C

Breakout, Subtype

4:00pm CST

App Design and Development

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST

Magnolia E

App Design and Development

From the iPhone to Vision Pro, Apple provides free tools and resources to learn to develop apps for all Apple devices. This session will provide and overview of the resources available for both App design and development.

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST
Magnolia E

Breakout, Subtype

4:00pm CST

Bringing Learning to Life with AI

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST

Magnolia F

Learn how an instructor is using AI to foster deeper personal connections and create engaging, interactive learning experiences for students. We will explore how AI-generated images can serve as powerful hooks to grab students’ attention and promote equity throughout the course, how AI-driven conversations can help students explore topics more thoroughly, and how AI can assist in crafting thought-provoking discussion prompts and responses. We’ll demonstrate sharing these experiences using Harmonize, but the lessons will be applicable to your online classroom even if you don’t use Harmonize.

Speakers

Carlena Benjamin

NEMCC

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

4:00pm CST

Resilience of the Created Future: Protecting the Assets that Make the Future Happen!

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST

Magnolia H

Dean will provide an overview of the threat landscape impacting HiEd, and the steps every institution should prioritize to strengthen their security posture.

Learning Objectives
- Prioritization of IR planning prior to an attack.
- The importance of fundamentals.
- The necessity of community! Work with your peers in the industry.

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST
Magnolia H

Breakout, Subtype

4:00pm CST

Review of the 2024 State of Educational Technology

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST

Magnolia D

The presentation will cover a summary of the top 5 topics, the top 5 obstacles, and the top 5 solutions that Education customers worked with SHI to address over the 2024 calendar year.

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST
Magnolia D

Breakout, Subtype

4:00pm CST

Toshiba: CFTTC Transforming Community Colleges for Tomorrow Q&A

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST

Azalea C

Rick Perry - Toshiba Software Expert

Vendors

Kevin Hinnant

Toshiba Business Solutions

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm CST
Azalea C

Breakout, Subtype

5:00pm CST

Vendor Showroom Reception

Thursday March 6, 2025 5:00pm - 7:30pm CST

Camellia Ballroom

Thursday March 6, 2025 5:00pm - 7:30pm CST
Camellia Ballroom

Reception, Subtype

7:30am CST

Title of the session

Friday March 7, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CST

Foyer - Magnolia

Friday March 7, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Foyer - Magnolia

Continental Breakfast, Subtype

8:00am CST

Title of the session

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CST

Oaks Boardroom

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Oaks Boardroom

Other, Subtype

8:00am CST

Vendor Breakdown - Ballroom Closed

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm CST

Camellia Ballroom

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm CST
Camellia Ballroom

Exhibits, Subtype

8:30am CST

Cyber Workforce Development - Whole of State Solutions

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia D

Cybersecurity workforce development challenges are some of the biggest issues facing the tech industry and the state of Mississippi. Splunk is committed to solving this through a multifaceted approach. With our Splunk Academic Alliance, students, faculty, and staff in higher education can get access to free Splunk resources and training to build their cyber skills. In neighboring states we have developed public/private partnerships to build centralized SOC models to offer cyber services at affordable rates to better secure K-12, Higher Education, State and Local Gov, and Private Industry while creating a sustaining cyber workforce development program for the state.

I’d like to share resources that are available and discuss how MS could build similar models to address this challenge.

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia D

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Enhancing Course Design with AI: UMMC’s Approach to Smarter, More Engaging Online Learning

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia B

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is harnessing AI to elevate course quality and streamline the course development process. This session will showcase how AI, through the use of Harmonize, helps faculty brainstorm more engaging activities for their online courses and efficiently build high-quality rubrics—reducing workload while improving student engagement and assessment consistency. While the demonstration will highlight Harmonize’s AI capabilities, the strategies and insights shared will be applicable regardless of the AI platform you use. Join us to explore practical ways AI can support innovative, high-quality online learning.

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia B

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Navigating Students’ Pathways: Embracing AI/AR/VR's Role in Career Exploration

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia F

Discover how educational leaders across Mississippi use creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will demonstrate how students research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Science, Transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the AI/AR/VR landscape and its role in supporting STEM curriculum and CTE certifications
- Discover clinical evidence supporting learning gains with AR/VR
- Consider funding sources for the integration of new technology

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Penetration Testing: What it is, why you need it, and what to do with it.

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia E

In this talk we will discuss:

1. What penetration testing is and what it isn't
2. How organizations will benefit from getting a penetration test
3. How not getting a penetration test hurts organizations
4. How to make the most of a penetration test
5. What does the security landscape look like from a penetration tester's perspective.

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia E

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Title of the session

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia G

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia G

Breakout, Subtype

8:30am CST

Title of the session

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

Magnolia H

Friday March 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Magnolia H

Breakout, Subtype

9:45am CST

Refreshment

Friday March 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Foyer - Magnolia

Friday March 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Foyer - Magnolia

Beverage Break, Subtype

10:00am CST

Empowering Mississippi's Future Workforce with AR/VR/XR: Innovative Strategies for CTE

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia F

Discover how districts have implemented innovative strategies using virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies to enhance workforce development programs. Leave with practical ideas for incorporating AR/VR/XR into your teaching and training, and how to prepare students for STEM careers and industry certifications in health science, agri-science, transportation, advance manufacturing, and more.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the AI/AR/VR landscape and its role in supporting CTE and workforce certifications
- Discover clinical evidence supporting learning gains with AR/VR
- Consider funding sources for the integration of new technology

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia F

Breakout, Subtype

10:00am CST

Leading in the Tech Culture: How Personality, Strategy, and Service Drive Success

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

Magnolia B

Are you currently in a leadership role or considering one in the rapidly evolving world of educational technology? Learn from the experiences of a seasoned leader who successfully led an IT team by fostering strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and a culture of service and support. Discover approaches that lead to increased satisfaction among the IT team as well as administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Speakers

Kelley Gonzales, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Technology/CTO, Meridian Community College

As the Associate Vice President/CTO at Meridian Community College, I provide strategic vision, direction, and leadership for the College's technology infrastructure in support of teaching, learning, and business operations. As CTO, I am responsible for the institutional technical... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
Magnolia B

Breakout, Subtype