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Tuesday, July 15
 

11:40am CDT

Blended Learning: The Coming Necessity of Digital Content Utilization
Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
As artificial intelligence transforms education, the need for high-quality digital content is becoming increasingly essential. True personalized learning—where students receive tailored instruction based on real-time data—requires digital content that is fully aligned with both curriculum standards and assessments. However, many educators mistakenly believe that using digital content turns them into “online teachers.” In reality, digital content is a powerful tool within a blended learning framework that enhances—not replaces—teacher instruction. In this session, educators, curriculum coordinators, and education leaders will explore why digital content is crucial for AI-driven personalization, how it supports immediate and actionable data for remediation, and how to effectively implement it in a brick-and-mortar classroom. Participants will also gain insights into effective blended learning strategies, ensuring that digital content is used to enhance student engagement and success rather than replace traditional teaching.
Speakers
avatar for John Ashworth

John Ashworth

Executive Director & Superintendent, Virtual Arkansas
Mr. John Ashworth is the Superintendent and Executive Director of Virtual Arkansas, a State Virtual School (SVS) providing supplemental online course options to Arkansas schools. Mr. Ashworth spent eight years as a secondary science teacher and seven years as a building-level principal... Read More →
avatar for Rainbow Bagsby

Rainbow Bagsby

UX Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas
Rainbow Bagsby is the UX Design Specialist at Virtual Arkansas (VA) with 12 years of experience in online education. At Virtual Arkansas, Rainbow has designed and developed numerous courses and project managed the creation of the Department of Career and Technical Education’s Blended... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
 
Wednesday, July 16
 

10:20am CDT

Leading with AI: Tools to Empower School Administrators
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
This interactive session is designed specifically for school and district administrators seeking to harness the power of artificial intelligence in their daily work. Participants will explore real AI tools that can streamline communication, automate routine tasks, support data-driven decision-making, and improve staff productivity. No technical expertise required—just bring a device and discover how AI can work for you behind the scenes.
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

1:00pm CDT

Cheating or Innovating? Rethinking Academic Integrity in an AI-Driven World
Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Artificial intelligence is reshaping education—but is it a threat to academic integrity or a tool for deeper learning? As AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become commonplace, educators face a critical challenge: How do we uphold academic honesty without stifling innovation?

In this interactive session, we’ll explore how Virtual Arkansas is tackling AI-driven academic integrity and rethinking traditional approaches to plagiarism and assessments. But AI isn’t just changing how students work—it’s also becoming a powerful assistant for teachers. From streamlining feedback to enhancing lesson planning, AI can support educators in creating more meaningful, engaging learning experiences.

Join us as we move beyond “catching cheaters” to fostering ethical AI use, designing smarter assessments, and leveraging AI as a partner in education. Expect practical strategies, real-world examples, and a fresh perspective on AI as both a student tool and a teacher ally. Leave with actionable insights to transform AI from an academic integrity dilemma into an opportunity for growth!
Speakers
avatar for Paula McDougald

Paula McDougald

Lead Course Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas
Paula McDougald joined Virtual Arkansas in 2015 as a high school math teacher and transitioned to the design department in 2018. Now the Assistant Director of Design and Development, she manages course design projects and oversees organizational branding. With 17 years in education... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Carpenter

Samantha Carpenter

Arch Ford ESC- Virtual Arkansas, Arch Ford ESC- Virtual Arkansas
Samantha Carpenter is the Core Campus and Adjunct Principal at Virtaul Arkansas. With 17 years of experience as an educator, she has spent the most recent as an administrator at Virtual Arkansas. She has taught on both the higher-ed and secondary level, and courses taught include... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

3:40pm CDT

AI in Action: Real-World Use Cases for School Administration and Curriculum Planning
Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Explore practical applications of AI in K-12 education through compelling stories from school leaders. Learn how AI is streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing curriculum development, and improving district planning. Discover actionable insights and resources to help your district leverage AI effectively.
Speakers
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Adam Musto

Director of Computer Science Education, Arkansas Department of Education
Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
 
Thursday, July 17
 

10:20am CDT

Navigating the Digital World: Teaching Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy in the Age of AI
Thursday July 17, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
In today's digital landscape, adolescent students are constantly exposed to a flood of online information, social media content, and AI-generated material. Developing strong digital citizenship and media literacy skills is essential to help them critically evaluate sources, recognize misinformation, and engage responsibly in online spaces. This session will explore best practices for integrating digital citizenship and media literacy education into middle and high school curricula. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for teaching students to analyze digital content, recognize bias and misinformation in AI-generated content, and become responsible digital consumers and creators.
Thursday July 17, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
 
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