Valley City State University and the AI Institute for Teaching and Learning announced on Apr. 28 that they are partnering with NDIT-EduTech to host the 2026 IgniteND conference on June 2-3 at the VCSU campus.
The event is aimed primarily at K-12 teachers, education administrators, and technology leaders. The two-day conference will focus on practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to encourage innovation in education across North Dakota, with a special emphasis this year on artificial intelligence.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore topics such as artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, student data management, and essential digital skills. Sessions led by experts will include collaborative discussions and promote statewide partnerships intended to help educators bring new ideas and technologies into their classrooms. Professional development credit hours will be available through VCSU Distance and Continuing Education.
Early-bird registration is currently available for $50 after a stipend from the VCSU AI Institute for Teaching and Learning. More information about registration can be found at https://www.edutech.nd.gov/ignitend.
Keynote presentations include Dr. Mark Hagerott’s talk titled “Facing the AI Challenge,” which examines how artificial intelligence is changing attention spans, creativity, decision-making processes, and its implications for education. “You’ll leave with clear questions to drive AI discussions in your classroom, practical strategies to integrate tools with students, and concrete insights into how learning is changing with these technologies,” Hagerott said.
Dieumerci “DM” Christel’s session “The Engagement Drop-off” demonstrates how AI can help teachers better understand student interests using an interactive classroom game powered by artificial intelligence. Christel said his own experience growing up in North Dakota was shaped by a teacher’s encouragement: “Now he creates tools to support educators everywhere.” Dr. Chuck Gardner’s keynote will focus on bringing hands-on cybersecurity training statewide through virtual labs and competitions already being used by students regardless of location.
