Key points:
- Explore the infinite realms of edtech at FETC 2025
- How AI can unleash student curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
- 3 tips to authentically engage students in real-world STEM learning
- For more news on FETC, visit eSN’s LIVE@FETC 2025 hub
At the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), forward-thinking educators and edtech leaders gather to brainstorm strategies and promote innovations that transform and teaching and learning in their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Running Jan. 14-17, 2025, in Orlando, the annual conference looks to the future of edtech’s role in teaching and learning is full of inspiring keynotes, information-packed sessions, dynamic exhibit hall presentations, and more.
Session tracks focus on topics and insights relevant to various K-12 leadership titles: district leaders, school leaders, classroom leaders, IT leaders, coach leaders, inclusion leaders, esports leaders, and library leaders.
Here’s a look at just a few of the sessions on tap:
1. Best Practices for an AI Infused Classroom: Our conversation surrounding AI must evolve beyond mere usage. Instead, we must delve into the nuanced characteristics of various Large Language Models (LLMs) and student-facing AI to discern how their unique capabilities can be leveraged to achieve diverse educational objectives. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each LLM, we can strategically deploy them to optimize learning outcomes, personalize instruction, and foster critical thinking and creativity in our students.
(January 15; 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.; South 320GH)
2. Esports: Gateway to Careers in Arts, Media and Entertainment: Esports goes beyond just competitive gaming. It helps students build awareness about the numerous high-wage, high-growth career pathways in media and entertainment. This session will share how the skills gained in producing an esports event can be the foundation for careers in live event production, media production, marketing, animation/VFX, and much more.
(January 15; 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.; South 230H)
3. E-rate & Edtech Funding: Essential Insights for Educators: What do edtech leaders need to know? With a never-ending to-do list and compliance challenges, staying well-informed is crucial. Join our team of expert funding, E-rate, and edtech policy specialists for an insider’s guide to the latest issues and evolving policies impacting your district, school, organization, or company. We’ll demystify the complexities and empower you with the knowledge and skills needed for success. This session will dive deep into the essential aspects of funding and E-rate, providing you with actionable insights and strategies to navigate the often complicated landscape.
(January 16; 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.; South 230B)
4. Tech Leadership Challenge: Mastering the Deck of Edtech Dilemmas: Calling all K-12 Edtech Leaders! Ready to tackle the toughest challenges in educational technology leadership? Join us for an exciting and interactive session where we collaboratively explore solutions to the issues that keep you up at night. From navigating cybersecurity threats and funding uncertainties to meeting demands for transparency, we understand the hurdles you face.
(January 17; 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.; South 230H)
5. Inclusive Innovation: Leaning into Ethical and Equitable AI Solutions: Embark on a transformative journey into the ethical landscape of AI in education. This session offers actionable insights to foster responsible, inclusive, human-centered approaches while navigating the complexities of AI in the classroom. Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, participants will explore strategies to address bias, promote fairness, and enhance transparency in AI-powered educational tools. From personalized learning experiences to adaptive assessments, discover how AI can empower both learners and educators.
(January 17; 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.; South 230H)
Don’t miss the outstanding keynote speakers while you’re at FETC 2025. On Jan. 15 at 1 p.m., Guy Kawasaki opens the conference with a keynote on the future of learning. His keynote, How to Help People Be Remarkable, will focus on how to empower the next generation to be remarkable. On Jan. 16 at 8:30 a.m., the keynote led by Dr. Sabba Quidwai, From Classroom to Creator: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow, looks to the future. It’s 2030, and students aren’t just participants–they’re leaders, running AI-driven teams and driving change in their communities and beyond. At the 1 p.m. closing general session on Jan. 17, Leslie Fisher, Dr. Adam Phyall III, and Dave Bellow will lead TECHShare Live!, which explores the transformative potential of technology in education through an engaging showcase of innovative tools, including AI, robotics, and immersive learning experiences like AR/VR/XR.
Some noteworthy conference happening include:
- The Mobile Mega Share at FETC 2025 is a highly anticipated event that offers an active forum for educators to share and learn from each other. This dynamic, hands-on session provides an opportunity to explore a variety of topics, engage with expert practitioners, and participate in collaborative learning experiences.
- At the inaugural FETC 2025 Safety & Security Technologies Summit, attendees will discover cutting-edge solutions designed to protect your school community. From artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance to mobile security management, this summit will equip you with the knowledge to address today’s most pressing school safety challenges.
- Mega Sessions provide attendees with in-depth insights into the most relevant and emerging educational technology topics. These 45-minute sessions on January 16 and 17, led by top experts and innovators, are designed to deliver valuable knowledge and practical solutions to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of edtech.
- Leadership Roundtables are interactive sessions where education leaders come together to discuss specific topics relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Each roundtable is facilitated by a subject matter expert and designed to foster open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
- Empowering school staff with emergency response protocols - May 16, 2025
- Students, educators feel positive about AI’s impact, but fear its misuse - May 16, 2025
- 7 new and engaging virtual field trips - May 9, 2025