Registration Open for IgniteND Conference June 2-3 at 91吃瓜
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (91吃瓜) 鈥� 91吃瓜 and the AI Institute for Teaching and Learning are partnering with NDIT-EduTech to hold the 2026 IgniteND conference June 2-3 on the 91吃瓜 campus.
IgniteND is an exciting two-day conference designed primarily for K-12 teachers, education administrators and technology leaders. The conference offers practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to spark innovation in education and lifelong learning across North Dakota, with artificial intelligence (AI) as this year鈥檚 central focus.
Conference attendees will explore practical strategies and hands-on learning in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and essential digital skills. Expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and statewide partnerships will equip educators to implement new ideas and technology practices in their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Attendees can also earn professional development credit hours, awarded through 91吃瓜 Distance and Continuing Education.
Early-bird registration is currently open for just $50 after a stipend supplied by the 91吃瓜 AI Institute for Teaching and Learning. Learn more and register at
IgniteND Featured Presentations
Keynote: 鈥淔acing the AI Challenge鈥�
Dr. Mark Hagerott will deliver the keynote presentation 鈥撀犫�淔acing the AI Challenge鈥� 鈥撀爓here he explores how AI reshapes attention, creativity, and decision-making and what that means for the future of education. You鈥檒l 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.
鈥淭he Engagement Drop-off鈥�
In 鈥淭he Engagement Drop-off,鈥� Dieumerci 鈥淒M鈥� Christel shows how AI can help teachers discover what interests their students and create stronger classroom connections. You鈥檒l get to see a live demo of an AI-powered classroom game and pick up practical ways to connect with students. Dieumerci grew up in North Dakota, where a teacher鈥檚 encouragement made a big difference in his life. Now, he creates tools to support educators everywhere.
Dr. Chuck Gardner
What would it take to bring hands-on cybersecurity training to every student in North Dakota?
Dr. Gardner鈥檚 keynote goes beyond theory. It introduces a proven, working model already delivering virtual labs, competitions, and real-world cybersecurity experiences to students, regardless of location. From infrastructure to access to funding, this session focuses on what it takes to make it happen.