As the conversation in education shifts, we know there is a growing desire to get back to basics. However, the reality remains that technology is not just an add-on. It is a fundamental tool for equity, accessibility, and modern engagement. We are thrilled to announce that Eric Curts will be joining us as a featured speaker for the 2026 Fall ITEC Conference.

With 34 years in the field and as the visionary behind Control Alt Achieve, Eric is a master at stripping away the noise. He focuses on what truly matters by using tools like AI and Google Workspace to spark creativity and simplify teaching. Whether you are looking to reboot your classroom or find deeper ways to reach every learner, Eric’s sessions will provide the practical and grounded inspiration you need.

We have more big reveals coming soon! Keep a close eye on our social media channels and your inbox for the official Call for Sessions and the opening of Registration. You won’t want to miss the chance to share your voice and secure your spot at this year’s event.

🗓️ Dates on Deck:

ITEC Fall Conference

October 12-13, 2026

(add to Google Calendar)

Tip / Strategy To Try Out

Gemini Gems

A quick way to access your frequently used Gemini Prompts. Gems are located under the New Chat feature in Gemini. Premade Gems like storybook, learning coach and Brainstormer help create visual resources and fresh ideas. These prompts are created and ready for your final details. Another option is to create your own Gems. This allows you to create a personalized AI based on your specific task and custom instructions. If you like and reuse an AI prompt often, then Create a Gem!

💻 Tech Tool of the Month

EduGems



Whether you are looking to streamline your lesson planning or spark more student engagement, EduGems is a must-visit resource for educators. Created by Eric Curts, this site offers a curated collection of pre-made prompts, known as "Gems," for use with Google Gemini. These tools empower teachers to quickly generate everything from 5E Lesson Plans and rubrics to interactive 20 Questions games and AI tutors. By providing structured, ready-to-use AI interactions, EduGems helps educators save time on administrative tasks, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, and bring innovative AI-powered activities directly into the classroom.

The feature might be the real diamond in the rough, is your ability to create your own copy! Using the Gems are great, but being able to make a copy of the Gem for your own use and modification to your situation is amazing.



Instructional Coach Corner

In the ever-evolving landscape of Iowa education, we know the "tech coach" role is shifting, often landing on the plates of dedicated Instructional Coaches. To support you in this transition, ITEC is launching the Instructional Coach Corner. Each month, we’ll tackle a specific "Problem of Practice" with a focus on pedagogy first. We’re bridging the gap between traditional teaching and digital integration by offering low-lift, high-impact strategies, both analog and digital, to help you lead meaningful coaching cycles in your buildings.

Pause and Process

The Problem:

Students often passively consume videos or digital content without engaging in deep learning.

The Pivot:

• The Analog Move: Give every student a single sticky note. At a pre-planned point, pause the video. Students must jot down one prediction, connection or inference before the video resumes.
• The Digital Move: Use a collaborative tool (like Canva or an LMS Discussion board) to have students post a "6-word summary" or an inference during an intentional mid-video break.
• The Goal: Shift the task from "watching" to "processing" with a low-stakes thinking move.

The Prompt(s):

• When students watch a video in your class, where does the thinking happen?
• If we add structured pauses, what might we ask students to do so they’re processing and thinking rather than only consuming?
• In what ways can higher order thinking questions enhance student engagement with digital content?

Partner Content

Get to know the ITEC Board Members

District: Pocahontas Area Community Schools

Position: Director of Technology

First piece of technology that made you fall in love with learning: The Nintendo with R.O.B

Must have open every single day: Google Admin Console, Corel Draw

Currently obsessed with: DTF Printers and Acrylic Art 

District: Ames CSD

Position: Instructional Coach

First piece of technology that made you fall in love with learning: Number Munchers, Oregon Trail, and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego

Must have open every single day: Extensity Chrome Extension `

Currently obsessed with: Hosting and producing The Esports Classroom Podcast

District: Eagle Grove Community School District

Position: Technology Director

First piece of technology that made you fall in love with learning: Commodore VIC-20

Must have open every single day: Google Calendar

Currently obsessed with: History. Books, articles, podcasts, documentaries. Anything history

We want to hear from you!!

Do you know of an awesome educator we should highlight in a future newsletter?

Have a tool you want us to explore and share? 

Do you have a recommendation or topic for our next webinar?

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