THInC Forum: Education in the Era of AI
Overview
THInC Forum: Education in the Era of A.I.
July 31, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
University of Toledo
Ingmann Room, Lancelot Thompson Student Union
2965 W. Centennial Drive
Toledo, Ohio 43606
Are you new to artificial intelligence (A.I.) and curious about how it can benefit you and your students? Join us for the inaugural THInC Forum at the University of Toledo, where we’ll focus on Education in the Era of A.I.
This event is designed for educators like you!
We are inviting Northwest Ohio PreK-20 educators, university faculty and students,
technology specialists, and community partners — who want to connect, collaborate,
and explore responsible A.I. integration in education in a simple, practical, and
supportive way. No prior A.I. knowledge is required—just bring your curiosity and
enthusiasm!
What can I expect?
- Presentations on practical use of A.I. in the classroom
- Opportunities to network with educators who have experience integrating A.I. into their classrooms
- Discussions with educational technology specialists and A.I. education ambassadors
- To earn 9 CEU contact hours toward certification renewal
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner
- Swag!
- Door prizes!
Planning Committee Members
- Michael Toland - Executive Director of The Herb Innovation Center, University of Toledo
- David Dueber - Research Assistant Professor in The Herb Innovation Center, University of Toledo
- Allison Goedde - Teaching Professor, School of Inclusive Teacher Education, Bowling Green State University
- Chris Hamady - Director of Technology, Anthony Wayne Local Schools District
- Josh Spieles - Director of the Carver Center, Doctoral Candidate in Educational Technology, University of Toledo
- Mark Stevens - Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Inclusive Teacher Education,
Bowling Green State University, Doctoral Candidate in Educational Technology, University
of Toledo
- Berhane Teclehaimanot – Professor of Educational Technology, University of Toledo
- Kimberlie Kowalka Todd – K-12 Visual Art Specialist, Doctoral Candidate in Philosophical and Social Foundations of Education, University
of Toledo
Committee Support Team
- Jodie Birch - Senior Business Manager, University of Toledo
- Brian Kantz - Events Manager, University of Toledo
Schedule (Tentative)
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
Opening remarks
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Concurrent Session One
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Concurrent Session Two
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Concurrent Session Three
3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
Concurrent Session Four
4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Concurrent Session Five
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks / Dinner / Door Prizes
Registration
THInC Forum: Education in the Era of A.I.
July 31, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
University of Toledo
Ingmann Room, Lancelot Thompson Student Union
2965 W. Centennial Drive
Toledo, Ohio 43606
Online registration closes on Thursday, July 17, at 6:00 p.m.
Limited on-site registration will be available at the door.
This event is designed for educators like you!
We are inviting Northwest Ohio PreK-20 educators, university faculty and students,
technology specialists, and community partners — who want to connect, collaborate,
and explore responsible A.I. integration in education in a simple, practical, and
supportive way. No prior A.I. knowledge is required—just bring your curiosity and
enthusiasm!
What can I expect?
- Presentations on practical use of A.I. in the classroom
- Opportunities to network with educators who have experience integrating A.I. into their classrooms
- Discussions with educational technology specialists and A.I. education ambassadors
- To earn 9 CEU contact hours toward certification renewal
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner
- Swag!
- Door prizes!
Registration Fees
Students: $25
General: $150
Presenters: Free
Sponsors: Inquire
Presentation Proposals
THInC Forum: Education in the Era of A.I.
July 31, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
University of Toledo
Ingmann Room, Lancelot Thompson Student Union
2965 W. Centennial Drive
Toledo, Ohio 43606
Proposal submission deadline is May 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Submitters will be notified about the acceptance of their proposal presentations around
June 30, 2025.
Proposal Details
- Presenters should be involved in the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) in PreK-20 education as educators (preservice teachers included), administrators, curriculum specialists, educational technology staff, or related fields (e.g., researchers studying A.I. in education).
- Presentations will be 40 minutes long with an additional 10-minute question and answer period.
- Maximum of 2 presenters per session.
- Each presenter will receive free admission to the Forum, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Session Title
- Session description (500 words): Please include a summary of your presentation, how the audience will participate, and how your session will offer practical applications and ideas that attendees can implement in their instructional practices or related areas.
- Provide a brief (50 words or fewer) summary description of your session. Include your theme, what participants will do, and three key takeaways from your session. If accepted, this will be the summary listed in the program.
- Please list your (and your co-presenter's) employer and job title. If accepted, this information will be listed in the program.
Keynote Speaker - Morning
Dr. Pierrette Renée Dagg
Dr. Pierrette Renée Dagg is a graduate of The University of Toledo and Director of Research at Merit Network, overseeing technology impact, network, and cybersecurity research. She is a Research Associate at MSU's Quello Center, Adjunct Professor at Oakland Community College, and Area Chair for Intellectual Property at the Pop Culture Association. Pierrette serves on the A.I. Policy Subcommittee at the University of Toledo and chairs Merit's A.I. Innovations Working Group. As a Digital Opportunities Fund Fellow at the Benton Institute, she published case studies on broadband community champions.
Keynote Address: "Ethical A.I. in Education: Building Transparent Frameworks for the Future"
Dr. Pierrette Renée Dagg will delve into the critical components of an Ethical Framework
for Artificial Intelligence in Education. From scrutinizing A.I. suppliers to addressing
technological security and professional development challenges, this session aims
to empower educators and administrators with the tools to evaluate and implement A.I.
technologies responsibly.
Discover researched best practices, including:
- Establishing and structuring an A.I. Governance Committee
- Developing transparent evaluation metrics for new educational technologies
- Conducting environmental scans and creating organizational A.I. roadmaps
- Identifying actionable components of ethical A.I. tailored to your district or institution
Attendees will explore the benefits and challenges of A.I. in education, including
its impact on curriculum delivery, student assessment, and resource allocation. This
session will also highlight the ethical concerns surrounding student privacy, data
ownership, and the intersection of technology with democratic values in education.
Key Takeaways:
- Establishing and structuring an A.I. Governance Committee
- Developing transparent evaluation metrics for new educational technologies
- Conducting environmental scans and creating organizational A.I. roadmaps
- Identifying actionable components of ethical A.I. tailored to your district or institution
Keynote Speaker - Evening
Eric Curts
Eric has been in education for 33 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric's areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, Google tools, assistive tech, and creative ways to use technology in teaching and learning. He is an authorized Google Education Trainer and Innovator, and co-leads the Ohio Google Educator Group. Eric runs the award-winning blog www.ControlAltAchieve.com where all of his edtech resources can be found, and is the author of the book "Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects".
Keynote Address: "The Bionic Educator"
Will technology ever replace a teacher? Who (or what) is the best educator in the world? The answer may surprise you. Learn about the amazing power and potential of artificial intelligence in education, and how it is not a competitor for teachers but the ultimate assistant. See what you can do to be the best educator you can be, and how your students can be the best learners they can be. We have the technology!
FAQs
Where is the conference located?
The THInC Forum: Education in the Era of A.I. will be located on the campus of the University of Toledo, in the Ingmann Room in the Lancelot Student Union.
Is parking free?
Yes!
Free parking will be available in Area 10. This will not include metered spaces - if you choose a metered space you must pay the hourly fee as posted.
How much will it cost to attend the conference?
The registration fee for the conference is $150. Students (anyone who is a high school, undergraduate or graduate student) will receive a discounted registration rate of $25. Accepted presenters will gain free admission to the conference.
How many sessions will I be able to attend at the conference?
There will be a keynote speaker and 5 concurrent sessions over the course of the conference.
Do I have to know how to use A.I. to attend?
No prior A.I. knowledge is required. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm.
WIll I be able to earn CEUs?
Certificates for 9 CEU contact hours will be available at the end of the conference. Check with your district to verify that this conference complies with their CEU requirements.
Can I be a presenter?
Yes! Please check the Presenter Proposal tab for information on submitting a proposal.
Have another question?
Contact The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu
Sponsorship
The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) Forum: Education in the Era of A.I. can provide opportunities to connect with PreK-20 educators, technology coordinators, and administrators from Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and other midwestern regions. This will allow you to be front and center with those responsible for the implementation of A.I. technology in the classrooms of early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, and higher education classrooms. The inaugural THInC Forum attendance is anticipated to be 150 participants.
Sponsor Benefits
Interested in being a conference sponsor?
Note: Non-profit sponsors will be acknowledged at a sponsorship tier one level above their
payment.Contact The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu attention Michael Toland.