IT LHRIC News Feed

TLI Kickoff: How AI Shapes Identity and Education

The Technology Leadership Institute launched its yearlong series with a powerful conversation on AI as Social Technology. Dr. Mandy McLean explored how artificial intelligence is transforming not just how we learn and connect—but who we become. She warned that while AI offers efficiency, it risks replacing the human exchanges that build confidence, resilience, and relationships.

Dr. Tara Nattrass added a practical lens, sharing the AI Literacy Framework and stressing the need for intentional dialogue. From classroom strategies to real-world examples in biotech and aviation, she highlighted both the promise and ethical challenges of AI.

Both speakers urged educators to balance innovation with humanity—and prepare students for a world where identity and technology intersect.

Read the full article on the TLI Recaps page >

We were excited to host some of our region’s music teachers and band directors as they took some time to learn more about the MusicFirst platform and the new product that can replace Soundtrap.  We were the FIRST in the US to see the new product. The room was filled with thoughtful questions and various melodies! Thanks to Jason and Max from MusicFirst for their creative insights!

Thank you participants and vendor partners for participating in our recent 2025 CS/STEAM Playdate Kickoff. 

Upcoming events in this series include:

• CS/STEAM “Masterclass” Course (K-8), November 13 @ LHRIC
• Lego “Purpose of Powerful Play, December 4 @ LHRIC
  LEGO Education 

REGISTER

Our department is honored to have many employees who have dedicated their careers to serving our districts in our region. We are pleased to recognize this year Leslie Accardo, Coordinator of Ed. Technology for 30 years of service and Sean Rowan, Sr. Facilitator for 10 years of service. Read the article about all of our BOCES/LHRIC employees who have hit some major milestones. Thanks to all for your support!

On April 4th, the LHRIC and Renaissance partnered to host an engaging eduCLIMBER User Group, bringing together educators from across the region for a day full of collaboration and hands-on learning. The event featured “A Day in the Life” of eduCLIMBER, along with sessions focused on using interventions, smartFORMS, thresholds, and more.

eduCLIMBER is one of the key tools supported through our MTSS/Data Dashboard service at the LHRIC. This service includes ongoing professional development and support from our Instructional Technology team, designed to help districts harness data for meaningful, student-centered decision-making. If you have any questions about this service, please contact the Coordinator, Caroline Calabrese ccalabrese@lhric.org 

Thank you to the over 30 district leaders and teachers who came out for a dynamic hands-on session and panel discussion featuring LHRIC Model Schools and the Apple Education Team.  We were inspired to rethink the possibilities of igniting creativity and curiosity through some hands-on iPad excursions, followed by a fabulous panel discussion from truly expert "voices from the field." Many thanks to our esteemed panelists for candidly sharing your journeys, perspectives, and insights on change management, empowering educators through professional growth, working with stakeholders, device lifecycle strategies, and how to "shift" from reactionary decision-making to proactive forecasting. If you are interested in learning more, or visiting an Apple Distinguished School in or out of our region, feel free to contact Leslie Accardo (laccardo@lhric.org). Featured panelists: 

Honoring Innovation in Education

Educators and district leaders from across the Lower Hudson region gathered on March 6 at the Edith Macy Conference Center for the 2025 TELL (Technology in Education through Leadership and Learning) Awards.

Hosted by the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s (LHRIC) Technology Leadership Institute, the event recognized outstanding educators—teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators—nominated by their peers for demonstrating innovation and best practices, and having implemented systemic change in teaching and learning while incorporating and embracing technology.

https://www.lhric.org/groups/84248/news_feed_lhric/honoring_innovation_in_education

If you were unable to attend the presentation or would like to review it again, please visit the recorded session.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the educational landscape, a pressing question remains: What comes next? On February 12, the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s Technology Leadership

Institute (TLI) held a keynote series to answer that very question.

Educator, researcher, and advocate Dr. Nneka McGee led the virtual event, titled Our Quantum World: How Leaders Can Prepare for the Future of Uncertainty. She provided district leaders with an in-depth look at how quantum computing may revolutionize education in the years ahead.

An expert in technology-driven learning, Dr. McGee has extensively studied the role of artificial intelligence in K-12 education. With degrees in English, law, curriculum and instruction, and education, she explores how emerging technologies like quantum computing will redefine teaching and learning. She asserts that this technology will fundamentally change how educators and students engage with information.

Dr. McGee explained that while AI is everywhere and currently transforming educational technology, quantum computing will soon take its place as the "next big thing." She compared this evolution to past technological shifts in education, from the lanterna magica to scantrons, calculators, and now AI.

“My mission is to keep teachers in the loop in the age of artificial intelligence,” Dr. McGee shared during the presentation. “I want to ensure that they're at the forefront of the development and deployment of AI systems.”

Dr. McGee provided an overview of quantum mechanics and explained how concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence translate to the field of education. She used these principles as a metaphor for the evolving role of educators:

• Superposition represents the vast possibilities that quantum computing offers to the learning experience.
• Entanglement reflects the influence that educators have in shaping how students and schools adapt to this emerging technology.
• Coherence symbolizes the connections that will be necessary to integrate quantum computing into classroom environments.

 After discussing the transformative power of education, Dr. McGee emphasized the vital role of educators in shaping the future, reminding attendees that technology should enhance—not replace—the human impact of teaching. 

 “We have to think of ourselves and how we empower each other and empower our students and remember the importance of what it means to educate,” she said. We are the original influencers—beyond whatever artificial intelligence or a quantum computer can do.”

Dr. McGee concluded the presentation with a clear message: The quantum era is fast approaching, and it is up to today’s education leaders to guide their students and schools through this transformation. By understanding the foundational principles of quantum computing and embracing the possibilities it presents, educators can position themselves at the forefront of the next great shift in educational technology.

Tools and Resources (Quantum in Education Playground)

• National Q-12 Partnership (Link )
• International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (Link)
• World Quantum Day (Link)
• Quantum Education Choice Boards (Link )
• Decoding the Universe: Quantum (Link )

The Technology Leadership Institute’s next event, the TELL Awards, will take place on March 6 at the Edith Macy Conference Center. This annual celebration honors outstanding contributions to educational leadership and innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to recognize the 2025 awardees and connect with peers who are shaping the future of education.

Learn more and register for the 2025 Tell Awards here.