NDLA 2016 will highlight nationally known speakers and regional experts in keynote and spotlight sessions.
Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow
Keynote Thursday
Presentation [PDF]: 1-2-3-4 New Ways to Examine Blended Learning Outcomes
Presentation [PDF]: Ten Things Everyone Should Know about today’s Students and Digital Learning
Julie Evans is the CEO of Project Tomorrow (www.tomorrow.org), a global education nonprofit organization that focuses on improving learning opportunities for students through the effective utilization of STEM resources. Previously, Ms. Evans was a executive with Unisys and two ed tech startups. She is a graduate of Brown University and serves on several nonprofit boards and corporate advisory councils. Ms. Evans is a frequent speaker and writer on K-12 and higher education issues around digital learning. In April 2008 she was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential People in Education Technology by eSchool News.
Matthew L. Blomstedt, Ph.D.
Nebraska Commissioner of Education
Keynote Friday
Prior to being named Commissioner of Education by the State Board of Education on January 2, 2014, Dr. Blomstedt served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council until December 2013. It was during that time that he provided leadership for the development of the Nebraska BlendEd Initiative. He previously served as the first full-time Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, a research analyst for the Education Committee of the Nebraska Legislature and has worked in a variety of policy research roles over the past 16 years. During this time, Dr. Blomstedt worked closely with policy makers, school district officials, and numerous educational stakeholders across Nebraska. Dr. Blomstedt is a native Nebraskan whose career has focused on local, regional and statewide education issues. Blomstedt’s experience includes education finance and organization, assessment and accountability, professional development, and the development of systems to enhance blended and distance learning opportunities across the state.
Marcia Kish, Blended Learning Coach for DSD Professional Development
Pre-conference workshop Wednesday and Spotlight Sessions Thursday