11th Annual Innovation Institute

Sign in at the registration desk and collect your resource bag for the event. The conference organizers (Dr. Lisa Ockerman, Vice President of Academics and Strategic Initiatives, Jessie Metzger, Director of Educational and Technology Design and Upper School Dean of Faculty Services, and Dr. Wendy Swanson, Director of Faculty Learning and Recruitment Coordinator) will provide a welcome presentation and overview of Day 1 events for the Innovation Institute.

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, student engagement remains one of the greatest challenges and persistent barriers to learning. Traditional instructional methods are increasingly being met with disengagement, especially in a world saturated with digital distractions. "Engagement Elevated" explores how the intersection immersive technology, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is revolutionizing the learning experience. These immersive tools allow educators to transport students beyond the classroom, offering hands-on learning opportunities in virtual worlds that foster curiosity and deep, meaningful engagement.

Immersive technologies provide learners with dynamic, interactive environments where abstract concepts become tangible, and theoretical lessons can be practiced and applied in real-world simulations. Whether it’s stepping inside a virtual ancient city during a history lesson or conducting a chemistry experiment in a safe, controlled virtual lab, virtual reality can create multi-sensory learning experiences that appeal to diverse learning styles. These innovations not only make learning more engaging but also improve retention, critical thinking, and collaboration - empowering students to take an active role in their education.

This presentation will dive into how schools can implement these cutting-edge technologies to transform their classrooms and elevate student learning outcomes. By embracing immersive technology, educators can unlock new levels of engagement that promote student success, preparing learners for the complex, technology-driven world of tomorrow.

All Innovation Institute attendees will receive a complimentary lunch with their registration. Please notify Meagan Obst (meagan.obst@pinecrest.edu) of any dietary restrictions.