For over a decade, the Long Island Technology and Education Summit (LITES) has offered hundreds of ways for educators to connect with peers, technology experts and exhibitors. More than 50 speakers from school districts across Long Island shared their best practices and innovative uses of technology in the classroom. This year’s keynote speaker was “Stand Tall” Steve Bollar, a former superintendent, principal, and world-renowned expert on school culture. He has been named one of the “Top 30 Global Gurus in Education” and is a respected author on education.

At the Summit, Robert Farenga, a computer science teacher in the Port Jefferson UFSD, was presented with the Fred Podolski Most Innovative Use of Technology Award and Jennifer Freedman, Director of Instructional Technology and an innovation and data privacy officer in the Lindenhurst UFSD, was honored with the Fred Podolski Visionary Award. The awards are dedicated to the memory of the longtime Director of the Nassau BOCES Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology (CIT). Mr. Podolski, who was also the founder of LITES, was a firm believer in the impact technology could have on student learning.

The annual summit is presented by all three Long Island BOCES — Nassau, Western Suffolk and Eastern Suffolk — in conjunction with the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE). The event spotlights the use of technology to advance student learning, creativity and innovative thinking using digital tools and resources. The day was packed with opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas, see new innovations and trends, and build relationships with people who share the same passion and challenges.

“I feel very fortunate to have gotten to spend the day learning about what other Long Island school districts have been up to, and bringing some of these tools and ideas back to my district,” attested former LITES attendee Casey Hauptman, Director of Technology, Innovation and Data Systems for the Franklin Square UFSD.

“To meet the needs of Long Island educators, the Long Island Technology and Education Summit focuses on a new era of learning, where the use of artificial intelligence is growing and becoming a part of our everyday lives,” said Matthew DiMenna, Supervisor of Nassau BOCES CIT. “This year’s LITES provided teachers and administrators with inspiring ways to incorporate innovative technologies into their instructional practices.”

Visit www.litechedsummit.org to see videos of the winners and photos from the event.