FETC 2026: Innovation, Connection, and Real-World Impact

One of my favorite events every year is FETC. Just last week, from January 11–14, 2026, the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC 2026) gathered educators, leaders, technologists, and innovators in Orlando, Florida, to explore the future of learning and technology. A jam-packed schedule for sure that included keynotes, hundreds of workshops, opportunities for networking, and demos throughout the expo hall. Through my conversations and observations, I have come to a conclusion, or maybe a bit of a mindset shift. Our work as educators is at a pivotal moment, and the work we do demands increased curiosity, courage, clarity, and consistency in how we integrate technology to best serve students, teachers, and the larger school community.

During the conference, I presented five workshops covering AI, AI and the Law, podcasting, and STEM, in addition to the EdTech Share panel in the Ballroom, and I did multiple booth demos (which I love), in the expo. Each opportunity provided insights and revealed questions educators have about trends, concerns, and practical strategies we can bring back to our schools and districts.

Five key takeaways from my sessions and explorations:

1. Humans must stay at the center of innovation

During my time at FETC 2026, whether in keynotes or workshops, or passing conversations, the emphasis was on people over products. I have been focusing more on the importance of relationships, and I have seen this shift across all areas. The message I have heard and shared frequently is that technology must enhance, not replace, opportunities to connect and build relationships.

Educators and leaders alike are brainstorming on how to scale innovation without losing sight of what students and teachers truly need.

Whether it was through hands-on AI sessions or demos on new tools to support STEM learning, the discussion and examples shared were less about what’s possible and more about what’s right and what is most impactful.

2. STEM is everywhere, and it is for everyone

My STEM workshop, which I co-presented with my good friend Zee Ann Poerio, a K-8 STREAM teacher, was a favorite. (Aside from the fire alarm midway through, but most everyone came back!) The title I have used for the past few years is Bring STEM to Every Classroom because STEM should not be siloed. It can be integrated with literacy, the arts, career pathways, and equity conversations. There are opportunities for everyone to bring in no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech STEM activities to all grades and content areas.

Some recommendations are:

Create hands-on experiences that link robotics and real-world problem-solving.
Find tools that help students engage in computational thinking through project-based learning.
Embed STEM into classrooms that aren’t traditionally STEM-focused. There are so many resources available, just ask us.

STEM isn’t just about coding or robotics, and doesn’t need technology at all. It’s about preparing students to think, design, iterate, and solve problems collaboratively. These are the skills they need to be successful in the future.

3. Podcasting as a teaching and learning tool

Podcasting is beneficial for everyone. Whether to learn, reflect, or relax, it is a powerful medium for everyone. My own started as an experiment before I dove into podcasting with my students, and I realized it is a tool for building confidence, amplifying your voice, essential reflection, and authentic communication. In our session (Zee presented with me), educators explored how podcasting:

Supports student agency and storytelling.
Reinforces academic language and listening skills.
Creates authentic assessment opportunities.

Podcasting can be a great way to inform families or the school community and spotlight student learning beyond the classroom walls.

4. AI & the Law

One of my favorite sessions or workshops to present is on AI and the Law. I have presented this for over 2 years, in sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours. The conversations in my workshop were insightful, intense, and made something very clear. As educators integrate generative AI and other technologies into K–12 learning environments, the legal and ethical dimensions can’t be ignored.

Conversations focused on:

Data privacy and student protections: How should educators select tools and ensure that the tools are in compliance with COPPA, FERPA, and state laws?
Academic integrity and AI: How we ensure fair use, proper attribution, and honesty in student work. We need to guide students and model best practices.
Bias and equity in AI systems: Involving students, educators, and families in the discussion focused on ethics is critical.

There are so many issues involved that go beyond the initial scare about plagiarism and cheating on assignments, which is why I unpack a lot during my sessions, create scenarios, and enjoy the conversations that come from them. I walk away having learned so much, while also having more questions to answer and research to do.

5. AI Isn’t the Future. It’s here and everywhere…and not going away.

Throughout the conference, AI was everywhere. Sessions focused on AI highlighted strategies for responsible use, ethical implementation, and teacher empowerment.

A few themes:

AI Literacy Is Now Essential

It’s no longer enough for students to use AI, they must be AI literate. AI literacy means understanding how models make predictions, when it’s appropriate to use a tool, and how to interpret results critically and responsibly. States are proposing bills or enacting legislation to require teacher training and teaching about AI for students.

AI Integration Must Be Intentional

AI assists with personalized learning, providing feedback, and differentiation, but it also creates risks around equity, bias, and misapplication. When using AI, it requires thoughtful use that aligns with pedagogy and student outcomes. Is it making a difference and doing something that otherwise cannot be done?

My main takeaway

Looking back, something else became even clearer to me. We don’t innovate alone. Whether in a packed keynote hall or at a booth demo on the floor, the conference was a reminder that community fuels innovation. Educators left with new connections, and I hope, renewed purpose.

As we move forward into 2026 and look to the future, we have new ideas to consider. , One thing is clear. We must have the courage to take risks. When we do, we will be committed to building learning environments where every student can THRIVE.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, with a research focus on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915