We fully understand that many community colleges are dealing with budget issues right now, and that attending a national conference is not possible/no travel funds available. That said, we did have a wonderful conference in Austin, Texas last week (March 13-15). It was hosted at the Austin Community College Highland Campus. The location was unique and is known nationally because it was a failed retail mall complex that ACC has been revitalizing for the past 10 years. It was downright exciting to spend the entire conference in that space, along with the fantastic hospitality of ACC staff.
This was our first conference hosted at a community college. Like many national organizations, the ITC has taken a financial hit at hotel-based conference space. It has become so expensive – OLC actually filed bankruptcy because of this reality last year. The ITC Board of Directors decided to return to a practice the ITC has used originally – meeting at community colleges. It is essential to have a hotel within walking distance (or to have a transportation plan), but the result was a wonderful experience for attendees as well as a significant cost-savings from the traditional hotel conference model.
As you can imagine, the conference featured keynote speakers and sessions that dealt with the 800-pound Gorilla in the room – Artificial Intelligence. We had outstanding demonstrations of use in the classroom as well as complex discussions about the advantages – and disadvantages – of AI. The ITC conference also featured the return of the Grand Debate – which pitted Reed Dickson of Pima Community College advocating the good things about AI – against an agentic AI – “Claudia” that argued the evils of AI. This was the first interchange of its kind in a major conference setting - - in real time. You’d expect that at an EdTech conference – and thanks to the great Media Services/IT at ACC, it actually worked!!! For the record, “Claudia” lost the debate.
A number of campuses – and teams and individuals – received awards during the conference. And Barry Dahl received the ITC Lifetime Achievement Award. We also acknowledged the many contributions of Howard Beattie of Holland Community College, Charlottetown, PEI who had served as the International Representative AND organized the annual ITC conference for nearly 10 years. He passed away in January – and will be greatly missed.
2027 ITC National Conference Dates/Location
The location of the 2027 National Conference was announced as well. We hope to see you at next year’s national ITC conference – it will be hosted in March 5-7, 2027 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at Pike’s Peak State College.
ITC/Pikes Peak Community College AI Virtual Summit Date
And finally, the ITC will be offering an AI Virtual Summit (as it did last spring and this past fall) on April 24, 2026 – it will be hosted by Pikes Peak Community College. Registration is now open.
2026 ITC Annual National Leadership Academy Dates/Location
In addition, the location and dates of the ITC Annual National Leadership Academy were announced as well. The Academy is scheduled for July 13-15, 2026 and will be hosted at Lane Community College in Eugene Oregon. Registration is now open.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY ALERTS
Public Comment For Workforce Pell Regulations Opens, Higher Ed Dive
The 30-day public comment period for the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule to govern the new Workforce Pell Grant program opened Monday. The comment period closes on April 8. (Editor’s Note: The article provides a summary of recommended changes.)
Education Department Urged to Broaden “Professional” Student Definition, Higher Ed Dive
Professional students will be able to borrow $100,000 more than other graduate students, but a proposed rule would exclude certain fields from the higher cap.
Recommended Reading
Beyond The Hype: 5 Actionable Steps For Higher Ed To Master AI In 2026, Campus Technology
Successful AI adoption thrives on a specific brand of leadership: strategic direction for institution-wide adoption, driven by innovation from the ground up. This isn't passive endorsement; it's an active push, clearly signaling that AI adoption is an organizational priority, not an optional effort.
The AI-Resistant Classroom Is A Myth: Designing Assessments That Assume AI Is Present, eCampus News
The goal is not to eliminate AI from student workflows; the goal is to ensure that human thinking remains central.
Microcredentials Get First Ever Endorsement From Accreditor, University Business Magazine
The Higher Learning Commission has endorsed four organizations that offer short-term credentials to colleges and universities, marking the first time the accreditor has formally verified the quality of a third-party provider focused on certificates, digital badges and microcredentials,
Clarity And Instructional Alignment In Digital Learning. The Evolllution
A recurring challenge in digital and immersive learning environments is the simultaneous presentation of experiential interaction and abstract explanation. We often ask learners to navigate complex environments while processing conceptual instruction, resulting in divided attention.
Video Of The Week
Teaching In The Age Of AI (TED Talk), YouTube
As AI technologies rapidly enter classrooms, workplaces, and everyday life, educators face a new challenge. How do we prepare students for a future where machines can generate answers, analyze information, and even assist in creative work?
