Capital Region BOCES (CR BOCES) and the Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC) welcomed more than 700 educators, technology leaders, students and industry partners to the Albany Capital Center on Dec.12 for the 36th Annual Regional Technology Awareness Day (Tech A-Day). The event continues to evolve as a signature gathering for educational technology in the region.
This year’s theme, “Engage, Educate, Empower, Employ,” highlighted the role of technology in student‑centered learning, AI, cybersecurity, accessibility, and instructional innovation—key components of preparing students for the modern workforce.
The day opened with a performance by the Albany High School Jazzmanian Devils and String Quartet. Attendees represented more than 80 school districts, including over 70 students, demonstrating the region’s commitment to collaboration and continuous learning. More than 60 NERIC partners participated in the vendor showcase, sharing innovations and practical tools designed to address real‑world challenges in education.
Keynote: Reimagining Attention in the Modern Classroom
EdTech educator, author, and podcast host Matt Miller delivered the keynote address, “The Attention Switch,” offering strategies to capture and sustain student attention in an increasingly digital world. He encouraged educators to rethink instructional design and use technology to create meaningful, student‑centered learning experiences.
“We’re not changing what students are learning; we’re changing how they experience the learning,” Miller said.
Teachers from Shenendehowa CSD shared their excitement about the keynote, saying, “We absolutely love Matt Miller because we use so many of his resources. It was great to see him in person, and we rely on his work often in our instructional coaching and PD department.”
Exploring Labor Market Trends and Workforce Readiness
A forward‑looking discussion on labor market trends featured New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Deputy Commissioner Dana Politis and NERIC Assistant Superintendent Mike Doughty. Their conversation connected classroom innovation with the skills students need to thrive in emerging industries, particularly those shaped by AI, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.
Hands‑On Learning Through the Technology Playground
This year’s Technology Playground offered attendees a chance to explore tools and experiences that bring learning to life. Students from area schools and Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center (CTE) – Albany Campus took part in hands‑on demonstrations that illustrated how technology is transforming learning experiences.
This year’s playground featured:
- The Dudley at Siena Observatory inflatable planetarium, which immersed students in astronomy and space science.
- The Apple accessibility playground, highlighted inclusive design and assistive technologies.
- NYSDOL’S virtual reality career exploration tools
- Instructional strategies aligned with New York State’s (NYS) Portrait of a Graduate
- Student programmed and operated robots
These interactive stations emphasized experiential learning and the importance of accessible, future‑ready tools.
Regina Anderson, elementary literacy teacher and instructional coach at Cobleskill–Richmondville CSD, said, “I just love all the hands‑on activities,” noting she left with new ideas to motivate her students.
Vendor Showcase
The Vendor Showcase brought together more than 60 NERIC partners, giving attendees opportunities to explore tools and services that support district operations and instructional goals. It also served as a valuable networking space for conversations with industry experts. Superintendent Mark Place of Middleburgh CSD noted that he attends each year “to check out what’s new in the vendor realm.”
Sessions, Services Showcase Corner, and Regional Expertise
Attendees chose from 18 educational sessions led by regional experts, covering instructional strategies, technical and administrative topics, and data privacy and security best practices.
The CR BOCES and NERIC Services Showcase Corner offered mini‑sessions on key services available to districts, providing practical insights and direct connections to support teams. For the first time, this year’s Showcase featured two from CR BOCES from Grants and Library services and five services from NERIC including data integration,Tableau, Mindex Scheduling Dashboard, and Cyber IQ.
Reflecting on the experience, David Blanchard, Superintendent of Schoharie CSD, shared, “I’m excited to be here at Tech Awareness Day. It’s been a very exciting event that I’ve learned a lot. I came with high expectations and they’ve been fulfilled.
Continuing the Legacy of Innovation
Tech A‑Day serves as a focal point for exploring the intersection of education and technology. This year’s event reaffirmed that mission, celebrating student‑centered learning, educator dedication, and the partnerships that help prepare today’s learners for tomorrow’s workforce.
“I have to share with you how great this year’s conference was. From the attendance to the content in the sessions and everything in between, it was awesome,” said Jeremy Dudley, Instructional Technology Coach for the City School District of Albany.
NERIC is a resource for cooperative educational technology services and support. As one of 12 Regional Information Centers (RICs) working with the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York state, NERIC serves more than 130 school districts from New York’s Capital Region to the Canadian border.
By regionalizing services, NERIC makes a wide range of 21st-century educational technology tools and services available to school districts. For more information, visit the NERIC website.