Name: A Kickstart with Gemini: Demystifying the Tech - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Start: 2026-07-16T09:45:00-0600
End: 2026-07-16T10:45:00-0600

Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed.

WiFi: eduroam or SUU-Conference, password "summertimefun"

PLAN AHEAD - Tentative Future Conference Dates
July 7-9, 2027 - Price, UT
July 17-19, 2028 - Richfield, UT

A Kickstart with Gemini: Demystifying the Tech - USBE + Google Sponsored Session

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104

🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Are you curious about how AI tools like Gemini work, but are you concerned about privacy and data security? This introductory session is the perfect place to start, demystifying the technology behind the hype. We will break down, in clear and simple terms, how Google AI generates content and makes decisions. More importantly, we'll guide you through the settings to show you how to take control of your conversations by managing your privacy and understanding how your data is used. This workshop is designed for beginners, providing the essential first steps to becoming a confident and AI-literate user. You will leave with the foundational knowledge to use Gemini with assurance and make informed decisions about leveraging Google AI responsibly in your work.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.

Speakers

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning

Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Subject Area Any Subject Area

Select ticket

Success you have shared X tickets.

2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Chris McCaffrey

Attendees (6)

Get help with the event

Success you have shared X tickets.

2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Chris McCaffrey

Attendees (6)

Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Get help with the event