Distance Ed Summit Helps School Leaders Navigate the Future

Ed tech professionals from K-12 and higher ed gathered to explore AI, Zoom updates and tools that support Utah educators.

Educators and support staff from across Utah came together July 29 and 30, 2025, for the 11th annual UEN Distance Education Summit, a two-day event focused on the future of distance learning. Twenty-five participants from K-20 joined to explore new technologies, tools and strategies under the theme “Navigating the Future of Distance Education.” Sessions included presentations and discussions to strengthen and support Utah’s distance education systems.

A main focus of the summit was the integration of AI into distance education platforms and tools. Braxton Thornley from UEN Professional Development gave the keynote on AI's current and future role in distance education, highlighting how statewide tools must adapt to support evolving classroom needs. Participants also reviewed updates to the IVC scheduling system, changes to the K-20+ Zoom licensing and equipment upgrades with an emphasis on platform interoperability.

The Distance Education Summit is an annual event for educators, coordinators, facilitators, classroom support personnel and UEN staff to share insights and engage in training on new technologies.

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