In this episode of the UCET Podcast, the host introduces this year’s conference theme, “UCET Elements,” and invites guests Traci Rindlisbach (first-year UCET board member) and Kelli Cannon(four-year board member) to discuss the essential elements classrooms need to thrive. Kelli emphasizes relationships as the foundation, along with personalized learning and curiosity, especially as AI expands student access to information. Traci echoes the importance of belonging and community, and highlights innovative teaching, engaging learning experiences, 21st-century skills, and digital citizenship, including helping students understand and use AI responsibly. They reflect on how educational technology has shifted teaching from “sage on the stage” to “guide on the side,” increased the need for digital media literacy, and pushed assessment toward student-created products rather than worksheets. The episode closes with each guest sharing a favorite conference strand—Traci choosing “Grounded” for evidence-based practice and small actionable takeaways, and Kelly choosing “Spark” for emerging tech and transformative strategies—and an invitation to future episodes and the UCET conference in March.
Welcome back to the UCET podcast, where we talk all things Utah, education, and technology. In this special series, we ask the following questions to our featured guests:
The Conversation
In this episode, host Kiera Beddes is joined by Traci Rindlisbach and Kelli Cannon, both dedicated members of the UCET board. Together, they dive into the "UCET Elements" theme, exploring how classrooms thrive when they are built on a foundation of relationships, trust, and empathy.
They discuss the shift from the "sage on the stage" to the "guide on the side," highlighting how students have evolved from passive consumers into active producers of content. From AI awareness to authentic assessments like podcasts and portfolios, Traci and Kelli share how technology facilitates a more personalized and curious learning environment.
The UCET Elements
This episode introduces our four conference strands: Spark, Amplify, Flow, and Grounded.
Whether you are looking to elevate student voice or build a toolkit of proven practices, this conversation sets the stage for our upcoming gathering this March.
Episode Timeline
Conference Details
This year's conference is March 16 & March 17th at the Salt Palace. Our theme is "UCET Elements." If you want to attend the UCET conference as a vendor, or as an attendee, you can find more info at: ucet.org/conference/
Special thanks to Kayla Towner for the podcast producing & editing and Kiera Beddes for hosting.