2026 UEN Tech Summit

Move beyond solving technical issues and start supporting the people using technology. This session introduces a customer-service approach tailored for K-12 IT teams that uses empathy, active listening, and clear communication to de-escalate difficult situations and turn frustrated users into collaborative partners.

IT professionals in K-12 education spend much of their time troubleshooting devices, networks, and software—but many support challenges are not purely technical. Frustration, miscommunication, and time pressure can turn small technology issues into larger disruptions for teachers and classrooms. This session introduces T.E.A.C.H., a practical communication framework designed specifically for education technology support teams. The framework helps IT staff manage the human side of support interactions while still resolving technical problems efficiently. Participants will explore five core practices: • Take Time to Greet & Listen • Empathize and Disarm Conflict • Ask Effective Questions • Chart the Path Forward • Help Beyond the Moment. Through real-world K-12 support scenarios, attendees will learn techniques for active listening, empathetic communication, structured troubleshooting conversations, and translating technical concepts into language that educators can easily understand. The session includes a short interactive activity in which participants identify common support requests and discuss simple strategies—such as knowledge base articles or quick training resources—that can prevent repeat issues. Attendees will leave with a practical framework and communication strategies they can immediately apply to improve support interactions, reduce frustration, and strengthen collaboration between IT teams and educators.

In our mission to provide internet access and technology infrastructure to our education and telehealth stakeholders, we support and conduct research of our own. We'll talk about the state of our current research efforts, what we have learned so far, and how this research supports our core services.

This presentation will cover research efforts within UEN/UTN and partners. In particular, we'll touch on advances in AI & machine learning, Network management, Wildfire cameras, the WildWEST project, collaboration with the Center for High Performance Computing at the University of Utah, collaboration with outside researchers, and more! This will be a panel discussion covering project developments and findings.

Utah's legislature considered a record number of bills during the 2026 General Session, so if you are wondering how to keep track of everything, you're not alone. This session will focus on getting you the information you need to start integrating new data privacy requirements into your policies and practices. You'll be most at home in this session if you are the privacy point person at your district or charter, but everyone is welcome!