AI Spark @ Moorhead State, August 6th - Join Us!
Karen Qualey
Hello KIC friends,
We'd love to see you in Moorhead for a day of AI learning. Dr. Alexandra Holter from Bloomington Public Schools and Dr. Josh Riedy from MSUM's Institute of Applied AI will keynote (Bios below). -Karen Qualey
Educators, administrators, innovators, and community leaders from PK-12 and higher education, including MSUM faculty and staff, are invited to join the Institute of Applied AI for AI Spark: Education in the Age of AI, a dynamic one-day summit on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSUM Christianson Alumni Center.
This summit will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching, learning, and workforce preparation across K-12 and higher education. With hands-on practical training and breakout sessions focused on AI literacy, ethical AI integration, AI agents, and agentic AI architecture, participants will gain concrete strategies for understanding, evaluating, and teaching with AI.
Topics include building AI literacy for teaching and work, navigating ethical questions such as AI-generated student work and bias, adapting AI-supported assignments for critical thinking, exploring Microsoft Copilot agents, and understanding emerging AI systems that go beyond basic chatbot use.
Presenters from MSUM, Bloomington Public Schools, AI4MN (MNGAIA), SCSU and regional education partners will share practical examples and approaches to support educators at every stage of AI adoption. Sessions include but are not limited to:
Curiosity, Creativity, and AI Competency
Agentic AI and the Skills That Matter
Creating Clear AI Expectations
AI and Writing
AI as a Teaching Assistant
Scaling Applied AI in Higher Education
AI Agents in Copilot
Designing for Thinking with AI
AI Assignments for Critical Thinking
Understanding Agentic AI
Ethical AI Integration for Educators
Preparing Educators for Ethical AI Use
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, Aug. 6
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: MSUM Christianson Alumni Center, 707 11th St. S., Moorhead, free parking
Registration: $125, register online
Includes: Lunch and available CEUs
Keynote Bios:
Dr. Alexandra Holter is the K–12 Computer Science (CS) and Career & Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools in Minnesota, where she leads district wide efforts to expand equitable access to high-quality computer science and career-connected learning. With over 17 years of experience as an educator and systems leader, she is dedicated to designing pathways that help every student see themselves in future-ready careers.
In her role, Alexandra oversees comprehensive K–12 computer science and CTE programming grounded in skills, equity, and joy. She works closely with industry partners, higher education institutions, and community organizations to align classroom learning with real-world workforce needs while developing meaningful professional growth opportunities for educators.
A recognized leader in policy and practice, Alexandra serves as a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Policy Committee and as Chair of the CSTA Editorial Board, helping shape national conversations around equitable computer science education. She also contributed to the Minnesota Department of Education’s State Computer Science Education Strategic Plan and was honored as the 2024 Tekne Awards Tech Educator of the Year.
Dr. Josh Riedy
Dr. Joshua M. Riedy is the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he leads institutional and regional efforts to advance applied AI strategy, workforce-aligned programming, cross-sector partnerships, and community engagement. With experience spanning higher education, entrepreneurship, technology, and organizational leadership, he is dedicated to helping learners, educators, and organizations prepare for an AI-enabled future.
In his role, Josh works across academic programs, industry partners, public-sector organizations, and regional stakeholders to build practical pathways for AI fluency and workforce readiness. His work focuses on translating emerging technologies into meaningful learning opportunities, responsible innovation practices, and partnerships that support students, educators, and communities across the region.
Before joining MSUM, Josh founded and led a venture-backed technology company serving the utility and energy sectors, raising more than $20 million and building partnerships with Microsoft, Xcel Energy, and the U.S. Air Force. He also held senior leadership roles at the University of North Dakota, including Chief Information Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, and Dean, where he oversaw major technology, data, infrastructure, and institutional initiatives. Dr. Riedy holds degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.