UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Google Certified Innovator Ken Shelton will be the keynote speaker for Penn State's 2026 Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) Symposium on Saturday, March 21.
Hundreds of transformative thinkers from all Penn State campuses and colleges come together each year for the TLT Symposium, which showcases ways technology can enhance teaching and learning in higher education. Faculty and staff who attend will share how they use technology in unique ways, network with colleagues, and generate new project ideas.
Registration is open for the symposium, which will be held in person at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.
Shelton holds a master of arts in education with a specialization in educational technology as well as new media design and production. He has worked as an educator for over 20 years and spent most of his classroom experience teaching technology.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ken Shelton to the TLT Symposium,” Crystal Ramsay, TLT senior director, said. “He brings a rare combination of deep classroom experience, design expertise and a sustained commitment to equity."
Shelton has worked extensively at the policy level with several State Departments of Education, Ministries of Education and nonprofits, and was appointed to the Education Technology Task Force formed by a previous California State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Shelton regularly gives keynotes and presentations, consults and leads workshops covering a wide variety of topics including educational technology, equity and inclusion, anti-bias/anti-racism, multimedia literacy, cultural intelligences, visual storytelling and instructional design.
In 2018, Shelton won the International Society for Technology in Education Digital Equity Professional Learning Network Excellence Award. In 2022, he won the International Society for Technology in Education 2022 Making IT Happen Award for his extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students. Because of his extensive and broad impact, Shelton was named by EdTech Magazine as an influencer to follow.
The keynote address will be recorded for attendees to view after the symposium on the TLT Symposium website.
Virtual Symposium Lite
TLT also will host Symposium Lite from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. This virtual half-day event is designed to allow the Penn State community to continue learning about the innovative ways faculty are using technology in their teaching practices. During the event, faculty and staff will be able to view a handful of sessions and participate in facilitated discussions with presenters. Presentations will be a mix of new material and repeated presentations from the in-person symposium. More details will be coming soon.