The information below is reflective of the 2024 event.
Julie Smith
Educator and Author
Julie Smith has been on the faculty of Webster University’s School of Communications for 22 years and is the author of several books including “Master the Media: How Teaching Media Literacy Can Save our Plugged-In World” and “Wake ‘Em Up! Supercharging Engagement in the College Classroom”. Julie holds degrees from University of Tulsa and Southern Illinois University. Her research interests include how digital citizenship classes are outdated as well as how online misinformation threatens democracy. Julie travels both nationally and internationally doing workshops and keynotes on AI, digital forensics and the connection between media literacy and social-emotional learning. She lives in St Louis where she has three sons and a very patient husband.
Chris Jenks – Director of Technology
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Chris began teaching online in 2002 and face-to-face in 2003. A middle school teacher for six years, he continually integrated technology to facilitate student learning and growth. He currently serves as Director of Technology for the Tuscaloosa City Schools where he leads a technology team supporting district stakeholders’ technical and instructional needs. Chris serves as President of the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from the University of Alabama. A Sylacauga, AL native, Mr. Chris Jenks and his wife of 23 years, Anna, live in Tuscaloosa with their two children.