Keynote Speakers

Mike Agostinelli is the Deputy Director at the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA), Montana’s state virtual school. With experience spanning classroom teaching, technology leadership, and statewide program development, Mike focuses on strategic technology integration that strengthens pedagogy, improves operational systems, and expands access for students. His current work includes AI integration, asynchronous online learning design, accessibility, and professional development for educators.

Mike holds degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Technology, along with an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. He has been recognized with the ISTE “Making IT Happen” Award, the Blackboard Catalyst Teaching and Learning Award, and recently honored with the DLAC Unsung Super Star Award.

Dr. Jason Neiffer is the Executive Director of Montana Digital Academy and NCCE’s Tech-Savvy Administrator-in-Residence. For over 28 years, Jason has been exploring innovative ways to blend technology and pedagogy to make learning engaging and meaningful for students of all ages. His professional interests include distance learning, media literacy, digital productivity, artificial intelligence, social studies, and humanities education. He is a frequent speaker nationwide, focusing on high-quality digital learning. His first experience with educational technology was in 1984, when he set up all the Apple IIe computers at Roosevelt Elementary School in Great Falls as a spirited 4th grader. He has been chasing the thrill of Lemonade Stand and Oregon Trail ever since!

Mike and Jason have worked together since 2008, when they both joined the Montana technology standards revision committee and found a shared passion for great teaching, innovative technology, and next-level geekery. They have jointly presented at conferences, led workshops, participated in professional learning events, and testified before board and hearings a combined 150 times.

Claire Christensen, PhD, is a senior education researcher at SRI Education who studies how children learn from media and technology—and how educators can use digital resources effectively. She has led more than 18 studies totaling over $6.5 million, including national evaluations and collaborations with PBS KIDS, Sesame Workshop, and other leaders in education and media.

Christensen’s current work explores how teachers find and use classroom videos, what makes that process difficult, and how tools such as AI can help educators identify high-quality content that meets their students’ needs. She offers a research-based alternative to the idea that screen time is inherently harmful. Her work highlights how thoughtfully selected videos can support learning—and how technology can make finding the right video easier for teachers.