TABLE1: Hidden Gems: Using Underutilized EdTech to Celebrate Student Identity

What if your school’s most creative digital tools were hiding in plain sight? In this session, discover how one district transformed overlooked apps into powerful tools for identity, expression, and creativity through a series of monthly pop-up events - each led by a special guest teacher sharing something they’re passionate about. These unique experiences invited students to explore hands-on digital projects tied to themes like voice, belonging, and cultural identity, while teachers learned right alongside them. The excitement was contagious. By spotlighting educator/student interests and demonstrating real-world creative applications, the events not only inspired students but also built teacher confidence with the tools. As a result, these once-underused platforms saw a surge in classroom integration. Attendees will leave with a replicable model and ready-to-use ideas for running low-lift, high-impact pop-up events that build community, celebrate identity, and make edtech meaningful.