On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Northville High School was the dynamic host site for the annual miGoogle Conference, Michigan’s official Google Education Summit. Organized and run by Michigan educators, this two-day conference brought together over 500 attendees from 54 school districts across the state, eager to explore new ways to integrate technology into the classroom to inspire and engage students. With schools across the district closed to students for Election Day and staff professional development, Northville Public Schools was excited to utilize the high school’s facilities to host this impactful event.
The conference began on a high note with a moving performance from the Northville High School orchestra, followed by an energetic welcome from the NHS Drumline. Educators were then welcomed by keynote speaker Dave Stuart Jr., who delivered a powerful presentation on “The Will to Learn: Cultivating Student Motivation in a Hyperconnected, AI-powered Age.” Stuart emphasized that genuine learning comes from students doing work with care — whether listening, reading, writing, or creating. His keynote introduced the Five Key Beliefs essential for cultivating a strong, authentic motivation to learn, especially relevant as teachers navigate the complexities of teaching in an AI-influenced and hyperconnected world.
Attendees participated in five breakout sessions throughout the day, with over 70 options ranging from hands-on tutorials on Google tools like Slides, Sheets, and Gmail to advanced discussions on AI-powered tools like SchoolAI, Snorkl, Diffit, Brisk, and MagicSchool. These sessions provided educators with new ideas for streamlining classroom management, enhancing student engagement, and tailoring instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
The miGoogle Conference is about much more than devices and products — it’s about empowering teachers with innovative strategies that put students at the center of learning. Each session highlighted ways educators could leverage technology to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among students, preparing them for a rapidly changing future.
“Hosting miGoogle 2024 was an incredible opportunity for Northville Public Schools to bring together educators who are passionate about redefining learning in a technology-driven world. This conference isn’t just about tools—it’s about empowering teachers to harness innovation in ways that truly engage and inspire students,” said Northville Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Aaron Baughman.
As the event concluded, attendees left with not only new tools in their digital toolkits but also a renewed commitment to supporting students’ success through innovative, technology-enhanced learning experiences. Northville Public Schools is proud to have hosted this important gathering and looks forward to seeing how the insights gained at miGoogle 2024 will shape classrooms across the state.