KEDC 2nd Annual AI Summit Keynote Speaker - Brian Buffington

Perceptual Learning - A fresh take on an older idea

A group of educators want you to think about how we traditionally teach math. A student memorizes that 3 + 4 = 7. They can get the answer right on a worksheet, but do they actually understand what 7 means? Perceptual learning is about helping students see the relationships behind the numbers. Instead of memorizing facts, students begin to recognize patterns: • 3 + 4 = 7 • 4 + 3 = 7 • 5 + 2 = 7 • 10 - 3 = 7 Now they’re not just calculating. They’re seeing how numbers relate to one another. Take multiplication. A traditional approach might teach that: 6 × 8 = 48 A perceptual learning approach helps students recognize that: • 6 groups of 8 is the same as 8 groups of 6 • 6 × 8 is double 3 × 8 • 6 × 8 is 6 × (4 + 4) Students begin to notice patterns and structures that mathematicians naturally see. The goal isn’t for students to memorize hundreds of facts. The goal is for them to develop “mathematical vision.” When a mathematician looks at a problem, they don’t just see numbers. They see relationships, patterns, shortcuts, and connections. Perceptual learning helps students build that same ability. That’s why the graphic says “Teach the cognitive skills of seeing and hearing so that math is understood.” In other words: Don’t just teach students the answer. Teach them to see why the answer makes sense.

KEDC 2nd Annual AI Summit Keynote Speaker - Brian Buffington

Brian Buffington brings the kind of energy that makes people want to be in the room. In our conversation, he talked about using AI not to replace the human side of education, but to bring more of it back. His focus is on helping teachers create experiences students cannot just Google, copy, or click through. He also made a powerful point about students needing connection now more than ever. AI can help teachers save time, brainstorm ideas, and create more engaging lessons, but the real magic still comes from educators building relationships, creating memorable moments, and helping students feel like they belong. That is exactly the kind of conversation we want at the KEDC AI Summit.

Dr. Jordyne Carmack discusses keeping humanity in an AI world

Dr. Jordyne Carmack is a dynamic communication strategist, educator, andthought leader who empowers individuals and organizations to thrive throughtransformative learning experiences. As the Founder and CEO of AuthentiLEAD,Dr. Carmack delivers coaching and workshops on authentic leadership,communication skills, and personal branding, specializing in fostering genuineconnections in an increasingly automated world. She is the creator of FutureReady Teams, an applied AI development program that helps mission-drivenorganizations move from change fatigue and resistance to confident technologyadoption through practical, skills-based training.An popular speaker and recognized expert in authentic leadership, Dr. Carmack’sinsights have been featured at conferences, including her TEDx talk, “EmbracingAuthenticity in an Artificial World.” Her research and practical applications ofauthenticity focus on helping leaders embrace self-awareness and transparentdecision-making as a competitive edge. She is an expert in using assessmentbased solutions to connect and empower teams to communicate with excellence.Dr. Carmack taught Communication Arts full-time for seven years at theundergraduate level early in her career, cultivating future leaders andcommunicators. She now shares her expertise at the doctoral level, teachingCurrent Trends and Issues in Leadership, where she guides emerging scholars andprofessionals in navigating the complexities of modern leadership challenges.Dr. Carmack brings a rich academic background to her work, holding a Ph.D. inLeadership from the University of the Cumberlands and an M.S. in IntegratedMarketing Communication from West Virginia University. Her academic andprofessional journey reflects her passion for cultivating human-centered, valuedriven leadership across industries and communities.Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Carmack is a dedicated community leaderand advocate. She serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Tri-County andsits on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky.A recipient of accolades such as Central Kentucky’s Remarkable Woman Awardand the Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland’s 40 under 40, Dr. Carmackexemplifies excellence in leadership, service, and innovation.

KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalks - JAG Students from Elliott County Middle School

We are all so proud of students from across the region and we will try to honor as many as I can. It just so happens that I, Jim Caldwell, was in Elliott County on Thursday.  Noah and Braxton just earned 3rd place in Knowledge Bowl at the JAG Kentucky State Career Development Conference… and now they’re headed to the JAG National Career Development Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. They invited me to join them on their podcast, and I was genuinely honored to say yes. It’s always inspiring to sit down with students who are confident, thoughtful, and willing to step up behind the mic. They asked great questions, led a sharp conversation, and represented themselves incredibly well. As soons as their version is available, I'll share it. Until then, here is my version! LOL.

Transforming Educational Facilities with PurchasePros

In this episode, Sam Adkins and Mark Ryles join Brandy Breeze to discuss the role of PurchasePros in supporting educational districts with their facility needs. The conversation covers the importance of effective procurement processes, the impact of facilities on student learning, and the significance of long-range planning. Our guests emphasize the need for collaboration with local vendors and the benefits of a transparent procurement model. They also explore future trends in educational facilities, including the integration of technology and the potential impact of AI. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PurchasePros and Its Impact 03:04 The Role of Facilities in Education 05:58 Understanding Long-Range Facility Planning 08:57 Financial Mechanisms and Compliance in Facilities 12:07 The Importance of the Kentucky Education Reform Act 15:05 The Vision Behind PurchasePros 17:53 Best Value Proposition in Procurement 20:52 Streamlined Procurement Process for Districts 24:01 The Importance of Local Vendors 27:03 Partnerships and Collaboration in Facilities 29:46 Future of Facilities and Technology in Education Resources discussed in this episode:  https://purchasepros.net/ [https://purchasepros.net/] https://www.ovec.org/facilitiesservices [https://www.ovec.org/facilitiesservices] Keywords: PurchasePros, education, facilities management, procurement, Kentucky Education Reform Act, long-range planning, best value, local vendors, school construction, educational facilities