Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld Represents University of Minnesota as SITE Emerging Leader at National Technology Leadership Summit  

Dr. Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld, Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities, recently represented the University at the National Technology Leadership Summit (NTLS), an invitation-only gathering that brings together education leaders, researchers, and policymakers to shape the future of teaching and learning with technology.

Hosted by a consortium of national organizations, nonprofits, and industry partners, NTLS convenes a select group of thought leaders each year to examine the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence was at the forefront of this year’s discussions, with participants exploring how tools such as generative AI, data-driven platforms, and immersive simulations could both transform and disrupt educational practices.

Dr. Heinsfeld was invited to participate as part of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) Emerging Leaders Program, a recognition of her contributions to critical perspectives on education and technology.

“This event provided a rare and important space to discuss not only the promises of emerging technologies, but also the questions of ethics, equity, and human connection that must guide their adoption,” said Dr. Heinsfeld. “It is essential that we approach AI and other emerging tools with critical lenses, avoiding a gold rush mentality and recognizing the multiple stakeholders and interests involved. Educational priorities must remain at the center of these conversations, rather than simply market or efficiency-driven agendas.”

The summit’s outcomes will inform collaborative publications, research agendas, and policy recommendations in the coming year. For the University of Minnesota, Dr. Heinsfeld’s participation signals the institution’s ongoing commitment to engaging in national conversations about technology, pedagogy, and the future of education.

“Being at NTLS means bringing the voices of our institution and our students into these discussions, ensuring that technologies serve education first, and not the other way around,” Dr. Heinsfeld added.