EduCon 2026

Imagine a cutting-edge lab where ideas don’t just emerge—they ignite, transform, and soar into entirely new realms of possibility. Now, fuse that energy with the concept of a traditional library—both physical and digital—and you’ve got the essence of a modern innovation lab. This hybrid "lab-library" melds quiet reading nooks with buzzing virtual tools, opening a vibrant space where students, teachers, and administrators converge to experiment, invent, and reimagine learning. What makes this transformation truly urgent now is the breathtaking arrival of AI across K–12 classrooms—from elementary through high school. As AI tools become integrated into daily education—helping with lesson planning, personalized feedback, and workload saving for teachers —the innovation lab becomes not just relevant, but essential.
Here, the library’s shelves of books, multimedia collections, and cutting-edge tech become raw ingredients—fuel for real-world math investigations, science experiments, literary quests, and AI-powered explorations that spark deeper learning. Educators test fresh teaching strategies; students craft their own learning journeys, perhaps designing AI-driven projects; and administrators pilot bold, micro-scaled innovations before rolling them out school-wide. Think of this as the ultimate maker-space on steroids—a sprawling physical and virtual crucible where curiosity meets creation, all under the dynamic influence of AI’s rising presence in schools. This innovation lab makes the entire school a living, breathing laboratory of learning—so compelling, it becomes a beacon within the community. Here are a few possible characteristics; however, every school might approach the innovation lab quite differently to satisfy local needs and take advantage of community resources: The innovation lab becomes the center of experimentation and creativity Includes physical and virtual spaces for experimentation by learners, teachers, administrators, and the larger community It might be the Professional Development Center, showcasing projects, performances by individuals and groups, a try-before-you-buy center for testing technologies, AI, and new teaching ideas, as well as a hub for student internships. All specialists in the school serve on the advisory committee. Governed by a website that announces projects, PD, performances, showcases, etc. The website features data visualizations of projects and initiatives happening and updated in real time as a way to gauge impact along the way. All tours of the building begin in the Innovation Lab Parents' nights start in the Innovation Lab Help centers for technologies serve faculty and students… genius bars staffed by students. Student internships in the Innovation lab offer leadership opportunities for students to design and implement initiatives of their own. An OPAC that is a conversation rather than a one-way street of connections.