MACE: A History of Promoting Technology in Kansas Education

by Wilbur Dorsey, Bob Gast, Linda Grindol, Linda Hyler, Jim Wenger
edited by Google Gemini, September 2025

Since the 1960s, a dedicated group of Kansas educators has worked to champion the use of technology in the classroom. This group, now known as MACE, has been instrumental in helping administrators and teachers alike understand how to best use computers and other tech to improve learning for students.

Early Days of Tech in Kansas Schools

The story of MACE begins in 1965, when the Wichita School District acquired its first computer, primarily for administrative and accounting purposes. Recognizing the need for expertise, they reached out to other Kansas school districts and universities that also had computer equipment, including Topeka, Kansas City, Shawnee Mission, Olathe, and Lawrence.

These early adopters of educational technology formed a group that would eventually become the Kansas chapter of the Association of Educational Data Systems (AEDS). Though its name would change a few times—first to the Ok-Kan Chapter when Oklahoma joined, then back to the Kansas chapter—the core group remained committed to sharing knowledge and resources.

A Timeline of MACE

The organization's history is marked by key events that shaped its mission and purpose, from its early conferences to its evolution into a leading voice for educational technology in Kansas.

The 1980s: From Humble Beginnings to a Growing Movement

• 1980: At the request of the Council of Superintendents, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) began to organize a statewide conference to address the growing need for information about computers in education.

• March 1981: The first KSDE computer conference was held with 256 registered participants. It focused primarily on administrative uses of technology.

• October 1981: Following the KSDE conferences, the Mid-America AEDS chapter sponsored its first conference, focusing on hands-on experiences for teachers and administrators.

• 1984: The organization began holding two conferences per year—one in the spring and one in the fall—to meet the growing demand.

• October 1986: The organization officially changed its name from AEDS to MACE, the Mid-America Computer in Education conference.

• 1989: The first annual Technology Fair was held at the Kansas State Capitol. Students demonstrated how they were using technology in their classrooms to state officials, including the governor.

The 1990s & 2000s: Expanding and Evolving

• 2000-2003: In response to the growing need for professional development outside the school year, MACE launched the Mid-America Technology Institute (MTI), a summer conference held in Lawrence and then Overland Park.

• 2004: The spring conference, March MACE, moved to the KSU Alumni Center in Manhattan to accommodate growing attendance.

• 2006: MTI was held in Winfield, with a focus on Moodle, an open-source learning platform.

• 2007-2008: The MTI conference was held in Bonner Springs.

• 2008: Due to the restoration of the Capitol building, the annual Technology Fair was held for the last time.

The Present: Supporting Educators and Students

MACE continues to offer professional development opportunities for Kansas educators, providing a space for collaboration, learning, and networking. The organization's commitment to promoting technology in education is as strong as ever, and it remains an invaluable resource for administrators, teachers, and students across the state.

MACE: A Community of Learners

From the very beginning, MACE has been more than just a conference; it has been a community. The organization was built on a foundation of collaboration between educators and vendors, who were seen as vital partners in the effort to bring technology into schools.

Early conferences were known for their welcoming and social atmosphere. Participants could enjoy food, snacks, and networking with their peers. This sense of community extended to the planning process as well, with board members and volunteers working tirelessly to organize events.

The Role of Vendors and Presenters

Vendors, such as IBM, Apple, and Radio Shack, were crucial in the early days, loaning computers for hands-on sessions at no cost. These sessions were often the first time participants had ever used a computer, with the first instruction being "how to turn the machine on."

The quality of the conferences has always depended on the expertise of Kansas educators who volunteer as presenters. Their practical, classroom-focused sessions have been the bedrock of the organization's success. MACE also provided low-cost software to schools, including popular titles like Oregon Trail, as the Kansas service provider for MECC (Minnesota Educational Computing Corporation).

Key Players and a Lasting Legacy

The success of MACE would not have been possible without the dedication of numerous individuals. Early leaders like Jack Hobbs, Jim Wenger, and Bob Gast laid the groundwork for the organization's mission and its first conferences. Over the years, countless board members have continued this legacy, working tirelessly to serve the needs of educators across the state.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of MACE is the community of loyal attendees who return year after year. The organization has fostered a unique environment for networking and collaboration, with many participants having been involved since the very beginning.