We recently exhibited at the annual GaETC (Georgia Educational Technology Conference) here in Atlanta Nov. 3-5.  At this conference, educators and IT professionals alike participate in learning how to adapt technology to benefit their school systems.   

From attendees’ reports, it was a whirlwind 2 ½ days of sessions, keynote speeches, and technology exhibits.  From our vantage point on the exhibit hall floor, we learned much from the participants that visited our exhibit.  For example, we asked 2 main questions of visitors: 

1.       What are your top 3 technology challenges?

Although there were diverse answers to this question, the two most commonly cited challenges were: 

• Budget limitations
• Professional development/technology training 

Does this surprise anyone?  These concerns are very familiar to us in working with all types of clients, extending beyond the world of education to include small businesses, healthcare practices, financial services, manufacturers, etc.  No one is immune to lack of budget and training opportunities these days.  Part of our consulting process with clients involves a good deal of working within the existing IT budget to find ways to do more with the technology resources at hand.  And then we ensure ROI by partnering with the IT staff to provide training and encourage end user adoption of new technology.

2.       What is the coolest new technology you’ve implemented at your school this year?   

Again, a variety of answers on this one, but interactive whiteboards and other interactive learning devices seemed to top the list.  With limited budget and resources, along with increased class sizes, educators are increasingly looking to technology as a means to engage students and enhance differentiated learning.   As IT professionals serving schools, we must look for solutions that achieve these goals. 

In walking the exhibit hall, we found some technology offerings that could help offset the challenges our educators and IT admins are facing, including: 

Promethean boards and devices:  Almost universal in most school systems and independent schools now, these devices still have a “wow” factor to those of us who remember overhead projectors.  These devices provide educators with enchanced content and opportunities for student interaction.

Blackboard:  Learning solutions that allow for personalized instruction, online/distance learning, and professional development.

Xirrus:  High-density wireless access points.  Install one device to connect an entire floor of your school building to wireless Internet access (rather than multiple weaker access points).  Reliable wireless access ensures that online and network content is available when needed in the classroom.

In our next blog posting, we will share what else we learned at GaETC about educational technology and our true place in the tech universe. 

Until then, show your appreciation to a teacher in your life by saying “thank you!”

Always learning,
ASC Group