seminar
Leading a Whole New Generation of Learning in a School District
Technology has placed a new set of expectations and possibilities within our educational systems and many are struggling to adapt to the rapid rate of change it drives. At the same time, it has generated a new set of instructional forces within our classrooms and a new set of leadership requirements for educational leaders. In this seminar, Don Hall will describe the journey of change and evolution in leading a school district to become known nationally for its excellence in use of technology to improve instruction. The journey has as its ultimate goal to transform the educational culture of schools in the District. The seminar will highlight how the strategic planning for the effective integration of educational technology requires organizations to take a holistic view of variables to positively impact the instructional experience for students.
Don Hall is the Executive Director (CIO) for Information Technology of the Kent School District in the Seattle metropolitan area, which has 27,000+ students and is known nationally for its use of technology to improve instruction. In 2003, the district under his leadership was recognized as a Microsoft National Center of Excellence for achievements in this area. As a career educator with over 15 years experience in teaching and administration at the K-12 and college level, he has previously held senior leadership roles within the General Electric (GE) Corporation and the Kentucky Department of Education. Don is a veteran conference presenter at the national and international level, published author, and experienced consultant. Don currently serves as columnist with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) monthly journal, Learning and Leading with Technology. In addition he serves on several national educational advisory boards including COSN, HP, and Microsoft. In recognition of his contributions to public education, he was awarded the 2006 Educational Technology Leader of the Year by the Technology and Learning journal, and was one of three finalists for the 2006 National Public School CIO of Year Award. Don says, "Growing up as the oldest of three children in a single parent family in an impoverished area of rural eastern Kentucky, I experienced first-hand the inequities that exist in society. However, education provided me the means to improve the quality of life for my family and myself. As a result, I have committed my time and energies to serving students and their families by helping them discover the joys of learning and capitalize on the promise that technology offers for extending learning into exciting new dimensions." Acknowledgement: Mr Don Hall's seminar is sponsored by the Microsoft Partners in Learning Program.