Mike Daugherty, Director of Technology and Information Systems, Chagrin Falls Schools, presented at the national ISTE Conference and Expo, held from June 25-28. The International Society for Technology in Education, or ISTE Conference and Expo, is a nonprofit membership association for educators focused on educational technology. This year it took place in San Antonio, Texas. Approximately 21,000 educators from 70 different countries attended this year’s conference.
Daugherty presented on how the Chagrin Falls Schools became the first district in the country to have a 100 percent Google Certified staff. His first presentation detailed the process that the schools went through to become certified. They began by using netbooks and iPads and progressed to using Google Drive and Chromebooks. Teachers were trained along with administrators to ensure they had the skills to survive in the technologically changing world and were able to teach what Daugherty described as “techspectations.” These “techspectations” examined what skills educators wanted students to have upon leaving school. Included in this skillset were communication, critical thinking, adaptation, research, presentation and collaboration.
His second presentation analyzed the impact of the G Suite and Chromebooks across the district.
Chagrin Schools have a total of 2,050 students and 138 teachers who now have full adaptation of Google classrooms. Students have used the technology to create movie trailers, collaborate with other students and teachers on projects, communicate globally, analyze data and create portfolio sites. Daugherty discussed how to maintain this technology, it must be sustainable and repaired when necessary. Activity on devices is monitored to ensure student safety. Teachers must ensure that the technology is integrated into the curriculum in a way that benefits the students. Finally, educators must measure the effectiveness of the technology.
Daugherty said, “Innovation is infiltrating every aspect of our district. It is changing people, process, and perspective.”
