Learning together at Techfest 2024

Members of Greenwood’s IT team represented the school earlier this year at CIS Ontario’s TechFest.

 

The event is a professional learning and networking “unconference” that gathers innovation, information, and technology staff professionals from CIS Ontario member schools to collaborate, share, and learn. The day focuses on technology leadership, emerging tools, and strategic use of technology in education.

Jonathan Tepper, Greenwood’s Executive Director, Information & Learning Technology, facilitated two sessions at the event: "Understanding our leadership role" and "The Tools".

In the first session, Mr. Tepper provided thought leadership with stakeholders on navigating technology, evolving IT team dynamics in an AI-driven landscape and aligning IT roles with school strategic plans. In the second session, Mr. Tepper led a discussion about IT asset and endpoint tracking, cybersecurity concerns and strategies in school, and identification of tools for optimal IT management.

“This ‘unconference’ was a great opportunity to collaborate with leadership colleagues from more than 16 CIS Ontario schools,” he said. “The focus on having dialogue and navigating ambiguity allowed for great insights into AI in education and ITs role in recruitment, supporting our staff and students, hard vs. soft skills.”

Vick Lall, Lucas Tompkins and Brandon Holmes also attended and participated in sessions on a variety of topics, including cybersecurity, emerging technologies and services, and how to coach colleagues to explore and adopt new technologies.

 

For Mr. Tompkins, the session “ "From Integrator to Coach: Changing the Conversation" was impactful.

“We worked to define ‘consultant, mentor and coach’ and explore what is needed to take on the coaching role,” Mr. Tompkins said. “We also discussed how to identify and work with teachers who are "in different places" on their tech journey.”

For Mr. Holmes, the conference helped hit home the importance of data responsibility. “It cannot be understated; establishing a culture of good data practices is one of the most important ways to keep important information secure.”

The event also strengthened confidence in Greenwood’s approach to technology and innovation.

“It was a great way to see where Greenwood is leading the way with innovation and hear of new technologies to explore,” said Mr. Tepper. “It also affirmed our IT team’s goal of helping our students have the best possible online experience and feel safe, and supporting them to thrive.”