This unique "Ask Us Anything" episode offers a blend of professional insights and personal revelations as technology leaders from independent schools answer questions about everything from AI literacy and data analysis to favorite mammals and dream barbershop quartets. Listen in for valuable advice on navigating challenges like burnout and technology integration, alongside lighthearted moments that reveal the personalities behind the podcast.

Resources

• South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU)
• CES - Consumer Electronics Show
• ATLIS (Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools)
• TLIS Certification (ATLIS)
• Educational Collaborators
• NJS - New Jersey Schools Cooperative Technology Group (assumed similar group)
• Flint AI (AI for students in a walled garden)
• Napkin.ai – Turn text into visuals
• EdWeek: Four Developmental Stages of Teaching AI
• SAMR Model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition)
• TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge)
• OneRoster (IMS Global Standard)
• The Last of Us (HBO Series)
• Suits (TV Show)
• ER (TV Show)
• CHiPs (TV Show)
• Emergency! (TV Show)
• Magnum, P.I.
• Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
• Six the Musical
• Hamilton the Musical
• Harmony, Incorporated
• Legacy Quartet on YouTube (suggested based on mention)
• Origin of the term "computer crash" (related to early hard drive platters)
• Office Space Printer Scene (YouTube) [NSFW]
• Honey Badger Video (YouTube) [NSFW]

Transitioning into a new technology leadership role at an independent school presents unique challenges and opportunities. Two technology leaders share their insights on navigating these transitions, from establishing a vision and fostering team dynamics to managing change and building trust within the school community. This episode provides valuable guidance for current and aspiring technology leaders in independent schools.

Resources

• Ravenscroft School
• Marlborough School
• FolioCollaborative, flexible, paperless, cloud-based experience for managing and guiding professional growth and learning, and encouraging collaboration among faculty and staff
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification, differentiating independent school technology leaders by identifying those with the appropriate skills and experience, as well as commitment to ongoing professional development, to manage with excellence their complex and ever-changing role
• Community-building resources from ATLIS
• Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?, article from Harvard Business Review

In this episode, we explore the thoughtful integration of technology in education, with a focus on supporting students with learning differences. We discuss strategies for evaluating and implementing ed tech tools to create accessible and effective learning environments. Dr. Joan McGettigan shares insights on balancing innovation with proven pedagogical practices, and the importance of collaboration between IT and Ed Tech departments.

Resources

• World Economic Forum job outlook
• Lower Student AI Literacy Predicts Higher Propensity to Use AI on Assignments (AIforEducation. IO)
• “How AI Vaporizes Long Term Learning” - Edutopia
• “AI Tutors: Hope or Hype for Education? Education Next
• THE 2025 Predictions: AI’s Impact on Education - The Journal

In this engaging discussion, Barry Kallmeyer, a seasoned technology director, shares his insights on the evolution of the CIO role in independent schools. He delves into the importance of strategic planning, the value of data-driven decision-making, and the critical aspects of leadership, such as succession planning and fostering a collaborative community.

Resources

• Hathaway Brown School
• Zork (playable), text-based adventure game 
• Cleveland Browns, struggling American football team
• Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX champions known for especially obnoxious fans
• Owl & Hybrid Learning, website built during COVID & shared with the community; highlighted by OWL directly
• Productivity Tools for 2025: Project Management with Asana and Slack, ATLIS webinar
• Scribe, tool to capture how-to content
• IT Glue, IT documentation software
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification, credential demonstrating that a person has the skills and experience to effectively perform the role
• TLIS Prep Program
• TLIS Study Guide
• ATLIS 360 Self-Study Guide, Companion Manual, and Rubric, tools providing a plan to evaluate how your school utilizes technology and the effects it has on the school
• Max Action Arena, VR zombie game at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV
• Center for Institutional Research of Independent Schools (CIRIS), provides resources and support for institutional research practitioners
• Mission & Data, integrated consulting, custom data products, and executive coaching services

In this episode, we explore the evolution of modern learning and the shift towards prioritizing innovation in education. We discuss strategies for integrating AI as a thought partner and examine the importance of developing critical inquiry skills from early childhood to prepare students for an uncertain future.

Resources

• Jared Colley on LinkedIn
• Mount Vernon Ventures, the Research, Development & Consulting division of The Mount Vernon School
• Imagine Then, Act Now: Futures Literacy for Learning Organizations, MV Ventures’ Spring 2024 Transformation R&D Report for education professionals and leaders
• A People-Centered Organization Living in an AI World, MV Ventures’ Summer 2023 Transformation R&D Report for education professionals and leaders
• “How might we build skills for life through eSports?”, article
• How Does Competitive eSports Shape Personal Growth and Real-World Skills?, podcast episode
• What are the trends, issues, and opportunities for implementing Al in schools?, podcast episode
• And What Do You Mean By Machine Learning?, article
• How Can Future’s Literacy Transform Organizational Success?, podcast episode
• Little Learners with Big Ideas: A Field Guide for Design Thinking
• AI, What's Your Position, Not Your Policy: A Scenarios-Based Approach to Strategic Foresight in the Age of Structural Uncertainty, article by Jared Colley on RootedEdu.com
• Creating Assessments with Complexity in the Age of AI, a guide to developing assessment complexity
• Using Future Studies To Cope with Top Challenges: School leaders need to envision multiple possible outcomes when facing risks and opportunities., article by Jared Colley, from NetAssests on NBOA.org
• Artificial Intelligence + Academic Integrity, a resource for teachers using a scenarios-based approach
• The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators, by Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, Clayton M. Christensen
• The Innovator’s DNA: Five Skills to Develop Your Creativity, article adapted from the book, from BYU Marriott School of Business
• Designing Regenerative Cultures, by Daniel Christian Wahl
• Minds, Brains, and Programs, paper by philosopher John Searle
• Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

In this episode of the ATLIS podcast, we dive into the challenges and opportunities facing technology leaders in independent schools, with insights from a leader in educational technology recruitment. We explore the importance of advocating for the value of technology departments, strategies for career advancement, and the evolving expectations of technology leaders. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating leadership roles and fostering a deeper understanding of technology's critical role in schools.

Resources

• 12M & Ed Tech Recruiting, management consulting and strategic hiring for schools
• ATLIS Compensation Benchmark Report 2025
• ATLIS Interactive Compensation Benchmark Dashboard

In this episode, technology leaders from independent schools discuss the complexities of their evolving roles. They share insights on managing AI integration, ensuring data privacy, and developing comprehensive business continuity plans. The conversation also explores strategies for fostering strong technology departments and the importance of community and collaboration in navigating the challenges of technology leadership.

Resources

• Knowledge-ABLE: Igniting a New Generation of Lifelong Learners, book providing a framework for effective learning that extends beyond traditional education
• UpLearn, LLC, educational consulting company
• The Pingry School
• New Jersey Association of Independent Schools
• Link to episode “Christina and the Dudes”
• Skill Struck, online learning platform including “Chat for Schools”
• Resources, from National Business Officers Association (NBOA)
• Resources, from ATLIS
• ATLIS Leadership Institute
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification
• Nick Burns, IT Guy, SNL sketch with Jimmy Fallon
• ATLIS Annual Conference 2025

Join us as we debunk the myth of 'digital natives' and explore the crucial tech skills students need to succeed. Discover why explicit instruction in digital literacy is essential, even for those who seem comfortable with technology. We'll discuss the importance of integrating technology into pedagogy and how educators can empower students to navigate the digital world effectively.

• Kent School, coed boarding school in Kent, CT
• TPACK AI Framework
• ATLIS AI Content and Resources
• AI Literacy and the Evolving Role of Educators, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS
• The Importance of Vendor Vetting in Schools: Ensuring Privacy, Security, and Compliance (including “Evaluating AI Technologies”), article by Mark Orchison, founder of 9ine
• ATLIS Leadership Institute
• The Lorax, book by Dr. Suess

Hear from ISTE's CEO Richard Culatta as he shares his unique professional journey and vision for the future of education technology. Learn how the merger of ISTE and ASCD aims to better support teachers and students through innovative practices. Discover Culatta's predictions for 2025, including the importance of prioritizing the student experience in school design.

• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
• ASCD - professional development for educators at all stages of their careers
• Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World by Richard Culatta - framework for preparing kids to be successful in a digital world
• Coalition of Leading Education Organizations Introduces Five Quality Indicators for Edtech and AI Products, ISTE press release
• Pica AI, AI photo enhancer

This episode delves into the intricacies of data management within independent schools (with a focus on OneRoster) and explores solutions to support tech leaders. The speakers emphasize the critical role of data integration in achieving efficiency and improved outcomes. They also highlight the benefits of OneRoster in streamlining data sharing across various systems. Additionally, the conversation underscores the importance of prioritizing data security and privacy to safeguard sensitive student information.

• OneRoster - a standard for securely and reliably exchanging roster information, course materials, and grades between systems, developed and maintained by 1EdTech
• Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) - another standard developed by 1EdTech, used to connect learning tools with an institution's learning environment without logging into each tool
• 1EdTech - nonprofit committed to building an open, trusted, and innovative digital learning ecosystem
• Blackbaud
• K-12 Schools Software
• Calvert Hall College High School Realizes Efficiencies with OneRoster and LTI Integrations - Customer Story
• Veracross
• Veracross 360 - school management platform
• API Plus for Academics - enables integration between the Veracross platform and a broad range of educational software providers using the industry data standard known as "OneRoster"
• Taping a cat to a wall