Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.
Episodes
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Graeme will talk to us about his experience facilitating and participating in school accreditation and inspection visits for the Council of International Schools, New England Associates of Schools and Colleges, and British Schools Overseas. We discuss the structures, rationale and how schools engage with the process, and the dynamics that take place between accreditation and inspection of organisations and schools.
About Graeme Chisholm
Graeme Chisholm is a Co-Director at Riverside International School, Prague, Czech Republic (www.riversideschool.cz).
Before taking on the role of Co-Driector, he was the Primary Principal for 12 years and an Early Years and Primary teacher for 7 years.
Graeme has benefitted from his experience participating in NEASC / CIS accreditation visiting teams, and preparatory visiting teams for over 13 years.
Resources
Council of International School - Framework and Protocol
https://www.cois.org/for-schools/international-accreditation/framework-and-protocol
New England Associates of Schools and Colleges - Commission on International Education
https://www.neasc.org/international
NEASC ACE Pathway
International Taskforce on Child Protection
https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/international-taskforce-on-child-protection
International Taskforce Safeguarding Standards
British Schools Overseas Standards
British overseas schools reports
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
We take an opportunity to connect with a Swiss Roundtable of international school technology leaders sharing their perspectives, learnings and experiences working in Swiss international schools—both boarding and non boarding—and what it is like living in Switzerland as an international educator.
About Wolfgang Soeldner
Wolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 20 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has served in various leadership roles in international schools, including ICT Campus Partner, Head of Global Education, Secondary Technology & Learning Coordinator, Head of Learning Resources & Technology Coach, and Whole Campus Technology Coordinator. Wolfgang has developed and executed distance learning programs, implemented one-to-one iPad programs, and led the integration of educational technology across various schools. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and is certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator + Trainer, and Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2. Wolfgang is proud to be serving as a Board Member of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsoeldner/
About Gus Alcalá
Gus Alcala is the IT Manager and Educational Technology Lead at International School Rheintal.
Gus possesses a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a Master's in Communication and Technology and a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering. He has over 10+ years combined experience in network administration, information security and data protection in international schools.
Gus is also a certified teacher deeply involved in design and computer science.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-alcalá/
About Darren Wise
Darren Wise is Director of IT at Aiglon College. Aiglon College is described as one of the world's most distinctive boarding schools and a leader in character education. Darren leads a team of teachers and technicians focussed on providing reliable technology in the classroom and across the wider college, and occasionally we innovate.
Prior to working in Switzerland, Darren also spent 12 years working in a similar role at Harrow International School, Bangkok.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-wise-698b0b141/
About Tim Venchus
Tim Venchus is the Technology Development Director for The American School in Switzerland, an international PK-12 institution located in Ticino, Switzerland. His primary roles are to support the TASIS community in their use of technology and strategize with colleagues to make the most of technology tools, present and future.
Tim holds a B.S. in Mathematics and a Masters in Teaching for 6-12 Mathematics. Prior to working at TASIS, he worked as a District Technology Specialist for a K-8 school district in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tvenchus
About Chris Vincent
Chris Vincent is the Director of Technology at The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL). This involves leading committed and inspiring digital learning coaches, an IT team and Librarians as well as being part of the school’s senior leadership team.
Chris has enjoyed a career in education that has spanned some 35+ years. Chris began his teaching career in state schools in some of Tasmania, Australia’s most remote and beautiful areas before embarking on an international career in education and leadership that has spanned some 30+ years and four different countries and schools.
Prior to joining ISZL in 2011, Chris and his wife, lived and worked in Singapore, The Netherlands and Vietnam. Their eldest son was amongst the final graduating class of Chris' principalship at UNIS Hanoi and their other two sons are graduates from ISZL. All three have completed tertiary studies in Australia despite having been born and raised outside of Australia.
On a personal level, Chris loves a pot of tea, being active outdoors, escaping through a good book and time spent with his family and close friends.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-vincent-1222b540/
Resources
Websites
TRC Tech Director Forum: https://talk.techdirector.org/
Technology Readiness Council: https://technologyreadiness.org/
TRC Membership Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVrFaTrwWVT-XjD3mPGMOg9mFXDNL8g2/view
IAPP: https://iapp.org
https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/page/995423-certifications?navlink=true
Diffit -- relevel or translate texts, generate comprehension questions, and then export to Google Slides or PDF activities. Super cool!
High School Campus Library: AI: https://iszl.libguides.com/c.php?g=694832&p=5159582
Articles
Reimagining Education in the Digital Age: https://www.aiglon.ch/community/news/news/~board/public-news/post/how-aiglon-is-reimagining-education-in-the-digital-age
Books
The AI Classroom | The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education: https://teachergoals.com/books/educational-technology/the-ai-classroom/?v=a25496ebf095
Dilla Time: https://dillati.me/
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/61714633
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
We interviewed four members of the International Schools Coaching Collaborative to gain insights into their roles, coaching practices, and how they support educators and schools in implementing innovative pedagogical approaches. We also explore the challenges and opportunities they encounter and discuss how schools can effectively utilize their expertise.
About Dave Curran
Dave is a leader of innovative learning and instructional coach who is currently serving as the MS/HS Learning Innovation Coach at the American International School of Budapest. He is passionate about helping students find meaning and purpose in their learning and their lives beyond the school campus; and investigating what school could be in the age of uncertainty.
Twitter / X: @djmcurran
About Amy Garrett
Amy is a forward-thinking, experienced and diversely skilled international educator leader currently serving as a Design and Technology Coach at the International School of Prague. She is passionate about empowering students through media making and design. As a skilled and experienced coach and facilitator of professional learning, Amy is dedicated to building capacity in all learners.
Twitter/X: @agarrett1212
Linked In: Amy Garrett
About Jordan Benedict
Jordan has been a Learning Coach in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe for more than a decade, specializing in data coaching and instructional coaching. As a thought leader on measuring the impact of coaching, Jordan is passionate about inclusive practices that make a difference in the lives of school communities.
Jordan currently serves as a Digital Learning Coach at the International School of Luxembourg.
Twitter / X: @JordanGBenedict
Personal Website: VisualizeYourLearning.com
About Reyna Lazarou
Reyna is a K-12 Learning Coach currently at the American School of Warsaw where she supports students, teachers and leadership teams in doing work that matters. She believes that inclusion and collaboration are foundational to powerful learning, and looks for opportunities to bring these into her daily work with others. She remains inspired by the world and people in it, and she hopes to see positive shifts in education over the coming years.
Twitter / X: @MsReyna2
Resources
Online Resources:
Bright Morning Coaching Resources
ASCD Protocols for Professional Learning
The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program with Eduro Learning
Learning Forward: Standards for Professional Learning
Books:
Teacher Self-Supervision by by William Powell
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
The Art of Coaching Teams by Elena Aguillar
Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching: what every k-12 Coach and School Leader Needs to know by: Diane Sweeney (ch 3 is fantastic!)
Coaching Matters by Joellen Killion, Cindy Harrison, Chris Bryan, and Heather Clifton
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
An opportunity to learn and hear from 4 Technology leaders in Saudi Arabia International Schools. We take the opportunity to explore workflows, living in Saudi Arabia, the accelerated changes taking place in the country and how this is impacting International Schools.
About Paul Collins
Paul Collins has over 20 years experience in Senior IT Management including 10 years with international schools and higher education. He has been Director of IT at:
- International School Yangon in Myanmar
- Australian International School in Hong Kong
- University of Wollongong in Dubai
- British International School Riyadh
Paul holds qualifications with
- Bachelor degree in Information Technology from Griffith University in Australia,
- Graduate diploma in Project Management from Queensland University of Technology in Australia,
- Masters of Education from the University of Wollongong in Dubai (Completing 2024)
Paul has worked extensively in a number of countries after leaving Australia 20 years ago including Hong Kong, Myanmar, Laos, Niue, USA, Fiji, UAE, and now KSA.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-collins-46a4191/
About Khalid Abdeltam
Early Years: Born in Sudan, Khalid migrated to the US at age 10, offering a unique perspective on cultural adaptation.
Education: He earned a Bachelor's in Biochemistry from Iowa State University, delving into the intricacies of life at a molecular level.
Teaching: Khalid dedicated over 10 years to teaching Math and Science, creating classrooms that nurtured a passion for learning.
Tech Transition: In 2021, he made a bold shift into the tech world, showcasing adaptability and a thirst for new challenges.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-abdeltam-96b7b232/
About Zeeshan Nabi
With a diverse background that includes teaching, IT management, and educational leadership, Zeeshan assumed the role of Director of IT at Misk Schools in 2021.
Born in the UK, Zeeshan earned his bachelor's degree in Information Technology Management from the University of Bradford in 2005 and later completed a PGCE from Edge Hill University, embarking on a teaching career in 2011. Committed to lifelong learning, he obtained a master's degree in education in 2019.
Zeeshan's experience includes roles as a classroom teacher, innovation coach, grade leader, and department head, allowing him to integrate digital tools and best practices effectively. He holds certifications as a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Google Certified Educator, and Apple Teacher certified.
Recently, Zeeshan played an important role in overseeing the IT infrastructure for the transition to Misk Schools' remarkable 21-hectare, purpose-built campus situated in the Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City – a new district in Riyadh dedicated to innovation, education, culture, and media. Before joining Misk Schools, Zeeshan served as Director of IT and Chief Innovation & Digital Officer at GEMS International School in Dubai, UAE, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the school into a Center of Excellence in Aviation, Aeronautics, and Space.
Zeeshan's passion lies in leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences and facilitate innovation in education. He is thrilled to contribute to Misk School's vision of becoming a world leader in education.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeeshan-nabi/
About Donovan Hall
Donovan is currently serving as the Educational Technology Director at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia. A position that he has been in for 4.5 years. With a career in education that spans over 23 years, including 18 years in international settings, Donovan's experience encompasses a diverse range of educational contexts, which include, UK, Angola, Sudan, and now Saudi Arabia. This international exposure has provided him with a broad perspective on educational systems and practices around the world.
Born and educated in New Zealand, Donovan holds a:
- Bachelor of Education from Otago University, NZ (2001)
- Master of Educational Leadership from Massey University, NZ (2022)
- Certificate in International School Leadership from PTC (2018)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-hallnz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/donovanhallnz
Resources:
Blended Learning and Digital Education YouTube Channel - Great resource for technology-led learning design
https://www.youtube.com/@BLADE-Hub
Run Your Life Podcast hosted by Andy Vasily
https://www.runyourlifepodcast.com/
https://twitter.com/andyvasily
Hard Fork with Kevin Roose and Casey Newton (The New York Times)
https://open.spotify.com/show/44fllCS2FTFr2x2kjP9xeT
Your Undivided Attention Podcast, with Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin (Center for Humane Technology)
https://www.humanetech.com/
Technology Readiness Council (TRC, formally the International Tech Director Group)
https://technologyreadiness.org/
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Saturday Jan 20, 2024
Saturday Jan 20, 2024
Join us for a unique conversation with Bridget and Trae, international school leaders currently navigating the complexities of leading their respective school in a region embroiled in geopolitical conflict. They share insights on leading and maintaining a school in these challenging circumstances. Listen as they recount their experiences, the challenges they face, and the valuable lessons they are learning in supporting their community of staff, parents, and students during these extraordinary times. Discover what these experiences mean to them in their ongoing professional journey as international school leaders.
About Bridget Davie
Bridget Davies is Superintendent of Khartoum American School, Sudan where she has worked since 2019. She previously served as Deputy Director of International School of Kigali.
Following the outbreak of war in Sudan in Spring 2023, KAS has relocated to Alexandria, Egypt.
Bridget Davie on Social Media
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bridget-davies-2
Twitter: twitter.com/BridgetDavies3
About Trae Holland
Trae Holland comes to Pechersk School International having served the last 4 years as Executive Director and Head of School at Safe Passage. With over 30 years as a teacher and leader in international education, he has also founded an international sustainability firm and led strategic planning, financial management and organisational reform initiatives for non-profits and municipalities in the US and Latin America and has taught and worked on four continents.
Trae Holland on Social Media
While I am not currently active on social media, I would be delighted to connect with you via email. Please feel free to contact me at: traeh@psi.kyiv.ua
Resources
https://www.krtams.org/
Donation for KAS workers
https://donorbox.org/embed/khartoum-american-school-kas-fundraising
https://enrol.psi.kyiv.ua
https://linkin.bio/psikyiv
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial