The Progressive Integration of Technology in Education

Eva Harvell, Director of Information System, Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Harvell initiated change and innovation, becoming the district's first District Technology Integration Specialist in 2009. As a Director of Technology at the Pascagoula-Gautier School District since 2015, she ensures the district's educational technology vision is realized. Prior to her tech journey, she excelled as an elementary classroom educator from 2002-2009.

Not just a committed learner, holding an Educational Specialist in Administration, a Master of Education in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Harvell is also a published author, contributing valuable insights to education technology articles and publications.

Recognized for her contributions, Harvell has received prestigious awards, including the Mississippi Educational Computing Association's Administrator of the Year in 2021. Actively involved in professional organizations and committees, she served on the Mississippi Department of Education Technology Advisory Committee from 2018 to 2022.

In an interview with Education Technology Insights magazine, Eva Harvell shares her insights on the transformative journey of educational technology.

Based on your extensive experience, could you provide insights into how this education industry has transformed in recent years, particularly contrasting the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras?

As Director of Technology for the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, I have been engaged in K–12 education since 2002. My journey has included roles as a classroom teacher and a technology integration specialist—essentially a technology trainer. Over the past two decades of K–12 education, I’ve observed the pendulum of technology swing in various directions.

One notable trend, particularly in South Mississippi, is the heightened focus on the ‘whole child’ concept, emphasizing social and emotional well-being. Though present pre-COVID, this shift gained substantial traction when we resumed in-classroom teaching post-COVID. The push for considering the ‘whole child’ in K–12 education has increasingly integrated into educational technology, a development I believe is crucial.

In my role, I’ve concentrated on providing resources for both students and teachers. Beyond simply offering these resources, we emphasize their appropriate utilization and educate our educators on best practices. The focus extends to the social and emotional needs of our students, integrating these considerations into technology use.

“The push goes beyond traditional paper-and-pencil methods, integrating familiar technology into the educational landscape. This shift acknowledges the importance of meeting students where they are and utilizing the tools they engage with daily to instill crucial values and skills related to responsible digital use and emotional well-being.”

Digital citizenship, a concept we’ve championed for several years, has gained even more importance in the post-COVID era. We strive not only to equip our students with technological tools but guide them in using these resources effectively and responsibly, especially when they face challenges.

What are the major challenges that you see in this industry? How do you tackle these pain points?

There is a significant need to monitor students' online activities and foster digital citizenship and social-emotional learning through technology-based curricula. The push goes beyond traditional paper-and-pencil methods, integrating familiar technology into the educational landscape. This shift acknowledges the importance of meeting students where they are and utilizing the tools they engage with daily to instill crucial values and skills related to responsible digital use and emotional well-being. It is a welcomed evolution that aligns education with the realities of our tech-centric world.

One of the crucial aspects I have observed is the delicate balance between educating and protecting our students without overstepping their boundaries. In our district, we have employed programs like LineWize for several years, and they have proven exceptionally valuable. LineWize offers a range of effective tools for monitoring students, ensuring that inappropriate content is filtered out while still allowing access to educational material. Striking this balance has been instrumental in creating a safe digital environment for our students, aligning educational technology with the dual goals of empowerment and protection.

Can you share insights into a recent project at your school district where you have actively implemented trends and strategies, addressing key pain points?

We recently concluded an initiative called Tech Camp for Teachers, which spanned from 2015 to 2022. Initially a two-day, face-to-face training program focusing on technology in the classroom, it evolved into a virtual format to enable educators nationwide to participate. Recognizing the gaps in educational technology training in certain regions, we aimed to fill this need by offering free, comprehensive training. Tech Camp for Teachers became a platform for teachers to engage with various presenters, not only from our local district but also featuring educators and trainers from across Mississippi. The goal was to showcase innovative classroom practices and bridge the training gap in educational technology for teachers nationwide.

How do you envision the future of the education industry, particularly in terms of technology integration, in the next few years?

I see a fast growing educational shift towards AI integration, particularly in individualizing learning experiences. With programs like ChatGPT and other AI tools, there is a growing focus on leveraging technology to enhance social-emotional learning. The goal is to ensure students receive personalized education and develop responsible AI usage, ultimately preparing them to contribute as productive citizens in the future.

What advice would you offer to your colleagues and emerging professionals in the education and technology fields to enhance their success and effectiveness in a school district setting?

My advice to fellow females aspiring to enter the technology space is, “Go for it; do not be afraid.” Gather information, build connections, and do not hesitate. You can do it. The educational technology field is breaking barriers, so be part of it. For everyone, keep learning and growing; there is always valuable information to discover, so never stop seeking knowledge.

 

Educational Technology