Wilton Public Schools have organized a program to showcase life-changing technology that’s currently being used by teachers and students in the classroom and at home. Called TechNEXT, the program has been created to entertain and educate the community about how advanced the technology that’s been introduced has become. TechNEXT takes place tonight, Monday, May 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Wilton High School Little Theater.
Previously known as TechEXPO, this year’s event has been rebooted with a new format to deliver on-stage, TED-style live presentations. Wilton students, teachers and parents will participate with videos, skits, music and demonstrations.
“This is a celebration and a demonstration of forward-looking uses of technology in the community,” explained Mathew Hepfer, director of technology for Wilton Public Schools. Hepfer has spearheaded the event with the leadership of Richard ‘Mr. Skip’ Ploss, from Miller-Driscoll School.
“Over the last few years, there has been a quantum shift in how the schools have embraced technology,” Ploss said. “As educators, we realize that technology self-enables children and allows them to self-direct their own learning.” He adds that TechNEXT is a venue to share these best practices and expand the conversation with the community. Last year, more than 200 parents attended.
TechNEXT is the result of a high level of effort and collaboration across many groups in Wilton, including teachers, PTA volunteers, technicians and parents.
The Wilton Technology Advisory Committee is made up of educators (administrative team members and technology instructional leaders) as well as Board of Education representatives, parents, and community members. The committee has existed, in some form, since the late 1990’s. It meets to discuss complex technical issues and trends related to instructional technology, and offers recommendations and feedback for both budget planning and strategic planning related to technology.