Jeff Chicki currently serves as the Director of Educational Technology for Argos Community Schools where he recently transitioned to from Purdue University. At Purdue, Jeff collaborated with a team of instructional designers to create student-centered, active-learning environments utilizing innovative technology for college classrooms. He previously taught 6th grade science where he was part of a 1:1 initiative via iPads. His success during the implementation made Jeff a go-to person regarding technology integration. Jeff then moved into a technology integration coach position before eventually making the transition into Higher Education. Jeff also serves on the ICE (Indiana Connected Educators) board, and has a huge interest in helping Instructors advance their comfort level in regards to integrating technology and pedagogy into their classrooms. Most of all, Jeff wants to assist educators in expanding their digital toolbox for the purpose of enhancing the educational experience for both students and themselves. Jeff has previously presented at multiple summer of eLearning conferences, ICE, as well as, the nationally recognized FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference). Jeff looks forward to connecting, collaborating, teaching, and learning with educators from all around the world.
Philosophy
Absolutely nothing compares to sound pedagogy. Technology integration is an important key to engaging our students in education. I predict that technology literacy will be just as important as math and language arts literacy for our current generation of students. We have a generation of students that are begging for a more engaging and autonomous learning experience. We are now faced with the responsibility and privilege of teaching students how to use technology to make society a better place, while finding balance in social interaction, real life experiences, and the overwhelming virtual world. Educators are faced with a challenge. Knowledge of the future is not understanding vast amounts of information. Today's students must understand "how" and "why", and use that knowledge to apply to new experiences in life. They must construct a method of problem solving, evaluation, analysis, and what to do when things do not work the way they originally predicted. Educational technology gives us the ability to meet students where they are, expand on what they know best, use pedagogical strategies such as project-based learning, inquiry, and active learning to guide students towards using their talents to accomplish great things. These concepts are based on the same building blocks that education has always stood for. As the world changes, we, as educators, enjoy the creativity that comes with finding new ways to educate, guide, and edu-tain students.