Welcome to the 2024 Southwest Region Conference Technology Summit! This summit is designed to inspire innovation and drive transformation in education! We are thrilled that you are here for this unique opportunity to explore the latest trends, tools, and strategies in educational technology!
As leaders in shaping the future of learning, your participation is crucial in fostering an environment where technology empowers both teachers and students. This summit is not only a space for discovering cutting-edge tools, but also a platform for collaborative discussions, where we can share experiences and insights to enhance teaching and learning across diverse environments.
Over the next two days, you will have the opportunity to:
• Participate in “hands on” workshops led by innovation experts.
• Engage in thought-provoking discussions that address the future of education.
• Network with fellow educators and innovators to exchange ideas and best practices.
• Explore emerging technologies that can make a profound impact on student engagement, achievement, and well-being.
• We believe that the integration of technology in education is key to preparing our students for the future. Together, we will unlock new possibilities, inspire creative solutions, and deepen our understanding of how to best leverage technology to support all learners.
Thank you very much for your dedication to advancing education and for taking the time to invest in your professional growth. We are confident that the experiences, knowledge, and connections you gain here will have a lasting impact on your classroom, school, and beyond.
Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and make this summit a memorable and transformative experience!
Sincerely,
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd President Carlton P. Byrd
Empowered to Show Up as Your Best Self!
An inspiring day dedicated to empowering educators in small schools with the tools, strategies, and innovative practices needed to bring their best selves to their classrooms and leadership roles. This summit will emphasize literacy, technology planning, branding, and community engagement, with interactive sessions tailored for PreK-8 educators.
Dear SWRGC Educators,
Welcome to the Educators Technology Summit, where our theme, Empowered to Show Up as Your Best Self, will inspire and motivate you to embrace innovation, push boundaries, and uplift your students through purposeful education. We are thrilled to have you with us for this transformative experience.
As we gather to explore the intersection of innovation, robotics, and reading literacy, we are reminded of the powerful lesson found in the book After the Fall by Dan Santat. Just as Humpty Dumpty’s journey teaches us the importance of resilience, courage, and determination, this summit will challenge us to rise, innovate, and empower ourselves to overcome obstacles and step confidently into the future of education.
Throughout the summit, you’ll engage in interactive sessions and discussions that focus on integrating robotics and literacy into your classrooms. These innovations are not just about technology; they are about providing opportunities for every student to soar, to discover their potential, and to create their own success stories. Together, we will reimagine education and explore how to best implement these tools in ways that will support meaningful learning outcomes.
As a key part of your summit experience, you will also be tasked with creating a deliverable that aligns with your school’s educational technology plan. This project will reflect the insights and strategies you gather here, designed to inspire real-world change and foster a culture of innovation in your school. Your deliverable will not only be a reflection of the expertise shared at this summit but a step forward in empowering both educators and students to thrive.
Like Humpty Dumpty, this is your chance to rebuild, to fly higher than before, and to inspire those around you. Your students are watching, learning from the way you lead, and now is the time to lead boldly with both technology and heart.
Thank you for your commitment to showing up as your best self, for your passion for innovation, and for your dedication to creating brighter futures for your students. We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will make!
Warmest Regards, Education Superintendent
Lawanna McCoy
A Timeline of Key Technological Advancements (from
Early History to the Present Day)
The following is a high-level overview, with numerous other milestones in technology that represent key moments which have shaped human history and modern society.
Prehistoric Era
2.6 million years ago: Stone Tools – The earliest known tools, simple stone flakes used by early humans.
800,000 BCE: Controlled Use of Fire – Evidence suggests that early humans learned to control fire.
10,000 BCE: Agriculture – The development of farming, allowing humans to settle and form communities.
Ancient Civilization
3,500 BCE: Wheel – Invented in Mesopotamia, revolutionizing transport and trade.
3,300 BCE: Writing – The Sumerians developed cuneiform script in Mesopotamia.
2,700 BCE: Papyrus – Ancient Egyptians used this material for writing.
2,600 BCE: Pyramids – The construction of monumental architecture using advanced engineering techniques.
1,200 BCE: Iron Smelting – The beginning of the Iron Age, enabling stronger tools and weapons
Classical and Medieval Periods
500 BCE: Water Mill – Used by the Greeks and Romans for grinding grain.
105 CE: Paper – Invented in China by Cai Lun.
700 CE: Windmills – Used for energy generation in Persia.
9th Century: Gunpowder – Invented by Chinese alchemists, later used in warfare.
1440: Printing Press – Johannes Gutenberg’s invention, revolutionizing the spread of information.
Renaissance and Enlightenment
1608: Telescope – Invented by Hans Lippershey, refined by Galileo.
1712: Steam Engine – Thomas Newcomen developed the first practical steam engine for pumping water.
1752: Electricity – Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment, advancing understanding of electricity.
1760-1840: Industrial Revolution – Rapid advancements in machinery, textile manufacturing, and steam power.
19th Century
1831: Electric Generator – Michael Faraday invented the first electric dynamo, crucial for power generation.
1837: Telegraph – Samuel Morse developed the first practical telegraph system.
1876: Telephone – Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, transforming communication.
1879: Light Bulb – Thomas Edison developed the first practical incandescent light bulb.
1885: Automobile – Karl Benz built the first gaspowered automobile.
20th Century
1903: Airplane – The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight.
1920s: Radio Broadcasting – Wireless transmission of sound over long distances became possible.
1938: Nuclear Fission – Discovery of nuclear fission led to the development of nuclear energy.
1943: Computers – The first general-purpose electronic computer, ENIAC, was developed.
1957: Sputnik – The first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union, beginning the space race.
1969: Internet – ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, was launched.
1969: Moon Landing – Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon, a milestone in space exploration.
1971: Microprocessor – Intel developed the first microprocessor, revolutionizing computing.
Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century
1983: Personal Computer – IBM released the first PC, making computing accessible to households.
1991: World Wide Web – Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web, transforming global communication.
2000: Smartphone – The evolution of mobile phones into internet-enabled devices (e.g., BlackBerry, iPhone).
2007: iPhone – Apple introduced the iPhone, revolutionizing mobile technology and app ecosystems.
2010: Cloud Computing – The rise of cloudbased services like Amazon Web Services (AWS).
2015: Artificial Intelligence – Breakthroughs in AI, deep learning, and machine learning (e.g., Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo).
2020s: Quantum Computing – Significant progress in developing quantum computers capable of solving complex problems beyond classical computers.
Present and Future Trends
2023: AI Integration – AI continues to transform industries from healthcare to finance.
2024: Commercial Spaceflight – Private companies like SpaceX pioneer space tourism and exploration.
Ongoing: 5G Networks, Biotechnology, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Renewable Energy Technologies, and Autonomous Vehicles continue to shape the modern era.
EDUCATORS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Applegate Adventist Academy
Ingrid Stanley, Principal
Bethel Adventist Church School
Nicole Droste, Head Teacher
Emmanuel SDA School
TiAngela Williams, Principal
Shannon Williams, Teacher
Gayla Turner, Teacher
Excel Adventist Academy
Angelia Livingston, Principal
Camilla Nunez, Preschool Teacher
Kabriel Johnson, Teacher
Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Academy
Sibyl Jordan, Principal
Deloris Newman,Teacher
Sherri Brown, Teacher
Dariel Jordan, Teacher
Mack Jordan, Teacher
New Orleans Adventist Academy
Dominique Copeland, Principal
Lydia Charles,Teacher
Shiloh Excel Christian School
Courtnei Jackson, Principal
Southwest Adventist Junior Academy
Dr. Violet Dean, Principal
Sandra Clemons,Teacher
Danielle Byrd,Teacher
Annette Hall,Teacher
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Thursday, October 3
7:30 AM Breakfast at the Hotel
9 AM After the Fall — Empowered to Show Up as Your Best Self
Pastor Jason North, Sr., SouthwestRegionConferenceExecutiveSecretary
Learning Centers — Robotics Exhibition, Reader’s Theatre, Share Branding Site, and Digital Vision Board
Dr. Robert Henley, Carisa Carr, Lawanna McCoy, Renee Whiting
2:45 PM Panel Discussion
Community Partners. Facilitated by Dr. Carlton P. Byrd
4 PM Work on Deliverables All Educators
Friday, October 4
7:30 AM Breakfast at the Hotel
9 AM After the Fall, Part 2
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd
Years of Service Pinning Ceremony
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, SouthwestRegionConferencePresident
Pastor Jason C. North, Sr., SouthwestRegionConferenceExecutiveSecretary
Elder Philip Palmer, SouthwestRegionConferenceTreasurer
Forum with Conference Administration
Roundtable Discussion and Giveaways
Lawanna McCoy BREAK
11:30 AM School Presentations
All Schools
Empowered After the Fall
Renee Whiting
Closing Remarks and Prayer
Lawanna McCoy
GUEST PRESENTERS
Carisa Carr currently serves as the Associate Director for Education in the Mid-America Union Conference. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and is passionate about teaching reading. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from Union College and a MA in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University. Carisa has had the joy of teaching or serving as principal in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, Rocky Mountain Conference, Washington Conference, and the North Pacific Union Conference. She is a wife, mother, lifelong learner, and believes in the transformational opportunities of the Adventist classroom to meet Jesus every day.
Robert Lewis Henley Jr. is a visionary leader in educational innovation dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences that prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He serves as the Director of Innovation for the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Office of Education and is the Founding Director of both the Florida Conference Institute for Leadership and Innovation and the Innovus Innovation Center. Henley also leads the Florida Conference Innovation Lab at Forest Lake Academy, a research and development hub for progressive education and advanced curricula. Additionally, he serves as an Associate Director for Loma Linda University’s EXSEED Program and an adjunct instructor at Southern Adventist University.
He holds a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Computer Science from Oakwood University, an M.A. in Teaching from Andrews University, where he is currently pursuing a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation.
Renee Whiting is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southwestern Adventist University, where he teaches programming languages and database design. With a robust background in educational leadership, he previously served as Vice Principal and IT Director at Burton Adventist Academy, where he expanded the dual credit program and led the implementation of a 1:1 iPad initiative for grades 4-12.
Innovative Technology in Small Schools
PANEL DISCUSSION
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd Moderator
A moderated discussion will feature educators, tech consultants, security officers, entrepreneurs, and innovation directors providing expertise on how small schools can integrate technology effectively and securely. Topics include: Best practices for implementing technology in literacy and STEM education Addressing security challenges in a tech-enhanced classroom environment Building a culture of innovation in small schools
Robert Dyke was born into a family of pastors, teachers and missionaries that shaped him into a proud product of Adventist Education from elementary to postsecondary school. He started his IT career at small Internet companies and gradually worked his way up to a career at AT&T. Robert decided to put his talents into giving back to the same environment in which he learned and accepted the position as the Director of Information Technology Services at the Southwestern Union Conference office.
Dr. Jacelin Cadet is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southwestern Adventist University, where he teaches programming languages and database design. With a robust background in educational leadership, he previously served as Vice Principal and IT Director at Burton Adventist Academy, where he expanded the dual credit program and led the implementation of a 1:1 iPad initiative for grades 4-12.
Fatima Hameed is a Senior Business Advisor at Dell Technologies and she has been with the company for over 3 years. She started off her career in the small business segment and is now part of the SLED team and works with all 50 states. She has experience with public funding, RFPs, grants and more. Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests at Fatima_ hameed@dell.com.
Robert Lewis Henley Jr. is the Director of Innovation for the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Office of Education, Founding Director of both the Florida Conference Institute for Leadership and Innovation and the Innovus Innovation Center, Associate Director for Loma Linda University’s EXSEED Program, and Adjunct Instructor at Southern Adventist University.
LaShonda Rahming has over 27 years of global HR program management experience and a strong academic background in research, business management, and artificial intelligence, She offers a comprehensive skill set tailored for driving business success. Leveraging a proven track record of enterprise-level success, she provides strategic guidance that translates into tangible results, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. LaShonda excels in driving growth and fostering collaboration across teams to achieve shared goals.
ADVENTIST EDUCATORS
YEARS OF SERVICE
PINNING CEREMONY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
Welcome
Lawanna McCoy
EducationSuperintendent, SWRGC
Invocation
Dr. Carol Campbell VP for Education, SWUC
Recognition of Service
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd
President, SWRGC
Sharing of Stories
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd
Lawanna McCoy
Pinning
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd
Elder Carlos Craig President, SWUC
Dr. Carol Campbell
Lawanna McCoy
Words of Encouragement
Elder Carlos Craig
Closing Prayer
Elder Jason North Vice President, SWRGC
*NOTE: Some educators are between the five-year incremental mark. The actual years of service will be announced at the program.
SWRGC Educators
Years of Service
Pinning Recipients
The following recipients have successfully completed five or more years of service (incrementally)! Congratulations to the following educators*:
Danielle Byrd Angelia Livingston
Sherri Brown
Mack Jordan
Deloris Newman
TiAngela Williams
Dariel Jordan
Sybil Jordan
Ingrid Stanley
Sandra Clemons
BUILDING COMMUNITY: DISCUSSION FORUM LINKS
Building community refers to the process of creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment where individuals feel connected, respected, and valued. In a community, members work together, share ideas, and support one another’s growth. When building a community, especially in an online discussion board, it’s essential to establish clear norms and rules of engagement that foster positive interactions and empower all participants.
1. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
• Respectful Communication: Always communicate with kindness and respect. Listen to others’ perspectives, and respond thoughtfully, even if you disagree.
• Active Listening: Read others’ posts carefully before responding. Make sure to acknowledge their ideas and contributions in your responses to demonstrate understanding and respect.
• Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that is positive, constructive, and focused on ideas rather than on individuals. Avoid negative language and criticism that might make others feel uncomfortable or undervalued.
• Inclusive Participation: Encourage everyone to participate by being welcoming and open to diverse perspectives. Avoid dominating the conversation; instead, ask open-ended questions to invite others to share their thoughts.
2. NORMS FOR BUILDING A POSITIVE COMMUNITY
• Assume Positive Intent: Approach each discussion with the belief that others are contributing with good intentions. This fosters a trusting environment where participants feel safe to express their ideas.
• Be Open and Curious: Embrace different viewpoints and be willing to learn from others. Approach new ideas with curiosity rather than judgment.
• Confidentiality: If sensitive topics are discussed, respect the privacy of others by not sharing their personal stories outside the discussion board.
• Be Present: Engage actively in discussions. Check in regularly, respond to others’ posts, and participate in ongoing conversations to keep the community dynamic and connected.
3. HOW TO EMPOWER OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY
• Encourage Participation: Invite others to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Ask open-ended questions that allow for deeper discussion and exploration of different viewpoints.
• Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize and validate the contributions of others. A simple “thank you for sharing” or “I appreciate your perspective” can go a long way in making participants feel valued.
• Offer Support: Be supportive when others share challenges or difficulties. Offer helpful advice, resources, or simply listen and express empathy.
• Promote Collaboration: Encourage members to collaborate on ideas, problem-solve together, and build on each other’s contributions. This helps create a sense of teamwork and shared purpose within the community.
By following these rules of engagement, norms, and empowerment strategies, we can build a strong, respectful, and thriving community on this discussion board. When prompted, scan on the link to share your best self! PLEASE DO NOT POST UNTIL PROMPTED!!!
