136 - Central Eastern European Tech Directors Roundtable
A conversation in the heart of Europe, where we explore with 4 Directors of IT and international educators, the unique opportunities and challenges of living and working in international schools in Warsaw, Poland; Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic, Budapest, and Hungary. Our guests share their experiences of adapting to different cities and regions, being IT Directors in these regions, and how they have navigated the culture of both school and country as international educators.About Geoffrey DerryNot a computer geek who teaches, a teacher who computer geeks.A passionate educator who loves disrupting education through the use of Information Technology. Especially when it makes life simpler and student learning better. Always asking the big question! WHY? I have been an Elementary teacher, a MYP Design, Mathematics, and Science teacher, a deputy Principal, and a Principal over a career spanning 25 years. The last twelve have been in international schools in China, Malaysia, and Poland. During this career, I have had an IT coaching / coordinating role for the last 18 years. I am currently the Director of Technology at the American School of Warsaw.An Apple distinguished educator (2011), Google Certified Innovator, and a Google Certified Trainer. Most importantly a doting father to two small children.Twitter: @gderry Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffderryAbout Bryan WiedemanI’m an international educator originally from Ontario, Canada. My family and I have been overseas for almost 20 years now and have lived and worked in South Korea, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Austria. I come from an education background with an Ed Degree and a Masters in Educational TechnologyNever been a big social media user or consumer. However, you can connect with me on LinkedIn at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-wiedeman-77990428/ About Brian FarrellBrian has a diverse international education background, having worked previously in schools in Canada, Japan, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates as a technology leader, librarian, and classroom teacher. Currently, he serves as Director of Technology and Innovation at the American International School of Budapest, where he leads all operational and educational technology programs. Brian completed masters degrees at the University of British Columbia and Imperial College London, and has several leading edtech, data privacy, and project management certifications. While generally very much engaged with technology, Brian does still enjoy the analog pursuits of photography, exploring the outdoors with his family, and reading books made out of dead trees.LinkedInTwitterAbout Sheldon BradshawSheldon has spent the last 25 years as an international educator, having left Canada in the late-90’s! He’s worked in schools in China, Japan, Kuwait, Indonesia, and Czech Republic as a Technology Coach, Homeroom, Math, and Science Teacher. Sheldon is currently the Director of Educational Technology at the International School of Prague, leading both technical and educational teams. LinkedInTwitterResources Drive - By Daniel Pink Contextual Wellbeing - Helen Street Managing Transitions - William Bridges Innovators Mindset - George Curos Ben Collins - Everything Google Sheets plus more TRC Tech Director Talk - A forum for Tech directors and other tech informed educators. Lazarus Heist Podcast - Hackers, North Korea and billions of dollars. How to be successful - Sam Altmann - Great read I came across last week The Curiosity Chronicle - Sahil Bloom - Bi-weekly newsletter about self-improvement Superhuman AI - Daily Artificial Intelligence newsletter I’m reading to stay on top of the constantly evolving AI field National Cyber Security Centre - Reports and advisories from the UK government Security News Digest - Weekly cybersecurity newsletter from the province of British Columbia, Canada ArsTechnica - General technology news site IAPP Privacy Advisor - Data protection and privacy news NOYB - European d