136 - Central Eastern European Tech Directors Roundtable

The International Schools Podcast

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 Derry
Not 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/geoffderry
About Bryan Wiedeman
I’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 Technology
Never 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 Farrell
Brian 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.
LinkedIn
Twitter
About Sheldon Bradshaw
Sheldon 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.
LinkedIn
Twitter
Resources

• 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 data protection and privacy advocacy group
• Darknet Diaries - Podcast of ‘true stories from the dark side of the internet’
• Search Engine - Podcast that ‘answers the kinds of questions you might ask the internet when you can’t sleep’
• We Regret to Inform You - Podcast that covers ‘the fascinating stories of successful people who triumphed over debilitating career rejection’
• Shifting Schools: conversations for K-12 educators. Anything Tricia Friedman puts out should be required reading.
• Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators - See above.
• A Bit of Optimism - Simon Sinek’s podcast. We all need a bit of optimism….
• Revisionist History - Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast. A unique way of looking at the world.
• TRC Tech Director Talk - Great community for tech directors.
• Last Week in AI - summary of what’s going on. Always something interesting

Part way through - liking them so far!

• Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science. Frank Keil
• The Power of Giving Away Power. Matthew Barzun

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
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