EdSurge keynote speakers stress bridge between technology and education

The EdSurge Conference was kicked off today by a series of keynote speakers meant to inform the audience of the educational technology companies that will soon be represented. The rest of the schedule will consist of speakers from different areas of education, presentations by educational technology companies, and student and focus panels.

Dr. Adam Fried, superintendent of the Harrington Park School District, introduced the EdSurge Conference by welcoming other superintendents, principals, and educators to the event.

“We must make innovation a verb,” Fried said.

Fried then introduced Senator Cory Booker. While Senator Booker was unable to attend the event, he did pre-record a video that was played for the audience.

“We’re using technology to pursue what is best for students’ education,” Senator Booker said.

Then Fried introduced Ms. Michelle Spencer, the director of EdSurge Summits. Spencer presented the driving question, “How do we use technology in a collaborative environment with input from all stakeholders?” Spencer explained that there must be input from both educators and technology companies.

“EdSurge wants educators to have the resources, networking, and connections to navigate this diverse world,” Spencer said. “EdSurge wants to give information that the K-12 market can trust.”

Finally, Ms. Mary Jo Madda, a senior editor at EdSurge, concluded the keynote presentation with advice for educators about what they should look for in new technology.

Through all of these speakers, one simple message is continuous: today’s EdSurge Conference will give educators and educational companies a chance to advance education through technology.