Meet Rich Kiker, Media Technology Chair

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Name: Rich Kiker

How are you involved in education?
“I am the Media Technology Chair and Technology Coach at Palisades School District in Bucks County, PA as well as an adjunct professor of Instructional Technology at Kutztown University. I also am an educational technology consultant leading professional development for organizations and IUs around PA.

My big projects right now are starting a Laptop Purchase Program for my district where we leverage our buying power and pass the savings on to our community. The real advantage is to the students who can purchase a discounted PC with 2 partitions: school and home. The program is an effort to drive us towards 1:1 and further promote digital literacy. Also, I am in the middle of building a Moodle online high school for us to meet the needs of today’s learners.”

What’s your ideal classroom or school like?
“I’ll take fewer restrictions over more money any day. I do not believe you need the best of everything to make learning happen. I prefer a safe and open learning environment that promotes a nurturing and supportive culture of respect and responsibility.

My classroom has multiple work areas with all tables – no desks to confine the genius of kids. Give me a mix of mobile devices like slates and laptops along with a bank of powerful work stations. Add a powerful presentation station with video advanced capabilities with a green screen wall and I am in nirvana.

Oh – and a coffee pot with great coffee, not the cafeteria stuff. You said money wasn’t an issue, right?”

Have you ever attended an unconference before?
No, not like this. It sounds like my kind of party and I am excited to attend, share, and learn.

If you were to lead a session at Edcamp, what would it be about?
Wow, there is so much to share but I think I could put a nice twist on starting digital media and technology academies.

Do you have a website or blog?
http://rkiker.wikispaces.com/

Are you on Twitter?
@rkiker