At the Tampa Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting, a dynamic panel discussion explored the evolving role of technology in education and the challenges and successes that school districts face in adapting to the digital age. Moderated by LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of Learning Counsel, the panel featured Duane Weeks, Chief of Technology & Data Systems for Lake County Schools, and Jesse Diaz, Supervisor of Instructional Technology for Hernando County School District.

To kick off the discussion, Cauthen asked the panelists, “What are you most proud of?” Their responses highlighted the transformative strides their districts have made in technology integration, AI implementation, and instructional support.

Duane Weeks detailed Lake County Schools’ strategic approach to technology over the last five years, emphasizing sustainability and alignment with instructional goals.

• Long-Term One-to-One Program: Unlike districts that used pandemic funding to temporarily support one-to-one device initiatives, Lake County Schools has sustained its program for five years.
• Modernizing Student Information Systems: The district successfully transitioned to a modernized student information system, a massive undertaking that has streamlined data management and student learning experiences.
• AI Integration Before Policy Creation: In a bold move, Lake County prioritized AI integration over policy creation, implementing a generative AI program aligned with instructional goals. Instead of restricting AI with policies that might become outdated quickly, they collaborated with AI developers to curate tools that align with their educational framework.
• Upgrading Classroom Displays: As part of their five-year technology plan, every school will soon feature modern interactive displays, designed to enhance instructional engagement.

Weeks explained his district’s philosophy, saying:
"Many districts are writing policies on AI, but policy alone is too elusive in this fast-moving space. We’re integrating AI now—curating it to match our instructional vision—and we’ll write policy later, if needed. To me, writing an AI policy now is like writing a policy on a fork—why?"

Jesse Diaz echoed some of the themes Weeks introduced but also highlighted Hernando County Schools' own unique advancements.

• Launching a One-to-One Program: While Hernando’s one-to-one program is newer than Lake County’s, Diaz is proud of the district’s ability to successfully launch and maintain it post-pandemic. The challenge now is long-term sustainability, ensuring funding remains in place to keep devices updated and functional.
• Implementing a Learning Management System (LMS): Diaz underscored the importance of adopting Canvas LMS district-wide, stating:
  "If you don’t have an LMS, one-to-one isn’t a recipe for success."
  The district’s first full year with Canvas LMS has been transformational, providing a centralized platform for digital learning.
• Rebuilding Instructional Tech Support: Diaz celebrated the district’s recent investment in instructional technology support staff, a resource that had been missing for years due to budget cuts. Having dedicated instructional tech support now ensures that teachers are not left to navigate complex technology alone.

"With AI and other emerging tech rapidly changing education, our teachers need guidance and support. Restoring instructional technology as a core part of our district has been a major win," Diaz emphasized.

The discussion underscored the importance of:

1. Sustained One-to-One Initiatives – Short-term funding is not enough; districts must plan for long-term success.
2. Technology Integration Over Policy Paralysis – AI is moving fast, and districts must adopt practical applications rather than waiting for perfect policies.
3. A Strong Digital Learning Infrastructure – A dedicated LMS is crucial for digital learning success.
4. Supporting Teachers in the Tech Transition – Instructional technology coaching and support is critical for effective classroom integration.

As technology evolves, both panelists emphasized the need for flexibility, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies. Rather than being reactive, their districts are proactively implementing new technologies, ensuring alignment with educational goals rather than just trends.

With districts like Lake County and Hernando County leading the way, the future of educational technology looks promising, strategic, and centered on student success.

Tune in below to watch the full panel discussion.