Sam Nixon Jr., chief information officer of the Commonwealth of Virginia, spoke at a recent ceremony honoring area educators for integrating technology into the classroom.
The Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium (SVRTC), affiliated with Longwood University, recently held its fifth annual awards banquet at Longwood. Teachers and representatives from the 25 school divisions that comprise the consortium were recognized for integrating technology into the classroom. Sam Nixon Jr., chief information officer of the Commonwealth of Virginia, presented the keynote address.
The SVRTC coordinates the acquisition and integration of up-to-date and emerging technologies and training for K-12 students and staff and other citizens to enhance learning and encourage economic development in Southside Virginia. The Institute for Teaching through Technology & Innovative Practices (ITTIP), an outreach of Longwood’s College of Education and Human Services that researches and develops technology-integrated strategies and models, works closely with the SVRTC and is its administrative agent. The SVRTC and the ITTIP are headquartered in South Boston.
The SVRTC Division Leadership Award was presented to the Nottoway County Public Schools. Dr. Daniel Grounard, superintendent of the Nottoway County schools, and Michelle Wallace, director of instruction and grants for the Nottoway County schools, accepted the award, which recognizes an SVRTC school division that advances technology in the educational setting.
The SVRTC Technology Leadership Award went to Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of the Henry County Public Schools. This award recognizes an administrator, educator, or community member who advances technology in the educational setting.
In his remarks, Sam Nixon, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates who grew up in Southside Virginia, talked about where he thinks technology will be in the future. Those who attended the awards banquet included State. Sen. Frank Ruff, whose district includes Farmville.