Tech directors and other school staff from across the region joined over 20 vendors at ESD 112 on January 30 for the annual Technology Procurement Vendor Showcase. This event provides an opportunity to equip classrooms with up-to-date technological tools as school districts prepare to purchase technology for the new year.
“The Technology Procurement Vendor Showcase is all about giving school districts the opportunity to see and interact with emerging technologies firsthand,” said Kristina Wambold, Integrated EdTech Coordinator at ESD 112. “This year, we saw exciting advancements in software supporting universal design, reinforcing how 21st century technology is creating more inclusive classrooms.”
One of the highlights of the showcase was new cybersecurity content from Drip7, a company that creates custom training. This allows individual positions within a school district to have specialized training that caters to their role. Another feature introduced at the showcase was from Promethean, which creates interactive displays and resources for schools. The vendor presented its newest software, which works with any display device rather than only devices from its company. This provides more cost savings for school districts with limited resources for technology devices.
“Events like this are crucial for tech directors, who need direct access to vendors as they make recommendations for their district,” explained Kristina.
As the only showcase in the region focusing on tech directors, the event welcomed participants from school districts across Southwest Washington and Oregon. A true team effort, it was the product of interdepartmental collaboration—from Procurement to Information Technology. ESD 112 also partnered with Advanced Classroom Technologies, which coordinated with vendors to bring this top-tier experience to our region.
This was the final leg of the Technology Procurement Vendor Showcase series, with the first two showcases being held at ESD 123 in Pasco and Northeast Washington ESD 101 in Spokane. Jeff Strunk, Director of Purchasing and Facilities at ESD 112, traveled to all three events, helping school districts with the bidding process to ensure their purchases were the most affordable price possible.
The Digital Learning Services team at ESD 112 supports schools and districts in using technology effectively for all aspects of teaching and learning. It assists area schools in using technology to solve problems, visualize and analyze data, communicate, and collaborate in the classroom. The Technology Procurement Vendor Showcase is one of many ways ESD 112 assists school districts in Southwest Washington in transforming learning communities with technology.
Learn more about upcoming professional development opportunities and services offered by the Digital Learning Services program at ESD 112, or contact Kristina Wambold, Integrated EdTech Coordinator, at kristina.wambold@esd112.org.
