Tech Study Hall

Dr. Richard Smith earned his degree at Capella University as a Teacher Leader in Digital Transformation.  His passion and research rests in learning & development, 21st century learning strategies, education technology, instructional design theory, and organization change and behavior.  In all, he believes that technology is nothing to fear, rather, teachers should be free to explore technology to accent their lessons in creating a collaborative and community-centered learning environment.  His capstone project, "The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Approach (SM): The 21st Century Curriculum Revision" was completed in line with Integrations Treatment Center (ITC) in Wickliffe, Ohio to provide the amazing parent training provided by ITC to an expanded audience online.  The integrations of Google Tools and EdPuzzle later led to teleconferencing strategies for digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rich brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the table having spent time in professional development for corporate and government training, higher education, and K-12.  During this time he has incorporated video blended lessons as part of a training department, simulated work environments for on-the-job training, developed 1:1 device programs, consulted in technology upgrades, spoken at integration conferences, and more.  Most recently, Rich has been consulting with the Diocese of Cleveland on their task force to re-open schools in the fall of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is here that Rich and the subcommittee are recommending simultaneous learning as a strategy to offer classes both synchronously and asynchronously for students and their families affected by the crisis.  

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Believing that learning is a life-long process, Rich enjoys attending conferences to meet people from all walks of life and to see what unique blends of instruction they have developed to keep their skill sets sharp.  He is currently a Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2 and is a certified coach with EdPuzzle.  

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In 2016, Rich was named as a Regional PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator.  He has served on the ideastream Education Network Council (formerly known as the Advisory Council) at PBS/WVIZ in Cleveland since 2014 and has been part of the steering committee since 2017 serving as the chair for the 2019-2020 school year. In 2020, he was named the recipient of the Betty Cope Award at WVIZ.

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If you ever want to talk tech with Rich, he is more than happy to do so. He believes in creating a safe environment to explore tech integration which is the inspiration behind starting the Tech Study Hall podcast.  "Integrating tech should accent the lesson, not take it over," he says. "Take one step at a time because every little step forward is still movement toward completing a greater journey."