Vermont's Father of Information Technology Frank Watson, for those of us who have been involved in information technology for the last 15-20 years, is the person we call "the father of information technology in Vermont." This tribute comes from the fact that Frank was one of the very first Vermont educators to recognize the power and utility of computing to help students learn. Frank's belief in this power inspired him to become Vermont's foremost spokesperson, advocate, and mentor for technology integration in education, especially during the last decade of the 20th century as the emergence of personal computers and telecommunications technologies became more accessible and affordable. Under Frank's guidance and leadership, new technologies became instruments for school reform -- tools that supported constructivist, student-centered learning environments. Frank's voice and wisdom has guided Vermont teachers, administrators, and policy makers for over 20 years. Even today, although semi-retired, Frank continues to share his vision and compassion with Vermont educators, as they strive to create learning environments that build capacity, potential, and individual achievement. On October 10, 2005, I conducted an interview with Frank and asked him to talk about his life and leadership in information technology in Vermont. In this segment of VT3, you'll learn more about Frank, the major influences in his life, and his enduring hope and vision about teaching and learning. Meet Frank Frank Watson is fundamentally a learner -- someone who is intrigued by ideas and eager to know more. Frank, an avid reader, is some one who looks for opportunities to see things in a different way. Frank's email messages ends with -- I'll see it when I believe it -- a recognition that truth requires scrutiny -- and a motto that describes how Frank thinks and lives. As a young man, Frank attended school in Kenmore, New York, in a school where a large proportion of students went on to college. Frank credits his high school teachers with providing him with a strong foundation in study skills and the ability to know how to learn. Following high school, Frank attended State University of New York - Cortland College between 1954-1958. He majored in education, an experience that cemented his knowledge and his desire to teach. At Cortland College, Frank earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Science Education (biology, geology major). In 1964, Frank attended Michigan State University where he earned his MAT in Science Education (biology and geology major). During this time period, he received a scholarship from the National Science Foundation and experienced firsthand the effect of working with outstanding faculty and on-site classroom experiences. Frank taught elementary science in Herkimer County and Scottsville, New York between 1958-1967 where he coordinated K-6 science programs and developed and implemented K-6 science scope and sequence curriculum projects. Between 1967-1970, he became the Project Director of the Elementary Science Study (ESS), administered by the Education Development Center (EDC) in Newton, Massachusetts and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). In this capacity, Frank directed science professional development and directed the completion and publication of 56 units of science for teachers and students K-8. During these formative years, Frank was influenced by a number of people who helped him grow into the educator and leader that he is today. In the video clip that follows, Frank speaks of the many influences in his early life and career in teaching.
Interview - October 10, 2005 - Influences Click to begin |
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