Dr. James Pedersen is currently the Superintendent for the Essex County Schools of Technology which is an award-winning school district located in New Jersey. His career in education spans over twenty-nine years and includes a variety of instructional and administrative positions. He has had the opportunity to teach as an Adjunct Professor at Montclair University, Centenary University, and Delaware Valley University where he works with aspiring leaders and doctoral students. He currently serves as the President of the New Jersey Council of Vocational-Technical Schools which represents career-technical school districts within the entire state. Pedersen has published and been cited in over twenty articles as well as three books focusing on education, Rise of the Millennial Parents (2013) Summer versus School: The Possibilities of the Year-Round School (2015), and Emerging Realities and the Future of Technology in the Classroom. He has conducted extensive research on school calendars and has recently published a follow-up book entitled, Summer vs. School II: The Balanced Calendar of School, Work and Life. James and his wife, Faith, have three daughters, Emily, Veronica, and Cynthia.
In a recent interview with K12 Digest, Dr. James Pedersen discussed his experience with technology education. He shared his views on emerging technologies, learning principles in K-12 education, technology, and digital learning resources, and many more.
What are some of the key challenges and responsibilities you face in leading a technology-focused educational institution?
There are a few challenges with technology when leading a district. Perhaps the most important is establishing a safe and secure platform. Data breaches are occurring on a frequent basis and keeping the information of our students is a great concern. Another concern includes staying abreast of the latest technological trends. Lastly, ensuring that technology and internet access is available to all students is critical.
How do you see the role of emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, shaping the future of technical education?
I believe that we will see AI emerge as a teacher assistant that will provide 24/7 assistance for all students – but especially our most vulnerable students. AI will provide adaptable help for students and will allow for a more individualized educational experience.
How do you ensure that technology integration supports—not replaces—fundamental teaching and learning principles in K-12 education?
Technology should be used to reinforce, remediate and support the direct instruction provided by the instructor.
How do you ensure that your school’s curriculum stays aligned with the evolving demands of the tech industry and workforce needs?
Annual reviews are critical to ensuring that curricula remain current and meets the evolving needs of the students.
What initiatives or strategies have you implemented to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have equal access to technology and digital learning resources?
We provide laptops and ensure that all students have internet access so that they can participate in all of the programs that we provided on our virtual desktops.
What programs or partnerships have been most effective in preparing students for careers in technology and ensuring job placement after graduation?
As a vocational school district, we provided apprenticeships with technology companies and other places to provide students with real-world experiences.
What skills do you believe students need to develop today to be future-ready for the rapidly evolving tech-driven job market?
Students need to be life-long learners who establish skills that allow for them to stay abreast of emerging technologies.
What role do you believe personalized learning and AI-driven education tools will play in the future of K-12 education?
I believe that AI will be every student’s tutor. AI will always be patient, always be available and will be able to adapt to each induvial learning style for every student.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends that will shape the future of technology education over the next decade?
I think that the AI virtual tutor will change how we teach children. This will allow students to receive additional support anytime they need it.