Permian Technology Conference - 2007

2007 Permian Technology Conference Speakers

Michael Downes, Superintendent - Big Spring Independent School District

Michael Downes is the current superintendent for Big Spring Independent School District. He graduated from Midwestern State University, taught high school math and computer science for 8 years, and was a high school principal for 5 years. He is serving his 8th year as a superintendent and his 21st year in education. He is a member of TASA's Executive Committee, the Lone Star Investment Pool Board of Directors, Howard County United Way Board of Directors, and he is the Chair of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin School of Education Advisory Council.

Mr. Downes is very active in the community and community service projects. He is the Vice-President for Governmental Affairs for the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce and is the immediate Past-President of the Big Spring Rotary Club.

Big Spring ISD Web Site

Mike Friesenegger, Linux/Open Source Expert - Novell, Inc.

Mike Friesenegger worked for twelve years as a lead network administrator responsible for UNIX, NetWare and Windows systems at a large global manufacturer. Six years ago Mike joined Novell as a Technical Specialist in the areas of Open Source and Linux. Currently, he works with customers to understand how Novell technologies can be used to help solve business needs. His focus for the last 2 years has been on using Linux and Open Source technologies as the basis for meeting the customer requirements.

Mr. Friesenegger brings experience from his own work in the field and from all of his customers. He is familiar with Linux and Open Source solutions to problems at companies all around the country and the world. As one of Novell's Specialists in the areas of Open Source and Linux, he is in touch with the latest developments and has first hand knowledge of what works and what does not. Novell, Inc

Corey Wood, Director of Technology - Big Spring Independent School District

Corey Wood is the current Director of Technology for Big Spring Independent School District.

Big Spring ISD Web Site

Miguel Guhlin, Director of Instructional Technology - San Antonio Independent School District

Transforming teaching, learning and leadership through the strategic application of technology has been Miguel Guhlin's motto. As a veteran educator comfortable with modeling the use of technology at the classroom, campus, and district level, he has a simple goal. That goal is to use powerful technologies to transform practice and enable learners to communicate and collaborate with each other.

As Director of Instructional Technology for a large urban district in Texas, Past-President of the state-wide Technology Education Coordinators group in one of the largest United States technology educator organizations, he continues to model the use of emerging technologies in schools. You can read his published writing, engage him in conversation via his blogs at Around the Corner-MGuhlin.net, Technology and Learning's Blog, and LeaderTalk.

2007 Permian Technology Session Presenters

Dirk D Dykstra, Director of Technology - Westbrook Independent School District

Technology is an old friend of Dirk D Dykstra. Starting in 1977 with a computer programming class, he has worked in the field of technology either directly or as a consultant, currently serving as the Director of Technology, Business Teacher, and Computer Teacher for Westbrook Independent School District. He is a happily married father of six children with a love for education. 3D Web Site

Dirk is a certified teacher in many areas including Technology Applications K-12, Journalism, Computer Information Systems, Business Composite, and more. His degree is in management and communications with additional studies in school administration. He has numerous professional certifications ranging from Microsoft MCP to Novell Master CNE and from building inspection to blasting. He has worked in construction, management, technology, and education.

Dirk is currently the President of SOS-SIG of TCEA, President of the Permian Technology Conference, a member of TCEA, ASCD, and ISTE.

Mark Cockrell, Director of Technology - Honey Grove Independent School District

Mark is the Director of Technology at Honey Grove Independent School District and is famous for finding free and open source solutions to many of the technology and instructional problems that people run into in schools. Mark is a regular presenter at conferences, including the annual TCEA convention.

He has been using a large number of Open Source products at his school for the last several years, and is a firm believer in the Open Source concept. Mark is also a familiar name on various list serves with advice and help for any and all - if he can.

Currently Mark is the Communications Officer for the SOS SIG, and a major part of the SIG's website development team.

Greg Rodriguez, Instructional Technology Coordinator - San Antonio Independent School District

Greg has enjoyed his career as an educator since 1995. He fundamentally believes that teaching is one way he can help change the world. His training and experience includes a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Instructional Technology. He is a self proclaimed Linux Geek and has introduced several cost saving Open Source technologies to his school district and hopes to continue to bring the philosophy and solutions that Open Source software provides.

Greg is the current Vice-President of the SOS-SIG and would like to "to build and activate a community of educators who promote and support opportunities for technological advancement and a broader educational foundation that Open Source software solutions bring to K-16 education.”

Greg invites all of you to join the SOS-SIG and help contribute to the expansion of open source solutions that are available to schools.

2007 Permian Technology Workshop Presenter

Ken Task, Linux Promoter - Retired

Graduated High School in Alaska (1966) - Attended University of Alaska 1966-1967 - Attended Midwestern State University (now Texas A&M at Wichita Falls) - Bachelor of Science, Education - 1971 - Major P E with Secondary of History - First teaching position involved NO coaching. Was hired two weeks after the start of school when a Junior High discovered they needed more teachers due to busing of students (first year the Junior High was "integrated"!!!!) - Former member of a team teaching pilot project in Texas History (Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District) - Former teacher of Social Studies and coach of football, basketball, baseball, and golf - After 20 years of teaching and coaching, returned to college to earn a Masters in Education, Instructional Technology - 1992 - Former NET 3's (Region 3 Education Service Center) specialist in DNS, EMail, and Web services - Proud to run the "cheapest" network center of ESC Service Center networks! Cost Region 3 ESC $0.00 and "uptime" measured around 98% of the time ... uhhhh, all on Open Source Software! - Former TENET Master Trainer (when internet was dialup and the web was "text based") - The ONLY TENET member (not part of TENET staff) to have "web space" for sharing internet resources - Among other "distinctions" ... first K12 Webmaster in the State of Texas! - Founder and Webmaster for KiWiPro - Kids Web Project (1994) - Currently semi-retired Instructional Technologist and member of TCEA Tech Crew at State Convention.

Permian Technology Conference
PO Box 3069
Big Spring, TX 79721