Paul Barker
Technology

Paul Barker has been Principal of The John Carroll School, a Catholic, independent, co-educational secondary school in Bel Air, Maryland, since 2001.  A native of New Zealand, Paul received his B.A. in English Language and Literature from Victoria University.  Since moving to the U.S. in 1987, he has received an M.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Ursuline College.  He holds a State of Maryland teaching certificate in Administration and English and an Archdiocese of Baltimore Professional Certificate in Youth Ministry.  He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.  Among accomplishments during his tenure at John Carroll, Paul has initiated a 1-to-1 Tablet PC computing program, more than doubled participation in AP courses, introduced a new model for faculty evaluation, and developed a senior capstone project.  Of particular interest to Paul is the evolving role of computer technology in instruction.  Away from school, Paul’s serves on the Board of St. Margaret School, Bel Air.  His recreational interests include playing golf and cricket, and coaching and refereeing rugby.

 Presentation Title:   Go Into the New – Technology and Emerging Challenges for 21st Century Educators

 Abstract:
Today’s student is a digital native, at ease in handling media that were the stuff of science fiction barely a generation ago.  Conversely, a great many educators are digital migrants, working hard to speak the same language as their students.   In his address, Paul Barker makes the case for the urgent necessity for Catholic school teachers to adapt to the changes wrought by technology if our schools are to remain at the leading edge of American education.  He describes some of the challenges for educators brought about by emergent technology and suggests why Catholic school teachers are well-equipped to respond to those challenges.