The recent E-rate training hosted by the West Virginia Department of Education in Morgantown, WV, was a success. The event brought together a diverse group of technology professionals from across the state, to build on their understanding of the E-rate program and other state implemented programs for them to take advantage.
Hunter Paige, Michelle Jackson, and I conducted several E-rate training sessions in concurrent with topics from Mary Aldridge, West Virginia State E-rate Coordinator. We covered a wide range of topics, from the basics of the E-rate program to Category 2 funding and eligibility. The interaction we had with the attendees was meaningful. We were able to gleam some insight of a few of the hurdles and challenges some of the participants were faced with in their districts.
In addition to the formal training sessions, we had the opportunity to engage in several meaningful side conversations with many technology professionals from West Virginia. One person said, “I learned more in this 15-minute discussion than I did all day.” We walked away believing we had made a positive impact.
The E-rate training in Morgantown, WV, seemed to be a positive experience for all involved. The knowledge shared during the sessions and the connections made through side conversations will undoubtedly be some of the highlights of the trip. I walked away from the experience remembering a familiarity for when I was conducting this type of in-person training in the state of Idaho as the State E-rate Coordinator. I am already looking forward to doing this type of training again.
