Digitalizing Education

Eva Harvell, Director of Technology, Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Eva Harvell, director of technology at Pascagoula‑Gautier School District since 2015, is an award‑winning ed‑tech leader with over two decades in K‑12 education. A former teacher and tech integration specialist, she organizes tech camp for teachers, serves on state advisory boards and champions digital transformation, privacy, and AI in classrooms.

Driving digital transformation

My experience as a classroom teacher, educational technology trainer, and technology leader has shaped my approach to digital transformation in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. I understand firsthand the challenges teachers face when integrating new tools and systems. This classroom perspective ensures that every technology decision we make is grounded in pedagogy and research rather than novelty.

My progression from educational technology trainer to Director of Technology over the past 15 years has taught me that sustainable digital transformation requires a foundation of strong professional development and ongoing support. Technology adoption succeeds when educators feel confident and supported.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Our district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, each with unique developmental needs and technological requirements.

Drawing from my experience as both an elementary educator and professional development facilitator, I've learned that one-size-fits-all training doesn't work. I strive to ensure we provide a variety of professional development resources so our educators and administrators have the opportunity to resources and support that fits the needs of their students as well as their level of technology integration and confidence.

Enhancing teaching and learning outcomes

Our approach to educational technology tools selection is intentional and focused. We want the tools, platforms, and resources we select to support student learning and growth and not be an obstacle for teachers in their day-to-day activities.

One of our focuses that supports the use of educational technology tools in our classrooms is our digital citizenship. Students can't effectively use these tools without understanding digital responsibility, privacy, and safety.

“The key to responsible innovation is understanding that our role as educational technology leaders isn't to chase every new trend, but to evaluate and implement tools that improve outcomes for all students”

We utilize Google Workspace, Clever, and are currently 1:1 with Chromebooks. These tools create a space for students to collaborate, create, think critically, and adapt to the everchanging online space. Google Workspace provides students and teacher with the tools they need to collaborate and create with others – whether in the same classroom or across the US. Clever provides a space for all of the online platforms and resources we use as a district to be in one secure location for students to access. By providing students with a device, they have the opportunity to explore the ever-changing digital environment, while working within the secure environment we are able to provide. We are also able to best prepare our students to be digitally literate and adapt to change quickly.

Secure and Responsible Technology Environment

Cybersecurity and student privacy are absolutely paramount in my role. I take advantage of quality opportunities to learn and grow in both areas as a technology leader. I have recently completed a training with the Future of Privacy Forum, that focused on student data privacy. I am currently working on the Linewize Customer Advisory Board. Both of these reflect my commitment to staying current with best practices in educational privacy and security.

We take a multi-layered approach: robust technical safeguards, comprehensive policy development, and continuous education for our district employees and students. Our district employees complete training through-out the school year on various cybersecurity topics, including recognizing and preventing cyber threats, understanding data privacy requirements, and implementing secure classroom practices. Digital citizenship is integrated through the curriculum for all of our students.

The Way Forward

Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly the most significant emerging technology impacting education today. I want to position myself at the forefront of this trend, so I can provide the best possible resources, training, and support for my district. My participation in ISTE+ASCD GenerationAI Communities of Practice Fellowship as well as in the Mississippi AI Collaborative Research Fellowship, allow me to do just that. I am actively exploring how AI can enhance and be a benefit and valuable resource in K-12 education.

My advice to district leaders is threefold: First, start with your pedagogical goals, not the technology. Ask how any new tool serves learning outcomes before considering implementation. Second, invest heavily in professional development and ongoing support—technology is only as effective as the educators using it. Finally, prioritize equity and access from the planning stage, not as an afterthought.

The key to responsible innovation is understanding that our role as educational technology leaders isn't to chase every new trend, but to evaluate and implement tools that improve outcomes for all students. This requires staying current with research, maintaining strong professional networks, and never losing sight of our fundamental mission: supporting teaching and learning.

If there are any additional insights, successful programs, or leadership philosophies you would like us to include to enrich your profile, please feel free to share.

My philosophy centers on bridging theory and practice. Having pursued doctoral studies in Educational Leadership while maintaining hands-on district leadership, I understand the importance of evidence-based decision making in educational technology. The combination of scholarly research and practical implementation experience allows me to evaluate new technologies through both academic and practical lenses.

I'm particularly passionate about preparing future educators for technology integration. Through my work as a professional development facilitator and my publications in industry journals, I aim to share practical strategies that other educators can implement immediately. Technology should enhance human connection and learning, not replace it—and that principle guides every decision we make in our district.

Educational Technology

Digital Transformation

Cyber Threats

Artificial Intelligence