Building an Inclusive and Innovative Tech Ecosystem

Julian Erber, Director of Technology and Innovation, Parkway Schools

Julian Erber is the Director of Technology and Innovation at Parkway Schools, where he has been instrumental in driving technology initiatives for over a decade. He plays a key role in integrating innovative digital solutions to enhance the learning experience for students and educators. With a strong background in educational technology, Erber has led efforts to onboard new teachers, ensure seamless technology adoption and support operational advancements within the district.

Recognizing Erber’s leadership in educational technology, this interview explores his vision for Parkway Schools—prioritizing digital fluency, accessibility and innovation.

Building the Future: Creating an Innovative and Inclusive Tech Ecosystem

The real test of educational technology isn’t whether we can put devices in classrooms; it’s whether they actually make a difference. Too often, we get caught up in rolling out the latest tools without asking the most crucial question: Is this helping students learn, or is the piece of technology just another hurdle for teachers to navigate or another distraction for students? Then, it doesn’t matter how advanced it is.

That’s why feedback is everything. And I’m not talking about a survey that gets filed away at the end of the year. I mean honest, continuous conversations with teachers, students and parents. Are teachers able to integrate technology into their lessons without jumping through hoops? Are students engaging with the tools, or are they finding ways to work around them? And what about parents—what happens when a student takes a school-issued device home? Are they getting the support they need, or are they left figuring it out on their own?

What may seem like hypothetical questions are, in fact, the foundation of real problem-solving. I’ve seen firsthand how failing to ask them can derail even the most well-intentioned technology initiative. A solution that looks perfect on paper can quickly fall apart if it doesn’t align with the everyday realities of the classroom—or the home.

Take content restrictions, for example. No one wants students to waste time playing games, but when filters are too rigid, they end up locked out of valuable learning resources. Teachers get frustrated, students disengage, and suddenly, that high-tech solution we invested in is causing more problems than it’s solving. On the flip side, if restrictions are too loose, students find loopholes, and we’re back to square one. The only way to strike the right balance is to keep listening and adjusting in real time.

The same goes for home use. A one-to-one program isn’t just about giving students a device; it’s about making sure that the device actually supports learning wherever it’s used. Our 1-to-1 Chromebook program and Virtual Desktop system ensure that every student has the tools they need in the classroom or at home. For families without reliable internet, our hotspot program bridges that gap. As a matter of fact, Parkway has invested over six million dollars in wireless and network improvements, plus a $22 million fiber optic project.

"At the end of the day, technology isn’t a magic fix. It’s a tool. And like any tool, its value depends on how well it fits the job. That’s why we don’t just roll out tech and hope for the best. We test, we listen, we refine, and we repeat. Because if we’re unwilling to adapt, all we’re doing is adding complexity instead of solving problems."

Leading with Vision: Building Sustainable and Secure Tech Systems

I believe reliable infrastructure isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation. If the network crashes or devices fail, learning stops. That’s why I have always prioritized sustainability—no shortcuts, no band-aid solutions.

But access alone isn’t enough. Equity has to be more than a buzzword. We can hand out devices all day long, but if students don’t have reliable internet at home or if parents feel left out of the process, we’re only solving half the problem. Digital learning must work for everyone—not just those with an advantage. That’s why we constantly reassess what’s working, where the gaps are, and what support is needed to ensure every student has the same opportunity to succeed.

And then there’s security. Student safety and data protection aren’t things we get around to. They’re baked into every decision we make at Parkway Schools. With students taking devices home, security doesn’t stop at the classroom door. How do we protect student data when learning extends beyond the school’s network? How do we make sure kids aren’t accessing what they shouldn’t?

The answer is in finding the right balance. We take a proactive approach, with dedicated teams, intelligent monitoring and real-time adjustments. It’s a constant dance between access and protection, and we don’t take it lightly.

Innovating for the Future: Hybrid Learning and Emerging Technologies

We’re thoughtfully exploring how AI, interactive displays and other emerging technologies might reshape learning in the coming years.

A key part of our job is to think ahead. What will education look like in five years? How will AI, interactive flat panels and other emerging technologies impact learning? And are we making the right investments now to ensure that Parkway students aren’t left behind as these innovations take shape?

No matter how cutting-edge the technology is, success always comes down to the people using it. That’s why we invest heavily in teacher training and support. When educators feel confident with their digital tools, they can focus on what matters—engaging with students and fostering learning.

Educational Technology

Virtual Desktop

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