Kecia Ray

After publishing an assessment to measure technology literacy in 1999, Dr. Ray conducted research in the US, Canada, and South Africa on the use of technology in the K-12 classroom and the use of distance learning technologies to facilitate engaging learning environments. Dr. Ray's career includes designing technology within the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and directing technology research through Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Science Outreach programs. As a district administrator for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, she led the award-winning design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional technology programs, including instructional design for online and blended learning environments, redesigning physical learning environments, redefining school libraries, and establishing the first virtual high school to award the diploma. She developed graduate courses for the University of Maryland on teaching and leading K12 virtual schools and a course focused on evaluating technology for K12 learners for Johns Hopkins University. She has published three books on distance learning strategies, one chapter on online course design for adult learners and several articles and blogs on the impact of technology. Dr. Ray is a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and is past president of the ISTE Board of Directors. In 2013, she was appointed by Governor Haslem to the Advisory Council on Alternative Education and in 2014 was appointed by the Tennessee Commissioner of Education to a Personalized Learning Advisory Committee. In 2015, she was invited to serve on a USDOE technical working group focused on evaluating education technology. Dr. Ray currently serves on the board of Learning Bird Inc. and holds advisory positions with Sanford Harmony, Tech & Learning, and H Institute Award for Excellence in Education. She is a five-time recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award and has earned the ISTE 'Making IT Happen' Award. Dr. Ray was named '20 to Watch' by the National School Board Association, Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women, one of the top 10 EdTech Leaders by Tech and Learning magazine, and most recently named a Top 100 EdTech Influencer by EdTech Digest. She leads K20Connect, a consortia of female thought leaders in education, and other passion projects supporting K20 education around the world!