HOT SPRINGS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

HSTI is the Arkansas Educational Technology Conference
Built by Educators for Educators

The Technology Institute originated when Superintendent of Hot Springs Schools, Roy Rowe, realized the need for a forum that allowed the school districts of Arkansas to come together and share concerns and successes in implementing the new emergent educational technology issues. Mr. Rowe knew that many districts were facing the same kind of issues that Hot Springs had been dealing with for some time. Since Hot Springs High School had a wonderful Technology Center in place, the concept of hosting a "sharing-conference" was born.  Hot Springs School District's current Board of Directors share the same belief and vision as Mr. Rowe and wish to continue the tradition that HSTI started back in 1994.

The first Technology Institute was held August 8-9, 1994, in the William Jefferson Clinton Technology Center with the primary focus being a sharing session for educators. The first conference consisted of less than 150 participants and has grown to nearly 1500 participants.  HSTI is hosted annually during June to allow attendees to attend without missing valuable time in the classroom.

The format of the conference provides diverse opportunities for participants. There are general sessions as well as breakout sessions that cover a myriad of topics. Past conferences have included over 40 Pre-Conference workshops which provide intense hands-on training.  Although the focus has always been on providing learning and sharing opportunities for educators, vendors have been invited to set up areas to demonstrate products of interest to participants. In previous years, HSTI hosted over 110 exhibitors displaying and demonstrating the latest in educational technology resources, breakout sessions, and some of the countries foremost experts in technology education.  

Since the development of HSTI, we have made every effort to get the word out to every educator in Arkansas so they can take advantage of all that is offered.  

To continue to serve the educational technology integration needs of Arkansas educators, the Technology Institute will expand and evolve with trends and innovations. Through this forum, education in Arkansas will continue to grow during the 21st century.
 

We encourage you to attend and share the word with your colleagues so that "our" conference will continue to grow in the right direction.  Serving the needs of children is first and foremost - HSTI is just one small way we can help each other to accomplish this mission.

Link to Previous HSTI Conference Programs