Instructional Technologies

Program Overview

Instructional technology in Iowa’s educational landscape involves integrating digital tools and resources to enhance teaching and learning processes. Educators use a variety of technologies to support and enrich the educational experience for students, making learning more engaging, interactive and effective. Here is an overview of how Heartland AEA partners with educators around key aspects of instructional technology. One thing is for certain — our team is here to assist you with any of these areas!

Areas of Support

Digital Learning Platforms

Learning Management Systems (LMS): Tools like Canvas and Google Classroom, help educators manage coursework, distribute assignments, facilitate discussions and track student progress. Educational apps and software allow for interactive learning and student engagement. 

Digital Resources & Content

Access to online libraries, databases and digital textbooks broadens the scope of available teaching materials, providing up-to-date and diverse content for students. Check out the offerings in our digital resource library.

Student Devices

One-to-one device programs (e.g., Chromebooks, iPads) ensure that each student has access to a personal digital device for learning, research and collaboration. 

Professional Learning for Educators

Ongoing training and support for teachers is crucial for the effective integration of technology. Workshops, webinars and instructional coaching help educators stay current with the latest tools and best practices. 

More About Instructional Technology Coaching

Assessment & Data Analytics

Digital tools for formative and summative assessments provide immediate feedback, helping educators to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. Data analytics tools help in tracking student performance and identifying areas for improvement. 

Collaboration & Communication Tools

Platforms like Zoom facilitate virtual meetings, parent-teacher conferences and student collaborations, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering a collaborative learning environment. 

Digital Citizenship

Instructional technology programs emphasize the importance of teaching students to use technology responsibly and ethically, promoting safe and respectful online behavior. 

Important Contacts

Expand Close All
Alex Glade

Alex Glade

  • Digital Learning Consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree, social science education, University of Northern Iowa; Master’s degree, history, University of Nebraska Omaha

Certifications: ISTE Certified Educator, Google Certified Educator, Apple Education Trainer 

Experience: Secondary social studies teacher, Digital learning consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2014

Expertise: artificial intelligence, Google Workspace for Education, technology integration, Pear Deck, instructional design, social studies, professional learning, technology coaching, ISTE Standards, universal constructs

Professional affiliations: Iowa Technology Education Connection, International Society for Technology in Education, Iowa Council for the Social Studies, Nebraska Educational Technology Association

Jeff Glade

Jeff Glade

  • Digital Learning Consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree, communication studies; Master’s degree, teaching

Certifications: Google Certified Educator, Adobe Certified Innovator, Certified Scrum Master, ISTE Certified Educator

Experience: Elementary teacher, Middle school social studies teacher, Elementary media specialist, Digital learning consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2017

Expertise: Artificial intelligence; instructional design; podcasts; Google Workspace; strategic visioning; SEL with technology; digital citizenship; professional development and adult learning; project management; creativity with technology

Professional affiliations: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), ISTE 20 to Watch Award Winner, Iowa Technology & Education Connection (ITEC)

How I’ve made an impact: At one district, I collaborated with leadership teams to conduct a needs assessment, identifying key areas for growth in instructional technology. I structured a tailored learning day (micro-summit) to address these needs and developed a long-term plan for continued professional development, ensuring that educators had ongoing support to integrate technology effectively into their classrooms.

Tyler Hellmann

Tyler Hellmann

  • Digital Learning Consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree, elementary education; Master’s degree, instructional technology; Endorsement areas: K-8 math, instructional technology, computer science

Experience: K-8 technology teacher, Digital learning consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2015

Expertise: Elementary education; computer science; artificial intelligence; spreadsheets and dashboards

Professional affiliations: International Society for Technology in Education, Iowa Technology & Education Connection

How I’ve made an impact: I worked with a group of teachers to kick off the school year and increase their knowledge and skills around computer science. We learned about computer science curriculum and new vocabulary words and explored technology tools and robots.

Jamie Israel

Jamie Israel

  • Digital Learning Consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree, elementary education; Master’s degree, curriculum & instructional technology; K-8 computer science endorsement

Experience: Adjunct and program coordinator for pre-service teacher educational technology programs, Leadership training coordinator for the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education, Technology integration coordinator, Digital learning consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2023

Expertise: Instructional technology audits; technology leadership and development, artificial intelligence; instructional design; Canvas technical administration; Google Apps for teaching and learning; digital tools to enhance teaching and learning; improving instruction through technology; technology integration frameworks; computer science integration into general education classrooms; developing and refining computer science programs; standards-referenced grading; PLCs; instructional coaching and leadership; supporting technology integrationists

Professional affiliations: Iowa Technology & Education Connection, International Society of Technology in Education, Canvas Certified Technical Admin

How I’ve made an impact: I’ve worked with districts to strategically realign instructional programs to new district needs and outcomes. Through data and collaborative partnerships, I work with educators and leaders to design and provide impactful learning experiences for students.

Amy Wichman

Amy Wichman

  • Director of Media, Technology & Digital Learning

Education: Bachelor’s degree, English, political science and secondary education; Master’s degree, education administration

Experience: Extensive experience in teaching & administration; Regional director; Director of instructional services; Director of media, technology & digital learning
Joined Heartland AEA in 2016

Expertise: Authentic technology integration/EdTech; implementing innovation; adult learning; standards-based grading, systems change

Professional affiliations: TCEA, ATD, ISTE, ISTE Certified, Scrum Master, vCISO

How I’ve made an impact: I assisted with a comprehensive implementation of technology with students that included goal setting, benchmarks and specific outcomes for annual reporting to the district’s school board. A multi-year action plan included tracking student/parent/teacher feedback, implementation planning, professional learning and data collection to track evidence of progress and update goals. Over three years we increased technology integration and ultimately test scores.

Instructional Technologies