Starting Strong

Dear DET/CHE Family,

I hope this message finds you doing well. I wanted to take a moment to talk about something important – the title change of our organization. We recently made a switch based on the feedback we received from our members in a survey last year. Our annual event has been renamed from “Directors of Educational Technology / California Higher Education” to “Drivers of Educational Technology / California Higher Education.”

The new name reflects our strong commitment to recognizing the diverse group of professionals who contribute to the advancement of education. Many of you have heard the story of my first DET/CHE conference. Of how I felt hesitant to attend because I wasn’t a director or manager at my home institution. And you’ve heard of how folks who knew the DET/CHE philosophy were instrumental in encouraging me to attend and get more involved.

Right from the start, DET/CHE made me feel welcome. People went out of their way to engage  me and make me a part of the community. I was a starstruck instructional technologist, mixing it up with influential, high-level individuals across California higher ed! I had no idea back then that I would have the honor and privilege to serve this wonderful group in this role today.

The new name acknowledges that education is a collaborative effort involving teachers, policymakers, researchers, community leaders, and various other stakeholders who play crucial roles in shaping its future. We wanted the title “Drivers of Education” to capture the spirit of collective responsibility and collaboration that lies at the heart of our shared mission. Our goal is to celebrate the diverse individuals who actively contribute to the transformative power of education, ensuring that our conference remains inclusive and relevant to everyone in this dynamic field.

We truly believe that this change will elevate the experience and value of our conference. By embracing a more inclusive name, we hope to inspire fresh connections, collaborations, and perspectives among our attendees.

So, please mark your calendars for the upcoming DET/CHE 38 Conference. It’s scheduled to take place from Wednesday, November 29th to Friday, December 1st, 2023, at the JW Marriott Resort in Anaheim, California.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. I’m thankful for the entire DET/CHE family and how we’ve welcomed and embraced every member since 1985, regardless of their role or position. That speaks volumes about our organization. Not all edtech groups are as open and inclusive, as some have firm walls that dictate where you stand.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. I look forward to seeing you at the DET/CHE 38 conference.