In our recent episode of Digiexam Dialogues: Voices of Innovation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Peter Antupit, Chief Information Officer at Crystal Springs Upland School in California. Our conversation centered around an ever-relevant theme in education: how to eliminate barriers in educational technology by focusing on the end-user experience, effective tools, and data-driven support for both students and faculty.
Making the End-User the Priority
One of the key takeaways from our discussion with Peter was the need for technology to be designed with the end-user in mind—students, teachers, and even parents. Peter emphasized that tech tools should aim for “essential clicks,” meaning that accessing resources should take no more than three clicks. He believes that if users have to dig too deep to find what they need, they’re unlikely to engage with the platform effectively.
For Peter, the ultimate goal is to make the experience seamless, allowing teachers to focus on teaching and students on learning. Technology should be a “one-stop shop” where resources, assignments, and tools are all easily accessible.
The Journey from Tech Director to CIO
Peter’s background as a teacher laid the foundation for his approach to tech integration. Working at a school for students with learning differences gave him valuable insights into universal design—ensuring that tech accommodates a wide range of needs and abilities. These experiences shaped his belief that tech tools should adapt to diverse learners while being simple enough to benefit everyone.
Now as a CIO, Peter’s role is expansive. He is responsible not only for the implementation and maintenance of tech systems but also for fostering a culture where tech supports educational goals rather than creating obstacles. As Peter notes, this role is not just about having authority; it’s about empowering everyone in the community to use tech effectively.
Choosing the Right Tech for the Classroom
A significant part of Peter’s approach is about finding tools that genuinely enhance learning, while avoiding technology for technology’s sake. He shared that a strong criterion for any tech adoption is ease of use and low setup time, making it simple for teachers to test and implement. But the challenge doesn’t stop there—the right tool must also be meaningful and add value to the classroom experience.
Interestingly, Peter emphasized that while students are usually game to try new tools and platforms, teachers may need more time and evidence to trust that a tool is worth their investment. He described the need for “guardrails,” or guidelines to help educators gradually incorporate new tech, rather than feeling overwhelmed.
Streamlining Tools and Leveraging Data
At Crystal Springs, technology is consolidated in such a way that everyone knows where to start. From lesson materials to absence request forms, their learning management system (LMS) is the go-to resource. This helps to maintain clarity and avoid confusion, and it also enables data collection to understand how tools are being used, which teachers or students are engaging, and where adjustments are needed.
Data plays a pivotal role not just in academic performance but also in student well-being. Peter’s team looks at indicators like grades, attendance, and assignment submissions to ensure that potential issues are flagged early, allowing educators to proactively support students. This real-time analysis means technology becomes a support system, rather than just a collection of disconnected tools.
The Importance of Efficiency and Support
In all discussions of technology, Peter keeps a crucial balance in mind: efficiency with empathy. While tech should streamline workflows, support is key—especially for those who may feel intimidated or frustrated by new tools. He emphasized that educators must remember they are not alone; tech staff are there to guide and assist.
Professional development is approached with this efficiency in mind. Rather than long training sessions, Peter prefers short, targeted videos (usually just 30 seconds to a couple of minutes) to provide quick, actionable guidance for tools. He also advocates for support to be visible and accessible—whether that means walking the halls to answer quick questions or offering advice over a cup of coffee in the faculty lounge.
Thoughtful Tech Adoption & the User Experience
Peter’s approach to tech adoption hinges on whether a tool genuinely adds value, is easy to use, and aligns with the broader goals of the school. A vital aspect of this process is transparency from vendors and an understanding of the tool’s lifespan and support system. If a product doesn’t give clear data on usage or doesn’t show meaningful engagement, it’s unlikely to stick around for long.
The overarching message is simple yet powerful: technology should not add stress; it should reduce it. By eliminating unnecessary complexity and centering on the user’s needs, educational technology can genuinely transform learning environments.
If you are passionate about streamlining your school’s technology and ensuring it enhances learning without overwhelming educators or students, this episode is a must-listen! Explore Peter’s insights and learn how to focus on what truly matters—making tech work for your community, not against it.