121 - Saudi Arabia Tech Directors Roundtable Podcast

The International Schools Podcast

An opportunity to learn and hear from 4 Technology leaders in Saudi Arabia International Schools. We take the opportunity to explore workflows, living in Saudi Arabia, the accelerated changes taking place in the country and how this is impacting International Schools.
About Paul Collins
Paul Collins has over 20 years experience in Senior IT Management including 10 years with international schools and higher education. He has been Director of IT at:

• International School Yangon in Myanmar
• Australian International School in Hong Kong
• University of Wollongong in Dubai
• British International School Riyadh

Paul holds qualifications with

• Bachelor degree in Information Technology from Griffith University in Australia,
• Graduate diploma in Project Management from Queensland University of Technology in Australia,
• Masters of Education from the University of Wollongong in Dubai (Completing 2024)

Paul has worked extensively in a number of countries after leaving Australia 20 years ago including Hong Kong, Myanmar, Laos, Niue, USA, Fiji, UAE, and now KSA.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-collins-46a4191/
About Khalid Abdeltam
Early Years: Born in Sudan, Khalid migrated to the US at age 10, offering a unique perspective on cultural adaptation.
Education: He earned a Bachelor's in Biochemistry from Iowa State University, delving into the intricacies of life at a molecular level.
Teaching: Khalid dedicated over 10 years to teaching Math and Science, creating classrooms that nurtured a passion for learning.
Tech Transition: In 2021, he made a bold shift into the tech world, showcasing adaptability and a thirst for new challenges.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-abdeltam-96b7b232/
About Zeeshan Nabi
With a diverse background that includes teaching, IT management, and educational leadership, Zeeshan assumed the role of Director of IT at Misk Schools in 2021.
Born in the UK, Zeeshan earned his bachelor's degree in Information Technology Management from the University of Bradford in 2005 and later completed a PGCE from Edge Hill University, embarking on a teaching career in 2011. Committed to lifelong learning, he obtained a master's degree in education in 2019.
Zeeshan's experience includes roles as a classroom teacher, innovation coach, grade leader, and department head, allowing him to integrate digital tools and best practices effectively. He holds certifications as a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Google Certified Educator, and Apple Teacher certified.
Recently, Zeeshan played an important role in overseeing the IT infrastructure for the transition to Misk Schools' remarkable 21-hectare, purpose-built campus situated in the Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City – a new district in Riyadh dedicated to innovation, education, culture, and media. Before joining Misk Schools, Zeeshan served as Director of IT and Chief Innovation & Digital Officer at GEMS International School in Dubai, UAE, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the school into a Center of Excellence in Aviation, Aeronautics, and Space.
Zeeshan's passion lies in leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences and facilitate innovation in education. He is thrilled to contribute to Misk School's vision of becoming a world leader in education.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeeshan-nabi/
About Donovan Hall
Donovan is currently serving as the Educational Technology Director at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia. A position that he has been in for 4.5 years. With a career in education that spans over 23 years, including 18 years in international settings, Donovan's experience encompasses a diverse range of educational contexts, which include, UK, Angola, Sudan, and now Saudi Arabia. This international exposure has provided him with a broad perspective on educational systems and practices around the world.
Born and educated in New Zealand, Donovan holds a:

• Bachelor of Education from Otago University, NZ (2001)
• Master of Educational Leadership from Massey University, NZ (2022)
• Certificate in International School Leadership from PTC (2018)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-hallnz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/donovanhallnz
Resources:
Blended Learning and Digital Education YouTube Channel - Great resource for technology-led learning design
https://www.youtube.com/@BLADE-Hub
Run Your Life Podcast hosted by Andy Vasily
https://www.runyourlifepodcast.com/
https://twitter.com/andyvasily
Hard Fork with Kevin Roose and Casey Newton (The New York Times)
https://open.spotify.com/show/44fllCS2FTFr2x2kjP9xeT
Your Undivided Attention Podcast, with Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin (Center for Humane Technology)
https://www.humanetech.com/
Technology Readiness Council (TRC, formally the International Tech Director Group)
https://technologyreadiness.org/
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial