ABOUT

The Hot Springs Technology Institute (HSTI) began with a vision shared by former Hot Springs School District Superintendent Roy Rowe, who recognized the need for a forum where Arkansas school districts could come together to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in implementing emerging educational technologies. Mr. Rowe understood that many districts were facing the same challenges that Hot Springs had been addressing for some time. With the William Jefferson Clinton Technology Center already in place at Hot Springs High School, the idea of hosting a conference built around learning, collaboration, and sharing was born. The Hot Springs School District and its Board of Directors continue to embrace that original vision and remain committed to the tradition that began in 1994.

The first Techonolgy Institute was held August 8-9, 1994, at the William Jefferson Clinton Technology Center, with fewer than 150 participants and a primary focus on providing opportunities for educators to learn from one another. Over the years, HSTI has grown into one of Arkansas’s established educational technology conferences, welcoming as many as 1500 participants. The conference is held each June, allowing educators to participate in professional development without missing valuable classroom time. 

Throughout its history, HSTI has offered a wide variety of learning opportunities, including general sessions, keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and hands-on preconference workshops. While our prinary focus has always been on providing meaningful learning and sharing opportunities for educators, exhibitors have also played an important role by introducing participants to new technologies, products, and resources that suppor teaching and learinng.

As educational technology has evolved, so has HSTI. What began as a gathering of educators sharing ideas has grown into an event that brings together teachers, administrators, technology professionals, and educational leaders from across Arkansas. Yet the prupose remains much the same: to provide a place where people can exchange ideas, explore innovations, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

Since its beginning, HSTI has worked to reach educators throughout Arkansas and encourage participation in the opportunities the conference provides. As technology continues to reshape education, HSTI will continue to grow and evolve, embracing new ideas while remaining true to the spirit of collaboration on which it was founded.

We encourage you to attend, share your experiences, and invite your colleagues to be part of what has always been our conference.

Above all, serving the needs of children remains our first and foremost responsibility. HSTI is just one small way we can help one another accompiish that mission.