Instructional Design and Technology Alum, Travis True, Wins International "Making IT Happen" Award

Emporia State University, Instructional Design and Technology alum, Travis True was honored with the coveted Making IT Happen award for his contribution to the successful integration of technology in education. The Making IT Happen award is provided by the International Society for Technology.

The Making IT Happen award honors outstanding educators and leaders who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students. Since its inception in 1995 more than 500 educators from around the world have received the award.

“Making IT Happen honorees make unique contributions to advancing the use of digital technology to inspire learning and teaching,” said ISTE CEO Brian Lewis. “Their significant accomplishments all further ISTE’s vision of a world in which all learners thrive, achieve and contribute.” 

Travis True is a 2000 graduate of Sterling College and earned his MS in Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State in 2007.  Travis has been with Topeka Public Schools since 2004 and is the Curriculum & Technology Coordinator. In this role, Travis has helped Topeka Public Schools with its 1:1 Chromebook initiative by providing professional development to staff to facilitate the use of Google Apps for Education.

Successful integration of educational technology requires a common passion, initiative and pledge that can best be summarized by the Making IT Happen Formula of Success: 

1.     Educators and leaders who apply available technology now

2.     Move forward and don’t look back

3.     See students as real people

4.     Teach through relationships by inspiring, encouraging, and nurturing

5.     Recognize that further change is necessary, but understand that it is a process

6.     Realize that teacher empowerment is the key element to technology integration

7.     Expect success 

8.     Motivate through awareness and access to information

About Making IT Happen

Founded in 1995, the Making IT Happen program highlights the dramatic role educators have on the learning process by using technology and rewards those individuals for their commitment and innovation. To date, more than 500 individuals have been awarded this recognition through ISTE and its affiliates. The impact of this program has been felt at hundreds of conferences around the world. The focus of the Making IT Happen program is on current practitioners, highlighting their significant contribution and encouraging them to continue their work.