Dr. Mark Weston, associate dean of learning systems for Georgia Tech Professional Education, will serve as judge for the Third Annual EdTech Digest Awards. The EdTech Digest Awards recognizes individuals and companies for outstanding contributions in transforming education through technology. The program spotlights the best and most innovative platforms, applications, people, and products in the “edtech” world. The judging panel is comprised of professors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and other leaders within the technological community. Judges rate products and services based on their innovation, creativity, and power to find technological solutions. Winners will be announced in March 2013.

“This year’s judges are giants among us, having influenced millions through their efforts at improving, advancing and modernizing education,” says Victor Rivero, editor-in-chief of EdTech Digest. “They are highly regarded leaders from a variety of experiences, but what they all have in common is a keen eye for what works in education and technology.”

A former executive with Apple, Inc. and a global education strategist with Dell, Weston has over 36 years of experience with enhancing education and its practices through advising heads of state and civic leaders about education, information and communications technology (ICT), and public policy strategies. His notable professional and academic background includes work in 13 countries and with 42 state legislatures. In addition, Weston has worked with numerous governmental agencies and bodies such as the Education Commission of the States, the United States Department of Education, and the United States House of Representatives.

"I'm honored to have been chosen," says Dr. Weston, "The education sector has never seen so much growth and innovation as it is currently seeing. It's humbling and gratifying to know that there are a lot of concerned people behind the scenes who truly want to improve the current state of affairs. The current iteration of products has been a long time in the making and there are some real solutions out there. There are also a lot of unsung heroes, leaders who deserve to be spotlighted."

Weston earned a B.S.S. from Cornell College, an M.S.E. from Drake University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado-Denver. Weston co-authored the book The Learning Edge: How Technology Can Help Educate All Children with Alan Bain, and has been featured in many journals and prestigious media outlets.

EdTech Digest serves as a portal for the latest education technology. The organization focuses on people and companies within the technology community, and the ideas and concepts they possess that pioneer new developments for the world. Past winners of the EdTech Digest Awards include Pearson, Epson and McGraw-Hill.