Daniel L. Friedman is a dynamic leader whose career spans both educational technology and the fine and performing arts. Currently, he serves as the Director of Educational Technology and Grants at Hicksville Public Schools, where he oversees advanced technology initiatives for over 5,900 students and 1,200 staff members. His leadership has driven transformative projects such as the deployment of one-to-one devices like iPads and Chromebooks, as well as the integration of Google Apps for Education. These initiatives have enhanced digital literacy and streamlined administrative processes across the district.
Dan’s visionary leadership extends to the development and implementation of district technology plans, where he has chaired committees responsible for the successful adoption of long-term strategies. His leadership in this area has resulted in the modernization of instructional practices across the district, providing Hicksville Public Schools with a strong foundation in the use of technology in education. Additionally, Dan has overseen significant upgrades to the district’s data network, firewalls, and security systems, ensuring that students and staff operate in a safe and secure digital environment. His focus on data privacy and security, combined with his role as Data Privacy Officer, has been instrumental in navigating NYSED and NYS Comptroller Audits, further enhancing the district’s compliance and safety protocols.
Prior to his work in educational technology, Dan was a passionate Fine and Performing Arts Administrator and music teacher. As Supervisor of Fine and Performing at Oyster Bay – East Norwich Schools, he directed K-12 arts programs and developed new initiatives such as a digital photography program that became a model for other schools. He produced dozens of annual concerts and musicals, showcasing his ability to blend creativity with organizational leadership.
In addition to his work in the arts, Dan supervised instructional technology programs, coordinating the integration of smart boards, digital tools, and network upgrades across the district. His leadership extended to technology-related professional development, helping teachers and staff integrate 21st-century skills into their daily practices.
Dan has a deep interest in exploring the intersection of pedagogy and emerging technologies, particularly in the study of highly effective questioning techniques and their integration into large language models. He is fascinated by how prompt engineering can enhance the ability of AI systems to deliver more insightful, student-centered responses. His research in this area focuses on bridging human intelligence with machine learning to optimize educational outcomes, creating smarter, more adaptive systems for both students and teachers.
