Queens Tech Corner: Project Recess
It’s Queens Tech Corner time! The Queens Tech Corner is a regular segment on our Queens Chamber social media channels where we shine the spotlight on tech entrepreneurs doing exciting things right here in Queens.
This week’s featured tech entrepreneur is Santi Khairassame, founder of Project Recess, an ed tech consultancy that partners with K-12 schools to provide meaningful professional development opportunities.
How did you get your start in tech?
Growing up in Chicago, I had an uncle who was a computer engineer. He gave me my first PC when I was in the 6th grade. The thing booted up in DOS. I was fascinated with Microsoft Word and its seemingly limitless list of fonts. I also had a multimedia design teacher in high school who taught us video editing. One of the first green screen videos I made was inserting myself into an old Conan O’Brien sketch where he goes apple picking with Mr. T. I knew this technology was going to change my life. I went on to pursue a BFA in Digital Media/Video Production, and a Masters Degree in Learning Technology & Experience Design from New York University before diving into the professional world.
What is your latest project and why are you excited about it?
As a way to scale and reach an even larger number of educators, we have built an online learning platform called Playground Learning. Through the platform, anyone can log in and access on-demand, video-based professional development on a myriad of topics, all while earning New York State mandated CTLE credit hours. Particularly in today’s world where educators are stretched thin and strapped for time, I’m excited to offer an option that allows them to grow as a professional at their own pace, perhaps in the comfort of sweatpants. I also think there’s a real need to develop a one-stop, on-demand PD platform–right now, educators are often sifting through YouTube videos to learn the skills they need, and I hope that Playground Learning can help to streamline that process.
Why are you excited about the future of tech in Queens?
Queens represents diverse communities, when Queens is elevated in the tech world, so are underrepresented voices and ideas. I’m excited to see Queens become a haven for innovation–rather than the old bridge and tunnel mentality, I believe Queens can become an integral part of the city’s thriving tech scene
