Adventures in EdTech

The equitable access to technology in schools is a challenge that all districts face in the field of educational technology leadership. Equitable access to technology in schools can look like equitable distribution of devices, the ability to accommodate diverse learners, the ability to access technology at home, and PD so teachers can utilize technology effectively in their classrooms. How does D181 stack up with regard to these areas of equitable access? Currently, all students in grades 3-8 in D181 have a personally deployed device, and devices are shared among students in K-2. Additionally, all buildings have a cart of 30 iPads dedicated to specials courses (art, music, etc.). In terms of accommodating diverse learners in D181, assistive technology services are provided by two full-time assistive technologists,  and in addition, students with special needs have access to district-provided assistive technology devices and software per a student's IEP. Students with 1:1 devices in...

To support 21st century learning, students need to have access to a learning space that can provide opportunities for collaboration, innovation and student engagement. In this course, I designed a dream 21st century learning space. This space includes both private and collaborative working spaces that have a variety of seating and workspace options.   The learning space furniture is flexible so it caters to a variety of learning styles. There are a variety of seating options such as floor cushions, wobble stools, high top stools, bean bag chairs, scoop chairs, and ball chairs. The tables include a floor table, a few traditional desks in tables, two high top tables, two standing desks, and a kidney table.  Bulletin boards display student work, learning objectives and content-related topics. There is also a Lego wall to display student designs and to add color and student ownership to the space. The room has a variety of technology options available such as an Apple TV, an inter...