MORE EVENTS
Leadership
Exchange
Solutions
Summit
Change display time — Currently: Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) (Event time)

From Ideas to Impact: Building Effective Digital Equity Teams

,
Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 40

Participate and share: Poster
Save to My Favorites

Presenters

Photo
Digital Learning Specialist
Norton Public Schools
@DouxCompSci
Currently, Ryan is a Digital Learning Specialist for Norton (MA) Public Schools. His main goals are to coach teachers (preK-12) on the use of digital technology and computer science in their classrooms. Ryan also works for the National Center for Computer Science Education as CS for Equity Coach and teaches at UMass Dartmouth (Computer Science). Additionally, Ryan is a member of the CSTA Curriculum Alignment Team (gr. 9-12) and UMass Dartmouth Computer Science adjunct faculty. Previously, Ryan was awarded the national InfoSys/CSTA Teaching Excellence Award (2018) and MassCUE Pathfinder Award (2023).

Session description

This session explores Norton Public Schools' grant-funded initiative to promote equitable digital literacy and computer science (DLCS) experiences across K12. The initiative combines high-quality professional learning opportunities, DLCS coaching, and interactive experiences. Teams of educators collaborate to develop integrated multidisciplinary DLCS projects that are accessible for all students.

Purpose & objective

Introduction: Our poster aims to showcase our collaborative approach in addressing two crucial needs within our district. The first need centers on enhancing the integration of high-quality Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) into our curriculum, while the second revolves around ensuring equitable access to DLCS experiences district-wide. A distinctive aspect of our initiative is our commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility, driven by the unique needs of our growing special education population.
Innovative Solutions: Each Digital Equity team had access to grant-funded STEAM carts. Each cart is equipped with a diverse high- and low-tech tools, from Play-Doh and copper tape to advanced computer kits such as MakeyMakeys, Hummingbird kits, micro:bits, and KIBO robots.
Professional Development Cohorts: As part of our initiative, we organized a professional learning program that spanned five months. We adopted a collaborative approach, forming building-based Digital Equity teams comprising both content area teachers and learning specialists. This collaborative model promoted the sharing of expertise and ensured that DLCS education was seamlessly integrated into various subject areas.

More [+]

Outline

The poster will display images and information related to professional learning opportunities and student products. Our session will also provide digital resources via QR codes and interactive displays to showcase some of the Digital Equity projects.

More [+]

Supporting research

https://www.csis.org/analysis/digital-literacy-imperative

More [+]

Session specifications

Topic:
Equity and inclusion
Grade level:
PK-12
Skill level:
Beginner
Audience:
Coaches, Teachers, Technology coordinators/facilitators
Attendee devices:
Devices useful
Attendee device specification:
Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Windows, Android, iOS
Subject area:
Computer science, Special education
ISTE Standards:
For Coaches:
Change Agent
  • Cultivate a supportive coaching culture that encourages educators and leaders to achieve a shared vision and individual goals.
For Educators:
Designer
  • Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.
For Students:
Creative Communicator
  • Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.