For those of you who have followed SmallBites for a while, you probably noticed that the break after last season has lasted longer than usual. I’ll update you in long version at some point, but for now, suffice it to say, that I took advantage of a needed break.
That time away from this work made room for new vision and new focus. This new season brings my work in the edtech sector to the forefront, with Edutopia articles on teachers shaping the use of AI, and crafting District and school AI policy. There is also an important read on classroom level device management and care (since many classes are now virtually computer labs) and one on teaching respectful online communication and media literacy–especially important for students and teachers alike during an election year.
I’ve also found time to learn from and work with an amazing organization, The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting. The Center for OBC, a part of the Southern Education Foundation, is doing transformative work with districts and their vendor partners to ensure that federal dollars spent on instructional materials are used effectively as determined by student success.
Finally, I have still been working with groups and organization to improve teacher efficacy, student outcomes and of course, guide educators to creating a better sense of belonging for all. This week, joining TCEA’s coach’s conference will find me doing exactly that in sessions like It’s ME, AI, I’m the Problem it’s Me and The Coach’s Toolkit for Building Thriving Learning Environments. There’s still time to register and make it to the virtual conference, even if you can’t make it to Austin.