Office of Digital Teaching & Learning April Newsletter
- Thu, Apr 7 2022
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We’re in the final sprint now – just about two months of school left in Arizona! Before the long, hot days of summer arrive, there is much to do on K12 campuses. Let us help you in the final laps!
April newsletter topics:
- Up your student engagement game in these last weeks with our Blended Learning webinar – live and only 10 minutes long
- Emergency Connectivity Funding (ECF) is still available with a new application window open – deadline, tips and training details below
- Broadband access in rural areas – check out the Spotlight of the Month for useful tips and tools
- Connectivity findings and solutions from our newly published strategy and analysis
Opportunity Assessment and Strategy
About the Strategy:
The strategic plan for the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning has been informed by feedback gathered from Local Education Agencies in the Opportunity Assessment.
The strategy includes three areas: community, data and solutions.
Digital Teaching and Learning Strategy
Connectivity: Findings & Solutions
Serving a geographically diverse state like Arizona has its challenges. Nearly 30% of assessment respondents noted concerns with connectivity, that there are large areas within their district that are underserved. We know that reliable home connectivity has digital learning and economic benefits for students and their families.
Potential solutions in connectivity include Erate optimization and projects like the Final Mile, as well as alternatives like hotspots. Read more in our published strategy here.
Opportunity Assessment Analysis
About the Analysis:
The Office of Digital Teaching and Learning uses the Opportunity Assessment (survey) to capture data from Local Education Agencies.
Data from this assessment is used by ADE to identify, prioritize and allocate resources for support.
Key Topics Covered:
- Digital Skills
- Connectivity
- Data and Security
- Devices
- Policies and Procedures
- Classroom Solutions
- Learning Management Systems
2021 Opportunity Assessment Analysis Opportunity Assessment Dashboard
Professional Development
Join us for our newest 10 & 10 Webinar Series! In collaboration with ASU we bring you Blended Learning: Using Digital Learning to Differentiate in the Classroom, on Wednesdays at 1:00pm.
In this five-session series you’ll be introduced to blended learning topics that highlight practical ways educators can incorporate digital learning techniques at home and in the classroom.
Each free session includes 10 minutes of quick, applicable content followed by 10 minutes of Q&A.
All sessions recorded for later viewing with access to supporting resources. Check out our last session on Digital Citizenship.
Upcoming 10&10 Sessions
- 4/6: Why Blended Learning?
- 4/13: The SAMR Model and technology integration
- 4/20: Differentiation through station rotations
- 4/27: Multipurpose playlists
- 5/4: Flipped, remixed, and reimagined classrooms
Join Milan Eaton, State Erate Director, on April 28th for the Statewide Emergency Connectivity Fund Training. The FCC announced a third application window in the Emergency Connectivity Fund to help schools and libraries in the upcoming school year. The Emergency Connectivity Fund will pay 100% of the cost for devices (computers, hotspots, internet access at home) for students and teachers. Maximum for a device is $400 and the max for a hotspot is $200 with exceptions for school buses. Attend the training and help your local education agency apply for funds. The third application window will open on April 28 and close on May 13. To attend the training click the button below or email [email protected]
CSPD Week is happening this June!
The Computer Science Teachers Association AZ Chapter and Arizona Department of Education are hosting a week of Computer Science Professional Development from June 20-24th. We'll have several elementary, middle, and high school teacher tracks, including introductory and advanced high school options. Click here for more information and registration.
Paloma Elementary School District
In March, Paloma Elementary School District completed their internet expansion as part of the Final Mile Project, bringing high-quality, reliable internet to rural student homes. This district serves more than 100 students from kindergarten through 8th grade in the Gila Bend area. This project is being replicated in rural areas across Arizona, to provide reliable, low-cost, accessible internet to student homes and the surrounding community. Thanks to Paloma ESD, the Final Mile project, and funding from Superintendent Hoffman, for their leadership in this work and their dedication to shrinking the digital divide.
If your school community could benefit from a project like this, use this easy Final Mile Flow Chart to determine your next steps and contact Milan Eaton, State Erate Director for Schools, at [email protected]
For reference, current projects and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are public and viewable on the Final Mile Website.
New Times! Digital Office Hours
Each week the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning (ODTL) will host Digital Office Hours.
This is a great way to share ideas and needs about digital practices and space, and meet the ODTL team. Meet, mingle and learn on your schedule!
March Digital Office Hours Topics:
April 7: Blended Learning
April 14: The SAMR Model and technology integration
April 21: Emergency Connectivity Fund Training
April 28: Multipurpose playlists
Pop in anytime from 11:00am - 1:00pm MST Thursdays (excluding holidays).
Register for Digital Office Hours
Meet the Team
We are proud to connect you with the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning team. This small but mighty group is building this program to serve Arizona schools with the resources they need for digital teaching and learning.
Educators Learning from Educators!
Share your knowledge beyond your classroom walls by becoming a presenter at our upcoming ADE virtual
“Title IV-A & B Symposium Building Better Tomorrows” July 14 – 15, 2022
Once again, Title IV-A and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC/Title IV-B) are joining forces to produce the virtual 2022 Symposium “Building Better Tomorrows”. Topics very relevant to education today will explore Well-Rounded Education, Safe & Healthy Students, Effective Use of Technology, and Title IV-B supported areas of Comprehensive & Quality Out-of-School Time Programming: Youth Development, Family Engagement, & Academics. Featuring national and local perspectives, this year's event promises to take participants beyond the confines of brick and mortar as we discover the possibilities of field-based learning, project based learning, cross-curricular collaboration, and so much more!
Submit your proposal by April 15, 2022. Access the proposal by clicking on the following link: Request for Presenters
