No images? Click here Dear Colleague, As learning loss recovery efforts begin in earnest across the nation, and as we turn our attention to helping children and students make up for lost instructional learning time, an essential question to ask is how can research- and evidence-based technology tools help us accelerate learning at scale for students? The Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education points to technology as a “powerful tool for transforming learning” while noting that “to realize fully the benefits of technology…educators need to use technology effectively in their practice.” It calls on education stakeholders, including “leaders; teachers, faculty, and other educators; researchers; policymakers; funders; technology developers; community members and organizations; and learners and their families” to find ways to take full advantage of technology to support learning. Today, more than ever, we must leverage the power of technology to transform AND accelerate learning for millions of students who, through no fault of their own, missed out on months of learning due to school closures. How can we begin to realize the benefits of technology described above, especially for the most vulnerable students who were most impacted this past year? What are the “must haves” for successful integration of EdTech in student learning? What must we do to instill confidence in these tools, particularly from educators? How can we support parents and build their capacity to help their children employ technology devices, tools and platforms at home and — especially in the younger years — monitor children’s effective use of these tools? On behalf of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, please join us on Tuesday, March 23, from 3–4:30 p.m. ET, as Shawn Joseph, Ed.D., of Howard University moderates this learning conversation with colleagues from Digital Promise, Common Sense Media, New America, and BellXcel. Each will share their insights and equip us with answers to these critical questions in our quest to accelerate learning and ensure student success. Sincerely, Valerie Truesdale, Ph.D. |