Page 5 - FDLRS Focus Winter 2021

Technology

Technology Takes Off!
As we near the one-year mark of having to pivot to distance learning, technology has taken center stage
with students and teachers. Here are some of the advances in technology use that we have seen this
past year.

One to One Devices: As much of our learning has turned to technology use, our district, along with
business partners, worked diligently to provide Chromebooks to students. Distance Learning was available on the local
education network television for those who did not have internet access. Despite back orders, all students are now
using devices. Comcast has provided internet to students at a reduced price for families that qualify, allowing for all
students to have access to learning.

Teachers Tackled Tech:
With the move to distance learning, teachers were required to make changes in how they teach.
For many teachers, this was easy as they are tech savvy. Others were not so comfortable with
technology and had to quickly hone their skills. With the help of our district’s EdTech department
as well as our FDLRS/FIN team, they were able to gain the skills needed to move into the virtual platform. Requests
for technical assistance were at an all-time high, and we were able to assist teachers and staff throughout the transition.

Read & Write for Google Chrome is Available for All Students
Read & Write for Google Chrome has a free version available for all students within the school district.
Now students who struggle with reading have access to text-to-speech and it is available with the click
of a mouse. Read & Write is also available for students to use in diagnostic testing within the district
including Performance Matters. If a student needs other features of Read and Write for Google Chrome,
and they have and IEP or 504 plan, please see your school’s ESE Contact for more information.

Bucket Training for Professional Development:
In conjunction with the Professional Development Department and other departments in our school district, FDLRS/
FIN was able to provide both recorded “on-demand” training and live virtual training as part of our summer offerings
for teachers. Teachers were able to participate in a wide variety of training and to earn badges to reflect their commit-
ment to their own learning to improve their skills. Bucket training offered by FDLRS/FIN included Accommodations,
Chrome Extensions for Students with Disabilities, Digital Tools for Accessibility, Collaborative Planning and Teaching
in a Virtual Setting, and Differentiated Instruction. In total, 63 bucket courses were offered through the ESE department
with over 17,000 teachers participating in one or more sessions.

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