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Putting technology to work in the classroom is focus of Ohio State symposium

Event brought together K-12 educators from across the state

A recent symposium hosted by The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) offered solutions on how educators can maximize technology to help students learn. "EdVolution: Transforming Education with Digital Innovation" was held Oct. 29 at the Ohio Union, presented by EHE's Center for Digital Learning and Innovation.

The conference brought together Ohio State faculty and staff with K-12 teachers and administrators from across the state, along with technology experts.

"We rarely have an opportunity to hear from stakeholders across so many different spaces in education," said Detra Price, executive director of the Center for Digital Learning and Innovation. "We have the whole flavor of Ohio represented, and I'm so excited to hear from them and to learn from them."

During an afternoon panel discussion, teachers and administrators from central Ohio school districts discussed how they implement ever-changing technology into curricula.

"We really do want to engage with you around maybe the biggest question of all: How do we take all the ideas and information that we have been encountering and engaging with today and make it a reality in your classroom?" Price said to attendees.

The Hilliard City School District has issued tablets to each student in the district and assigns technology coaches to work with teachers to integrate updated technology into their classrooms, said Mark Pohlman, the district's director of instructional technology.

"We might be one-to-one with technology in our district, but it doesn't mean that we want every kid on a device all day long," he said. "It really is a blended learning environment."

Andrea Vescelius, an English teacher at the Olentangy School District, said many students became proficient with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vescelius said she has shifted her focus from teaching students how to use technology to guiding them on utilizing the technology they've mastered in various subjects.

"I want them to solve real-world problems," she said. "I try and set them up with challenges. … I fully believe in finding those opportunities to get kids to realize their own agency."

The state of Ohio encourages educators to communicate with legislators about how technology is impacting education at all levels, said J. Christopher Woolard, chief integration officer with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Development.

"At the state, we are always trying to find opportunities to hear from stakeholders, to get people involved," he said. "There are opportunities where you can not only have your voice heard, but you can build relationships."

In his keynote presentation, Crachad Laing, head of Digital Literacy at Windsor School in the Bahamas, spoke about how to get schoolchildren interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Laing said he uses a variety of methods to raise awareness of STEM among youth.

"Everything from hosting hack-a-thons to afterschool programs at schools and nonprofit organizations on a weekly basis," he said. "I interact, directly and indirectly, with 300 to 400 kids from various community centers, afterschool programs and different spaces."

Promoting interest in STEM also involves professional development for teachers, Laing said.

"I host teacher training programs," he said, "trying to create more individuals like myself who want to push kids in the direction of engineering and technology and help them develop those skills."

The symposium also included breakout sessions and demonstrations on generative artificial intelligence, coding, digital storytelling with stop-motion animation and operating drones.

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