Learning Technology Grant Conference
The Learning Technology Grants (LTG)Ìý program funds School Districts and Consortia to develop, implement, and share innovative programs that utilize learning technologies to personalize learning, increase access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences, and provide professional development programs to assist teachers and educational leaders to effectively utilize learning technology to enhance teaching and learning.
As required by CRR 144.8,Ìý the recipients of 2018-2021 Learning Technology Grants discussed Ìýtheir program results during two virtual half-day sessions — held via WebEx — on the mornings of July 14 and 15. The event was open to all NYS superintendents, principals, technology directors, and other school and district-level educators. ÌýÌýAn estimated 200 educators attended the conference
Each day two informative panel discussions were held where each of the LTG recipients shared their experiences with the audience and responded to questions from the moderator. Topics included success stories and innovative programming, overcoming unexpected challenges, and sharing valuable resources such as planning documents, curriculum maps, training videos and other project artifacts.
Presenters provided actionable suggestions that were designed to assist with replicating all or portions of the programs presented.Ìý Attendees were Ìýprovided access to program resources and contact information should they wish to pursue program implementation.
Resources provided by the LTG grant recipients are available on the Learning Technology Grants (LTG) page.
Questions about the Learning Technology Grant program or conference should be directed to the Office of Educational Design and Technology at ltg2018@nysed.gov.
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Learning Technology Grant Conference: Day 1 (July 14, 2021)
- PowerPoint Presentation Slides for Day 1
- Videos (divided into 14 videos, below)
- Introductory Remarks: Shannon Logan provides introductory remarks to begin the first day of the virtual conference.
- Description of the LTG program: Mary Ann Valikonis describes the Learning Technology Grant program.
- STEAM and STEM
- New ¶¶Òõapp City CSD 5: Debra Spivak, Steve Borba, and Karen Kaun describe the importance of encouraging STEM, community problem solving, family partnerships, digital ¶¶Òõapp, and digital literacy.
- New ¶¶Òõapp City CSD 7: Maria Fico explains some of the challenges with switching in-person game design programs to a virtual environment, the ways that the pandemic changed how success was measured, and the importance of relationships and Social and Emotional Learning.
- Yonkers Public Schools: Dawn Bartz discusses switching from in-person to virtual programs to still reach goals as well as using the grant activities to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
- Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES: Matt O’Donnell describes challenges with participation in professional development for project-based learning programs. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of using the Computer Science and Digital fluency Standards for curriculum development.
- New ¶¶Òõapp City CSD 10: Luis Liz shares information about how the grant was transformative to student-centered learning and the importance of flexibility during challenging circumstances. The panel wraps up with final comments and testimonials.
- Personalized and Blended Learning
- Auburn ECSD: Sarah Cupelli describes overcoming challenges with participation and creating a Personalized Learning Teacher Fellowship program which the district plans to sustain.
- New ¶¶Òõapp City CSD 30: Suzann Goldstein provides advice about planning for the program from the first day of the grant and information about student-centered learning.
- Newark CSD: Laurie Palmisano shares details about the challenges with participation in grant activities. She also discusses how the grant addressed diversity, ¶¶Òõapp, and inclusion.
- Olean CSD: Jen Mahar discusses how the program focused on professional learning and digital literacy and gives advice for future grant awardees.
- Saint Lawrence-Lewis BOCES: Patti Fisher discusses challenges with administrator participation and getting them to prioritize their own learning.
- Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES: Mike Morone describes challenges and successes of expanding online learning.
- Closing Remarks: Mary Ann Valikonis thanks all panelists and Valerie Cosgrove provides closing remarks for the first day of the virtual conference.
Learning Technology Grant Conference: Day 2 (July 15, 2021)
- PowerPoint Presentation Slides for Day 2
- Videos (divided into 13 videos, below)
- Introductory Remarks: Marybeth Casey provides introductory remarks to begin the second day of the virtual conference.
- Description of the LTG program: Mary Ann Valikonis describes the Learning Technology Grant program.
- STEAM and Personalized and Blended Learning
- Geneva CSD: Nicole Campbell describes using grant funds to enhance STEAM learning in the district, overcoming impediments, and encouraging teacher participation.
- New ¶¶Òõapp City CSD 8 and 9: Scott Schneider and Karen Kaun explain how the STEM program was a collaboration between home and school and how the program addressed issues of diversity, ¶¶Òõapp, and inclusion.
- Eastern Suffolk BOCES: Heather Ciccone and Donna Guiffre describe challenges that they faced in encouraging teacher participation and how their science-based program measured success.
- Rochester CSD: Tim Johnsen and Larisa Useda share details about how their personalized-learning based program measured program success and how they incorporated digital literacy.
- Syracuse CSD: Manami Tezuka discusses the impediments to success and how the program based on personalized learning addressed issues of diversity, ¶¶Òõapp, and inclusion.
- Culturally Responsive Instruction and Personalized and Blended Learning
- Dunkirk CSD: Corinna Hooge explains the use of personalized learning in the district’s grant program, how success was measured, and some of the impediments to reaching the program goals.
- Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES: Greg Fredricks, Diane Cunningham and Randy Hall discuss their blended learning-based program, challenges with participation, and how it addressed issues of diversity, ¶¶Òõapp, and inclusion.Ìý
- Erie 2 BOCES: Bryan Olson shares information about how the cross-cultural grant program addressed issues of diversity, ¶¶Òõapp, and inclusion and how it promoted digital literacy.
- Sayville Consortium: Christine Criscione describes how the program prioritized equitable access to technology throughout participating districts, how the program measured success, and impediments that the program faced.
- Utica CSD: Michele LaGase, Dennis Hahn and Maria Fielteau provide information about how their grant program increased digital literacy and give advice to any future grant awardees.
- Closing Remarks: Mary Ann Valikonis thanks all panelists and Shannon Logan provides closing remarks for the second day of the virtual conference.