Virtual PD

>>WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

This module will help you deepen your thinking and plan for integrating technology into your programming. In this module, you can expect to accomplish the following:

1. Learn why incorporating technology into your afterschool program is important for the students you serve.
2. Understand how to use this toolkit to help you offer access to high-quality digital learning experiences that are fueled by technology.

>>WHAT DOES DIGITAL LEARNING MEAN?

Technology includes devices such as tablets, computers, and smartphones. Technology also includes software, internet access, and wi-fi.

Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student's learning experience.

>>WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY?

You believe in equity! It may seem that technology is everywhere, that all students have smartphones, and that screen time should be limited. While that may be the case for many students, there are other students (about 5 million actually) who don’t have internet access when they are not in school.

Equity means closing the digital divide. Students who have access to technology and high-quality digital learning experiences during the afterschool hours have more opportunities than students who don’t have access. This is an equity gap called the digital divide.

Access alone is not enough to bridge the digital divide. It matters what students do with technology. That’s where digital learning comes in.

When you intentionally integrate technology into your programming, you empower students to access tools and information in ways that support and engage them, expose them to new ideas and experiences, and develop 21st Century skills.

Think about the goals you have for the students your program serves. When you offer access to technology and the internet as part of your program’s learning experiences, you can help all students gain:

• Information
  • Knowledge is power! When students know how to find information and identify reputable information sources, they become critical users of information.

• Influence
  • Being able to communicate using technology through blogs, websites, tweets, and other posts is a critical skill for students to represent themselves and influencing others.
    
    
• Civic Participation
  • During the 2008 election, over half of the adult population went online to get election news or participate directly. You can support students in their understanding of civic responsibility and help them participate online.
    
    
• Cultural Identity and Family Connections
  • Students can develop and embrace cultural identities when they maintain positive connections with family members who live far away.
    
    
• Career and College Preparation
  • When students have access to technology to complete or submit their homework, they are less likely to fall behind.
  • Students also can research and apply to jobs and colleges online.
    
    
• Post Secondary Success
  • Livable wage jobs of the future, whether in the tech industry or elsewhere, will require the ability to use technology for various purposes

What strengths do afterschool professionals bring to help bridge the digital divide?

For some, the idea of integrating technology may feel overwhelming, but consider this: Technology is not another thing you have to do. It’s not an add-on to your current programming. Technology is a tool to be embedded within your current programming to help you better support students’ learning and growth.

You already bring a lot of strengths to deliver these critical resources.

• You serve a lot of students! Each year, more than 10 million elementary, middle, and high school students participate in afterschool programs that expand learning opportunities in school- and community-based settings.
• You support school-day learning. Afterschool professionals play an especially important role in supporting learning for low-income students by providing homework help, opportunities for STEM learning, reading, and writing.
• You foster 21st Century skills. To be effective citizens, workers, and leaders in society, students also need practice with critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and working creatively.
• You use positive youth development. Afterschool professionals and youth workers are skilled at using a wide range of tools to build relationships, set high expectations, and make sure youth experience many types of age-appropriate opportunities.

When you look at what you are already doing and then intentionally integrate technology into your programming, you can play an important role in bridging the digital divide.

“Our program has a real focus and passion for digital learning. When our students go on to middle school and specialized high schools, they’re ready and they’re equipped equally to their peers who might come from more privileged backgrounds.”

—Eric Gurna, President and CEO, LA’s BEST AfterSchool Enrichment Program

>>HOW WILL THIS TOOLKIT HELP YOU BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE?

To bridge the digital divide, you need to be able to:

1. Provide access to technology.
2. Provide high-quality digital learning experiences.

No matter where you are in the process of integrating technology, this toolkit will help you move forward. You will reflect on your current practices, envision how digital learning fits into your program and consider how you can use digital learning to support equity. You will make a plan to embed technology into your current curriculum and then identify how to access devices and tools you need in order to offer those learning experiences. The toolkit will help you determine how to communicate about digital learning with partners and funders and train your staff to use technology afterschool.

>>WHO CAN USE THE AFTERSCHOOL TECH TOOLKIT AND TRAININGS?

This online toolkit and trainings were developed for professionals who currently lead or oversee out-of-school time programming in various settings including schools, community-based organizations, private organizations, churches, libraries, and homeless shelters.

If you represent a school district or school day classroom, you can still use this toolkit! It will help you determine how to offer meaningful digital learning experiences to all students. The language used in this toolkit may be different than what you’re used to.

The language primarily used in this toolkit is:

• Afterschool which includes out-of-school time, summer programming, expanded and extended learning opportunities as well as other programming that occurs beyond the typical school day.
• Students by whom we mean children, youth, young people and opportunity youth--the people your program serves.
• Afterschool professionals and staff which includes anyone working in your program paid, volunteer, full time, part time, etc.

By talking to a wide range of afterschool, school day and other youth-serving professionals and reviewing the research, we identified a set of important topics to help prepare you to offer meaningful digital learning. Each module of the Afterschool Tech Toolkit and training addresses those topics by providing strategies and resources to help you feel competent, confident, and comfortable when embedding technology into your current programming.

How Is the Afterschool Tech Toolkit Organized?

Every module follows the same format:

• Reflect: Provides an opportunity to reflect on your own practice and consider the strategy discussed in the module
• What Will You Learn?: Sets the objectives for the module and lets you know what you should expect to accomplish by reading this module
• What Does It Mean?: Defines the tool or strategy in the module
• Why Is It Important?: Describes why this strategy is important in your process of integrating technology
• In Practice: Vignettes of actual programs across various settings that are implementing the strategy
• Are you ready?: Acknowledges where you are in the process of integrating technology and sets an aspiration to move toward
• Process: Offers the steps you can take and tools you can use to develop this strategy in your own program
• Take Action: Gives you a few considerations to help you implement the strategy right now
• Resources: Provides links to a few high-quality resources that will help you go further with the strategy
• What’s Next?: Asks for your feedback, directs you to hands-on training and helps you move to the next module

Every module also has a corresponding training to help you take what you’ve read and put it into practice. Sign up for training here.

>>WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT TECHNOLOGY PRACTICES?

Before you begin reading the strategies presented in the Afterschool Tech Toolkit or taking any of the trainings, consider your current technology practices. Having a good sense of what you are already doing will help you determine areas you can strengthen and identify areas to grow toward.

>>TIPS TO GET THE MOST OF THE TOOLKIT

To get the most of this toolkit, we have a few recommendations:

1. Get your friends onboard. Assembling a team to share in the responsibility (and fun!) of integrating technology is a good idea. A well-rounded team could include school day teachers, youth, program alumni, community partners, and families/caregivers. The team can provide critical feedback, help problem-solve, and provide a wide range of important perspectives.
2. Start with the module Set a Shared Vision for Digital Learning so you are clear on how technology fits in your program. After that, read the strategies that seem most relevant to you right now.
3. Be OK with where you are, and take small steps forward. Depending on where your program is with technology integration, some ideas may seem overwhelming. Acknowledge your discomfort, then determine the small steps you can take to move forward.
4. Keep your positive youth development approach. You do not need to know everything about technology before you implement it. Remember to empower and include your students as partners as you figure out how to integrate digital learning into your program. Continue to support students as they develop their voices, express their interests, experience identity formation, explore social justice, and dream about and plan for their futures, and seek ways to embed technology into these activities.

>>RESOURCES

• Read more about how afterschool professionals can support digital learning in the report, Empowering Afterschool Professionals for Digital Learning.
• If you do not currently have an afterschool program, but would like to start one please review the tips in How to Start an Afterschool Program by the National Afterschool Association and Ohio Afterschool Network.
• If you are offering afterschool programming, MANY’s guide How Youth Services Programs Stay Relevant and Sustainable, offers clear actionable steps to be strategic and relevant.

>>TAKE ACTION

Take what you’ve read in this module and get started on the next module that makes the most sense for you. Use the following questions to help.

• What topics did my self-survey indicate I should build upon or address?
• Who on my team may also want to review this toolkit?
• When can I schedule time to read another module?

>>WHAT'S NEXT?

• Continue learning with the next module of the Toolkit.
• Video Training Recordings
• Share your thoughts and participate in community chats on Twitter by using the hashtag #AfterschoolTech.

>>WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

This section will prepare you to create or refine your program’s vision for digital learning. In this section, you can expect to accomplish the following:

1. Understand the importance of creating a shared vision for digital learning.
2. Review the process for creating a shared vision.
3. Determine the first step to set a shared vision for digital learning in your program.

>>WHAT IS A SHARED VISION FOR DIGITAL LEARNING?

A shared vision for digital learning is a statement of what you and your program’s stakeholders want to accomplish by using technology in your afterschool programming. Start with your existing program vision and layer in digital learning.

>>WHY IS A SHARED VISION FOR DIGITAL LEARNING IMPORTANT?

Your program’s vision can help keep your program’s technology use focused and meaningful. Use your program’s vision as a guidepost to:

• Make intentional decisions about digital learning curricula or activities.
• Set explicit expectations with students before putting devices in their hands.
• Train, develop and hire staff with the knowledge and skills to support your digital learning vision.
• Sustain strong digital learning in your program when staff or partners change.
• Identify partners and community collaborators who share your vision.
• Make a plan to invest in technology.
• Determine what your program measures and reports on when it comes to technology.

>>EXAMPLES OF DIGITAL LEARNING VISION STATEMENTS

Following are sample digital learning vision statements. Use these examples as a starting point. Then, learn how to write your own vision statement.

Sample Digital Learning Vision I: LA’s BEST
We envision equal access to evolving technologies for students and staff throughout LA’s BEST to enrich learning experiences, build 21st Century skills, and promote lifelong learning.

Sample Digital Learning Vision II: Beacon House
Through its technology-enabled afterschool programs, Beacon House will empower learners to have the confidence to innovate and creatively solve problems in school, work, and life.

Sample Digital Learning Vision III: Community-Based Program
Technology offers young people an avenue to succeed as citizens in a global society. Technology can improve communication, enhance thinking skills, make instruction more efficient and effective, and help students develop life skills critical to success. We envision a program that works to close the technology gap in low-income communities and provides learners with the skills and competencies necessary for problem solving and lifelong learning. Our program incorporates technology in order to support and facilitate academic success, support homework, engage youth in citizenship, build relationships, and create opportunities for students to connect, navigate, and be productive.

Sample Digital Learning Vision IV: School District Program
We believe that technology is a tool to facilitate learning, expand instructional possibilities, and increase the capacity of staff and students. We make the following commitments to our stakeholders including the district, staff, students, parents, and partners:

• We will use technology to enhance and expand students’ academic achievement, especially in reading, writing, math, and science.
• Our classrooms and media center will be technology-rich, and technology will be used to meet the needs of students with various learning styles.
• Technology will be used to advance communication among and between our staff, students, and parents to deepen 21st Century skills including collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.
• Through the use of technology, staff and students will expand their access to tool, networks, and resources.
• Staff will be supported and trained in the use of new technologies.

>>ARE YOU READY?

If the process of creating a shared digital learning vision statement feels overwhelming, don’t worry. It’s OK to start small! If you already have experience setting a shared vision or have begun conversations about digital learning, jump in! You’ll see exactly where you and your organization fit in the vision planning process.

>>PROCESS FOR SETTING A VISION FOR DIGITAL LEARNING

1) Clearly articulate your program goals.

Ask:

• What do we want students to know or be able to do?
• How can technology support our goals?
• How can technology enhance positive youth development?

For example, if helping students complete homework is a program goal, include how your program will use technology to meet this goal as part of your digital learning vision. If you want to increase youth voice, partner with students to brainstorm ideas and give input on technology resources needed. When you establish a shared vision for digital learning in your program, make sure technology is used to build relationships and set high expectations and that students experience age-appropriate opportunities.

 DOWNLOAD PROCESS FOR SETTING A VISION CHECKLIST

2) Identify partners.

Build a team to share the responsibility (and fun!) of setting the vision. The size of your team will vary depending on its members. Try to include at least one representative from some or all of the following stakeholder groups: school day teachers, students, program alumni, community partners, and caregivers. A clear but simple email or mail invitation should explain what you’re inviting them to do, how many times they would need to meet, and why you think they would be an important contributor. You may also consider posting an invitation for team members on your website or in your calendar or newsletter. Having a diverse team will provide a range of important perspectives. Remember that students are your partners, too! Use this visioning process as a way to engage students to help set the expectations for digital learning and use of technology.

Can’t get everyone in the room together? Try integrating (and modeling how to use) video conferencing technology.

3) Find out what your community needs.

Surveys and focus groups are two ways to find out what your community needs. Try using different strategies to get information from stakeholders. You will likely find that stakeholders and partners have different priorities. For example, families may be interested in knowing how technology can help provide homework support while students may be interested in using technology to develop career-readiness skills. After gathering the data, analyze it and share the results with your team.

Sample Questions to Ask Stakeholders

• From your perspective, how can technology support your goals (for example: helping students complete homework, engaging with parents in real time, or helping teens develop job skills)?
• If the sky were the limit, how could technology help students succeed?
• What is our program already doing to encourage digital learning?
• What is one thing our program should avoid when it comes to technology?

4) Research relevant data and trends.

Reach out to colleagues and contact local or statewide networks or school districts to identify information or organizations that have data highlighting technology use. Look for information about competencies or digital learning trends that you may want to incorporate or address in your vision. Use the information you find to help you set your vision.

5) Set the vision.

Determine a time when you can bring stakeholders and partners together. Remember to include students! Work to answer these questions:

• What are our program goals?
• Why should our program integrate digital learning?
• What types of technology or digital learning experiences would help us reach our program goals?
• What barriers should we remove, and who can help us remove them?
• What supports/equipment do we need in order to fully integrate a digital learning plan into our work?
• What opportunities are we creating to deepen our positive youth development approach (build relationships, set high expectations for youth, and create opportunities)?
• How will we know if our vision is successful?
• Whose voice is missing from this conversation? Who else should we have on our team to help us create the vision?

 DOWNLOAD SETTING A VISION MEETING AGENDA AND DISCUSSION GUIDE

Use the answers to these questions to craft a statement about how you want to approach digital learning in your program.

To help you write your statement, refer to the sample digital learning vision statements in this module or use the following template. Here are a few tips for customization.

• Include your program name and values.
• Describe how embracing digital learning can help your program meet its existing goals.
• Create a list of action steps.

Visioning Statement Template

_________________(our afterschool program) envisions providing access to technology in order to ____________, ___________, and _____________. We will empower learners to ____________. We will empower staff to ______________. We will help our broader community to ____________.

>>IN PRACTICE

6) Share your vision.

Share your vision widely and frequently. Make sure everyone understands your vision by referencing it in your planning meetings and sharing it with stakeholders. By sharing your vision for digital learning, you empower partners to understand the part they each play to help realize the vision. Keep your vision statement visible. Post it in your program space and/or on your website in order to motivate students, stakeholders, and partners to be excited about using technology as a tool for digital learning.

7) Use your shared vision as a guide.

After you have developed a shared vision statement, use it to help make decisions about how your program uses technology.

8) Revisit your vision.

Put a note on your calendar in five weeks, three months, and six months to circle back to these questions.

• What have we achieved so far, and how did we do it?
• Where have we gotten stuck, and why do we think we got stuck? What will get us back on track?

9) Refine your vision.

Setting a vision is an ongoing process, so it may feel like things happen in fits and starts. When you revisit your vision, make adjustments as you learn more. Reconvene your stakeholders periodically as part of your process to assess progress and make revisions.

>>TAKE ACTION

Take what you have learned in this module, and start implementing a digital learning vision for your program. Use the following questions to jumpstart the process.

• What is our first step to set a vision for digital learning in our program?
• How can we get staff excited about setting a vision for digital learning?
• Who can be a champion to help promote the vision setting process?
• How are we including students and creating teachable moments within the vision setting process?

>>WHAT'S NEXT

• Continue learning with the next module of the Toolkit.
• Video Training Recordings
• Share your thoughts and participate in community chats on Twitter by using the hashtag #AfterschoolTech.