Technology & Learning - December 2007 - (Page 5)

LEADER of the f the h Year Integrating Cutting-Edge Technology Leader: Cathleen Richardson eLearning Specialist, Team Lead Atlanta Public Schools District Snapshot: “I was a Learning Technology Specialist for four years and eager to integrate more cutting-edge technology into our district,” begins Cathleen Richardson in her LOY application. And she certainly didn’t waste time. Step one was convincing district administrators that a new eLearning division would open up a world of global connections and resources for students as well as new communities of practice for educators. With a strategic plan and the enthusiasm to match, Richardson tackled this challenge by attending monthly principals meetings, demonstrating what’s possible with technology. Her first initiative was the development of “hybrid” courses that were part of learning pilot at the district’s Carver High School of Technology. Richardson began this by instituting aggressive teacher professional development around use of the Blackboard online course delivery system. This model of traditional classroom instruction combined with “anywhere, anytime” virtual learning proved such a success, plans are now in the Atlanta Public Schools is an urban works to expand the school district in Atlanta, GA, serving 43,956 predominantly model districtwide. minority students in 107 schools. Richardson’s second initiative was to introduce podcasting technology, now widely used by teachers, students, and administrators. Richardson also conducted a Media Day, inviting press, the board of education, vendors, and others to see model podcast lessons. The result, she says, was a districtwide “podcast craze.” Initiative three was the building of the Georgia Performance Standards program, which created technologyinfused, standards-aligned curriculum modules beginning with middle school mathematics. Modules, which are rigorous and accessible to educators everywhere via the district’s portal, include streaming videos, WebQuests, unit lessons, standardized test correlations, scope and sequence data, assessments, and much more. Richardson’s fourth initiative integrated the newly revised ISTE National Educational Technology Standards and the updated framework from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills into resources that she has made readily available to educators. Central to the success of all of the above initiatives are Richardson’s eMentoring and eAmbassadors programs, which offer extensive training in 21st-century technology skills, standards, and tools to a cadre of middle school teachers and students who can then train others and become exemplars for education in the digital century. “We are transforming administrators, teachers, and most importantly, students, into global learners and shaping our district into a 21st-century powerhouse,” says Richardson. Richardson’s rigorously designed educator portal has had ripple effects far beyond her district. Educators state-wide are using the site as a key resource and as a model for building their own high-tech programs and portals. Learn More: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Last Byte: “This recognition is not just for me, but for all those who struggle and face challenges in breaking down the barriers for our students.” Technology & Learning December 2007 | 5 http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us

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Technology & Learning - December 2007 Contents Leaders of the Year 2007 Awards of Exellence Portraits of Learning

Technology & Learning - December 2007

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