Amplifying Tech for Educational Advancement and Equality
In the bustling town of Dickinson, Texas, the local school district is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the visionary leadership of its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Caroline Lightfoot.
Lightfoot, who was recently honoured with the Most Innovative CTO award at a Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit, has been instrumental in securing funding for technology updates from both the district's technology budget and federal programs. This funding is being utilised to support learning goals in the transition to a blended learning model, with a strong focus on achieving equity in access to technology across all schools, teachers, and students within the 12,000-student district.
The team, under Lightfoot's guidance, is working diligently to update technology across all campuses. Half of the campuses were updated last year, and the goal is to have everyone on board by February. The district is standardizing on equipment to make things less hodgepodge and more efficient, with the focus being on replacing older desktops with more portable, brighter technology.
The team's approach to building equity involves providing equitable access to devices, software, and internet connectivity so every student can participate regardless of background. They are using Schoology, the district's learning management system, as a centralized platform to deliver curriculum, assignments, and assessments equally across campuses. Implementing scalable programs and professional development to help teachers integrate technology effectively is also a key part of their strategy.
Lightfoot and her team are also ensuring that resources are organised to provide proper tools and programs to every student and teacher, regardless of the age of the campus. They are looking at the age of devices and where the work orders are to determine where to start updating. Getting everyone in the district on the same page can make a big difference in agreeing on how to move forward with technology updates.
The adoption of online learning in Dickinson ISD was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Lightfoot implemented procedures to make online learning easier for teachers. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her goal of providing the latest, greatest technology to all teachers, with plans to have a few teachers at the high school updated by February.
In a district as large as Dickinson ISD, achieving equity in technology is not just about investing in the latest technology, but rather having a mindset to elevate all schools equally. Lightfoot's dedication to this principle, combined with her innovative approach, is ensuring that every student in Dickinson ISD has the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century.
- Caroline Lightfoot, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Dickinson ISD, is working towards a blended learning model that focuses on achieving equity in access to technology among all schools, teachers, and students.
- Lightfoot's team is updating technology across all campuses in Dickinson ISD, aiming to standardize on more portable and efficient equipment to replace older desktops.
- Equity in access is central to Lightfoot's strategy: she is providing equitable access to devices, software, and internet connectivity, and using Schoology as a centralized platform for delivering curriculum.
- Lightfoot is committed to ensuring that every student and teacher in Dickinson ISD has the necessary tools for 21st-century education and self-development, and she is embracing technology as a means to achieve this goal.
