Advancing Digital Equity for Powerful Learning

In the January 11, 2022 GLR Learning Tuesdays webinar,  Jean Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise, served as moderator and shared some data that demonstrated the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on learning loss. The pandemic exposed the reality of the digital inequities in communities — inequities that had already been in place but were exacerbated by the pandemic.

Next, attendees heard a robust discussion with a panel of experts. Nathan L Fisher Ed.D and Kristine Gilmore Ed.D., both district superintendents who have addressed digital equity in their respective districts, provided “on the ground” perspective of the challenge. Chris Rush shared the federal policy perspective based on his work at the U.S. Department of Education.  Michael Calabrese discussed some unique financing opportunities for sustaining EdTech system reform. D’Andre J. Weaver Ph.D., Chief Equity Officer at Digital Promise offered his perspective as a recent Superintendent of a large school district while also sharing how he will be leading efforts to address digital equity at Digital Promise.

During the webinar, panelists stressed how EdTech is necessary to support classroom learning and that teachers must have access to up-to-date technology for use both in the classroom and at home when schools may need to move into hybrid or fully virtual environments. They panel fielded a number of thoughtful questions from the audience throughout the conversation.