Elevate Equity in Edtech: Expanding Inclusive Leadership Through the ISTE Standards

By Victoria Thompson

Discover the connections between technology and equity, and develop a road map for integrating the ISTE Standards into your work to help foster equity in your school community.

School leaders and administrators often view themselves as the instructional leaders of their schools, and for good reason. So much of what happens in a school revolves around leaders guiding educators to provide high-quality, engaging instruction. But due to their multiple responsibilities, some administrators are not fully aware of the technology and tools teachers are using, and could use additional insight into how technology can be used to innovate instruction and foster equity.

This book addresses these issues, with guidance on how to create an equitable technology landscape by implementing the ISTE Standards, which can provide structure for assessing technology use and serve as a gateway to equity for students, teachers, school leaders and more.

This book will:

• • Help education leaders and coaches understand how technology can assist them in achieving greater equity in their school community.
• Demonstrate how effectively integrating the ISTE Standards can lead to greater tech equity in schools.
• Help readers formulate a plan for their school’s edtech mission and vision, with guidance and examples on technology visits and evaluations.
• Guide readers in implementing a system of technology accountability in their schools.
• Support educators with practical resources and introduce the author’s comprehensive process for selecting technology tools with equity in mind.

Through this book, school leaders will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between technology and equity, and get actionable steps for building a whole-school approach to elevating equity.

Audience: Education leaders; instructional coaches

• Language: English
• Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education
• Release date: Apr 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798888370032

Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson is the author of twenty bestselling historical romances. She is also the Edgar nominated author of the bestselling Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. She also contributed to the award winning writing textbook Many Genres/One Craft. A popular speaker, Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master's program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Central PA with her husband and a very spoiled little dog.Please visit Victoria Thompson’s www.victoriathompson.homestead.com to learn about new releases and discover old favorites!

Book preview

Elevate Equity in Edtech

Expanding Inclusive Leadership Through the ISTE Standards

Victoria Thompson

© 2024 International Society for Technology in Education

World rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system—without prior written permission from the publisher. Email [e-mail] for more information.

Director of Books and Journals: Emily Reed

Senior Acquisitions Editor: Valerie Witte

Development and Copy Editor: Linda Laflamme

Proofreader: Joanna Szabo

Indexer: Valerie Haynes Perry

Book Design and Production: Danielle Foster

Cover Design: Edwin Ouellette

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Thompson, Victoria, 1993- author.

Title: Elevate equity in Edtech / Victoria Thompson.

Description: First edition. | Arlington, Virginia : International Society for Technology in Education, 2024. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2023054754 (print) | LCCN 2023054755 (ebook) | ISBN 9798888370025 (paperback) | ISBN 9798888370032 (epub) | ISBN 9798888370049 (pdf)

Subjects: LCSH: Educational technology--Study and teaching. | Educational equalization. | Educational technology--Evaluation. | Inclusive education. | School management and organization.

Classification: LCC LB1028.3 .T555 2024 (print) | LCC LB1028.3 (ebook) | DDC 371.33--dc23/eng/20240104

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023054754

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023054755

First Edition

ISBN: 979-8-88837-002-5

Ebook version available

Printed in the United States of America

ISTE® is a registered trademark of the International Society for Technology in Education.

ABOUT ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is home to a passionate community of global educators who believe in the power of technology to transform teaching and learning, accelerate innovation and solve tough problems in education.

ISTE inspires the creation of solutions and connections that improve opportunities for all learners by delivering: practical guidance, evidence-based professional learning, virtual networks, thought-provoking events and the ISTE Standards. ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org. Subscribe to ISTE’s YouTube channel and connect with ISTE on Twitter/X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Related ISTE Titles

Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom

By Sarah Thomas, Nicol R. Howard, and Regina Schaffer

Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for Teacher Prep Programs

By Sarah Thomas, Nicol R. Howard, and Regina Schaffer

SEL in Action: Tools to Help Students Learn and Grow

By Jorge Valenzuela

To see all books available from ISTE, please visit iste.org/books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Thompson is an education technology consultant, a keynote speaker, and an award winning educator. She began her journey teaching fifth and sixth grade math and science in Summerville, SC. After completing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, she moved to the Seattle, WA, area in 2018, where her career has pivoted to focusing on digital transformation, STEM integration in schools, technology in instruction, and using technology to bridge equity gaps in education. She works with school districts across the world to address topics such as technology equity and capacity-building with professional development, and has presented at conferences such as ISTE, FETC, TCEA, IDEAcon, Impact Education, CUE, and DigCitSummit on topics such as using technology to create inclusive math classrooms, the intersectionality of literacy and STEM, equity in instructional coaching, culturally responsive STEM education, and equity in educational technology. In 2023 she was named one of the Top 10 Most Visionary Leaders in Education by CIOLook Magazine. Additionally, she was recently named one of the top 30 K–12 IT influencers in 2021 by EdTech Magazine and one of ISTE’s Top 20 to Watch in 2023. She lives in Winter Garden, FL, with her wife, Kourtney, and their dog, Ren.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

You may have heard of the phrase it takes a village. Writing a book truly does. This is one of my largest projects to date, and I absolutely did not do it alone. I could not have done it without the support of my wonderful village. I’d like to acknowledge the following folks who have helped bring this book to light:

My wonderful wife, Kourtney, who has not only supported me throughout this process but has been so enthusiastic and excited that I’m now a published author. She threw small celebrations for me after each chapter was written, submitted, and approved, which was very sweet and much appreciated. I wrote this book during a time of a lot of educational, technology, and equity turmoil across the world, and her encouragement and never-ending support were instrumental during this time.

My silly dog, Ren, who spent countless hours snoozing on my lap while I wrote chapter after chapter (and also attended several virtual meetings to touch base about this book ad hoc, since he loves being on camera).

The folks at the Belle Vue Lounge at the BoardWalk resort in Walt Disney World (particularly Felton, Megan, and Tim) for your kindness and hospitality. As an Orlando area resident, thank you for never batting an eye (and also coming over to check up on me for book progress!) whenever I would set up shop for hours at a time to work.

The amazing educators who shared insights as to how they drive equitable outcomes in their respective institutions and organizations.

The wonderful folks at ISTE for approaching me to write a book (with special shout-outs to Valerie Witte and Linda Laflamme).

And last but not least, all of you! Your interest in equity in educational technology has led you here, and I am very thankful that you’re invested in this work.

PUBLISHER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ISTE gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following:

ISTE Standards reviewers

Michelle Eckler

Jaclyn Patanio

Jennifer Wood

Manuscript reviewers

Lisa Camichos

Shahinaz Osman

Jason Trinh

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

What’s in This Book?

Who This Book Is For

CHAPTER 1   THE IMPORTANCE OF EQUITY

Understanding and Addressing Equity

An Equity Mindset in Action

Coaching Equity

Key Principles of Equity Work

Equity Work Done Wrong and Right

Performative versus Beneficial Equity

Equity and Professional Development

Resources for Further Exploration

Chapter 1 Key Points

Questions for Reflection

CHAPTER 2   EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Device Access Equity

Internet Access Equity

Platform Access Equity

Resources for Further Exploration

Chapter 2 Key Points

Questions for Reflection

CHAPTER 3   MAPPING YOUR JOURNEY WITH THE ISTE STANDARDS

Take a Community-Centered Approach

Avoid the Familiarity Trap

Questions for Your Community

Create a Technology Mission Statement

Technology Mission Statement Examples

Guiding Questions for Mission Statements

Create a Plan: Equity Through ISTE Standards Integration

Discussion

Creation

Implementation

Evaluation

Resources for Further Exploration

Chapter 3 Key Points

Questions for Reflection

CHAPTER 4   WE’VE GOT A PLAN . . . NOW WHAT?

Equity-Focused Lesson Planning

Technology Visits

Technology Visit Example: All About Questions

Guiding Questions During Visits

Technology Leaders and Technology PLCs

Recognize Leaders

Form a Professional Learning Community

Resources for Further Exploration

Chapter 4 Key Points

Questions for Reflection

CHAPTER 5   EVALUATION, REFLECTION, AND NEXT STEPS

Evaluating Your Technology Visits

Glows and Wonderings: A Feedback Framework

Guidelines for Glows and Wonderings

Technology Visit Feedback Example

Meeting Feedback Example

Communicating with Your Committee

Deciding on Steps to Move Forward

Resources for Further Exploration

Chapter 5 Key Points

Questions for Reflection

APPENDIX A     EQUITY IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BACKGROUND AND CONSIDERATIONS

The Intersection of AI and Education

Bias in Artificial Intelligence

How AI Helps with Equitable Learning

Tips for Creating Equitable Learning Experiences with AI

Using AI Responsibly

Resources for Further Exploration

Appendix A Key Points

Questions for Reflection

APPENDIX B     EXAMPLES OF TECHNOLOGY MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

Camden City Schools, Camden, NJ

Mission Statement

District Technology Vision

Hopewell Valley Regional School District, Pennington, NJ

Technology Mission Statement

Technology Vision Statement

APPENDIX C     EQUITY PLAN TEMPLATE

Equity Plan Template

APPENDIX D     TECHNOLOGY VISITS TEMPLATE

Template - Technology Visits

REFERENCES

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a computer and internet access at home, because my parents needed it for work. If I wanted to look something up on Yahoo or Ask Jeeves, I could take the dial-up router from my parents’ room and run it all the way down the hall to the computer—at the same time hoping that no one was on the telephone because the landline couldn’t do two things at once. No matter how slow and challenging it was, I had internet access, unlike most of my friends.

This was my first foray into technology equity. At the time, computers were expensive and internet access was mostly through large services like America Online (now AOL). My friends would come over to the house and be shocked that we not only had a computer but also that I knew how to use it. Yes, I’ve always been a bit techie.

So, you can imagine my enthusiasm when my fifth grade classroom received computers at school! My teacher had submitted a grant proposal to get three Macintosh computers (now Macs) in the classroom so that we could explore the internet, improve our typing skills, and do some of our assignments online. When they were eventually installed, it was a big event. We were all so eager to use the computers and their very big, boxy monitors in the back of the classroom, itching to try word processing and creating multimedia presentations. Technology at the time seemed exciting but also a bit daunting. My teachers emphasized getting us in front of computers so that we could learn to use them to the best of our ability and maximize our potential for jobs in the future. There was a lot of talk about needing typing and spreadsheet skills to enter the workforce. The opportunities seemed limitless.

As an adult, I’m still constantly in awe of the potential of technology and how it impacts educational outcomes. My ten-year-old self was amazed by having three desktop computers (not even laptops) in the back of the classroom. She couldn’t have imagined that schools would eventually be 1:1, students would be allowed to take home their own computers, or that one day, instead of putting her fingers to a keyboard to type, she would just use her voice to elicit words onto a screen. But I did! I wrote several parts of this book using speech-to-text. Even today, I’m still amazed that when I type a math problem into a search engine, it not only solves the math problem for me (like a calculator) but also gives me step-by-step directions as to how the problem was solved (like how a teacher would). This saved my sanity in college,