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The three most salient issues I see in educational technology:

After 15+ years in the field of digital learning, I see many of the same issues that I did when I first started. We need to focus on the communities and stakeholders who are not being served equitably by digital learning, including but not limited to students with disabilities, as well as underserved and underrepresented populations. We need to also continue to focus on connectivity and access to technology not only for youth but also for caregivers and educators. Related to access is also ensuring that educators know how to leverage the technology in meaningful ways and that we orient students and their caregivers to use the technology as well. Additionally, in the education field at large, we need to use the research from neuroscience that shows the importance of educators and students feeling safe and supported to fully engage in learning. Incorporating SEL and mental health and wellness practices is essential.

 

The opportunities and challenges I envision for the future of ISTE:

The major challenge that also serves as an opportunity for ISTE's future is to wade through all of the misinformation and noise caused by the pandemic when it comes to quality digital and online learning. When the pandemic hit, education professionals who specialize in digital learning, online learning, blended learning, and instructional technology saw many companies, organizations, and individuals that are not following research-based best practices trying to capitalize on the chaos that was the shift to remote learning. What ISTE has done and should continue to do is serve as a lighthouse for quality digital learning and a safe, inviting, and inclusive space and community for those who are at varying places on their journey to teaching, learning, and leading with technology.

Kathryn Kennedy, Ph.D.

Description

Kathryn Kennedy, Ph.D.

Founder and Principal at Kathryn Kennedy Consulting, and Founder and Executive Director of Wellness for Educators 
Self-employed   

 

Dresden, Maine 

 

About Kathryn

Dr. Kathryn Kennedy has served in the field of education for 15+ years. She currently serves as founder and principal consultant for her consulting firm, Kathryn Kennedy Consulting, and founder and executive director of Wellness for Educators, a 501c3 nonprofit. While based in Maine, her work in the firm and nonprofit provides opportunities to collaborate with educators, schools, districts, universities, and organizations around the world. She serves on the Leadership Team for the National Standards for Quality Online Learning and the Journal of Open Flexible and Distance Learning. She has presented at international conferences and published reports, journal articles, edited books, handbooks, and is currently writing a book series focused on educator mental health and wellbeing. She co-founded the Handbook of Research on Online and Blended Learning and the Journal of Online Learning Research, both of which are open access publications, translating research-based best practices into actionable guidance for educators.