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The three most salient issues I see in educational technology:

The three most salient issues in education technology center on bridging critical divides, which include the digital divide, the participatory divide, and the PK-12 to higher education divide. All three divides have produced enormous inequities in access and opportunity for the educational community. The digital divide is much more than conversations around device type; it requires effective and focused conversations regarding fiscal responsibility and consideration for how to fund this ongoing need for all stakeholders. The participatory divide is one that can be addressed by rigorous digital citizenship lessons and trainings -- from our students to our executive leaders -- in order to cultivate a coherent system of digital-age leaders. Lastly, the PK-12 to higher education divide is an important gap to address, especially in training pre-service teachers on the digital-age expectations of teaching and support families in a 21st century learning environment.

 

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

Opportunities: for ISTE to help position Computer Science as more than just coding. Seeing that ISTE has the Computational Thinking Competencies to place this stake in the ground.

Challenges: for ISTE to cultivate more diverse membership, including education leaders of color. Provide opportunities for ISTE sponsors to fund a recruitment campaign for educators of color.

Sophia Mendoza

Category

Member at large 2021

Description

Sophia Mendoza

Director, Instructional Technology Initiative 
Los Angeles Unified School District   

 

Los Angeles, California 

 

About Sophia

Sophia Mendoza is an innovative, systems-level collaborator with over 20 years of experience as an education leader in L.A. Unified. Leading the implementation of computer science education and digital citizenship programs across 1300 schools. Committed to cultivating leaders and learners ready for a growing digital world. Named a NextGeneration Leader by EdScoop and CoSN, 2018 Most Influential People in EdTech by Tech & Learning and recently announced as an ISTE Impact Award honoree for 2019 Innovator of the Year for 2019 by Education Dive and recently announced as the ACSA Region 16 Technology Administrator for 2020 an honor that recognizes her work in establishing strategic partnerships and programs that expand instructional technology opportunities for all students.