Hello! My name is Katherine Fredrickson, and I am excited to join Kent ISD as your new Educational Technology Consultant! After over 22 years in education, including roles as a first and third-grade teacher and a technology specialist, I have gained valuable experience integrating technology in the classroom. Today, I’d like to share some practical tips and tricks that have helped me create engaging and effective learning environments using technology.

Tip 1: Start Small with Tech Integration

As a former classroom teacher, I know how overwhelming it can be to introduce new technology. I succeeded in starting small, using rotations where students engaged in specific activities on Chromebooks or tablets, such as developing keyboarding skills, creating posters with Google Suite tools, or reinforcing math and ELA concepts through subscription-based learning platforms. Begin by modeling successful “work rotations,” and give yourself a few weeks to establish a routine. It will become seamless over time, and students will understand their roles and responsibilities, making tech integration an engaging part of the day.

Looking for more strategies to kick off the school year successfully? Tune into the latest episode of the “For the Purpose of…” podcast that Keith, Sarah, and I co-host, where we dive into practical tips and insights for a successful start to the school year. Join Podcast PDx to earn SCECH credits for listening to this episode and other past podcasts!

Tip 2: Leverage Collaborative Tools and Resources

As a technology specialist at West Ottawa Public Schools, we piloted new Computer Science Standards for elementary buildings using MITECHS and Michigan K-12 Computer Science Standards. Collaborating with other educators to pool resources and create rubrics with common assessments can be powerful. We supported professional development by providing training on tools like Google Suite and using robots obtained through school grants. This collaborative approach built a shared knowledge base and fostered a culture of continuous learning among educators. 

Looking for an opportunity to build your resource toolkit and collaborate with other educators? Join the CSforMichigan Conference on October 3-4 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. This two-day event offers workshops, networking, and hands-on sessions focused on Computer Science education—perfect for educators looking to expand their skills and connect with peers!

Tip 3: Build a Support Network and Learn from Peers

One critical lesson I learned is the value of building a support network. I was fortunate to work with a fantastic team at West Ottawa, where we supported each other and shared best practices. Participating in groups like KETS (Kent Educational Technology Specialists) allowed me to learn what other leaders were doing in their districts, benefiting from group discussions, hands-on activities, and current topics. I highly recommend seeking out such communities and networks where you can share and learn from peers. 

Interested in connecting with other education and technology leaders? Join KETS, our regional network dedicated to collaborative problem-solving, continuous learning, and building strong professional connections. Meetings cover critical educational technology topics and provide SCECH opportunities for ongoing development.

Tip 4: Embrace Continuous Learning and Stay Current

Technology constantly evolves, and staying up-to-date with the latest tools and strategies is crucial. My experiences presenting at events like CSforMichigan, KRESA STEM Summit, and MACUL have been invaluable for my professional growth and confidence. Educators should take advantage of similar opportunities by presenting, attending, or simply engaging with the broader educational tech community. 

Interested in sharing your expertise and learning from others? Consider submitting a proposal for MACUL 2025, which will be held March 19-21 in Detroit and focus on “Humanizing Learning in the Digital Age.”

Tip 5: Focus on Real-Life Applications and Student Engagement

Integrating technology should be about more than just using the newest tools. It should be about how those tools can make learning more relevant and engaging. I always emphasized practical applications, using real-life examples to show the impact of technology. Incorporating activities like coding with robots or creating digital presentations helps students see the value and relevance of technology in their daily lives.

Looking for new ways to engage your students? Explore AI’s potential in education at our AI for Educators workshop, where you’ll gain practical strategies and hands-on experience to bring innovative tech to your classroom!

My Journey Ahead at Kent ISD

As I enter my new role at Kent ISD, I am eager to work with my new colleagues, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper, and contribute to this vibrant community. My goals include expanding my Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) knowledge, building strong professional relationships, and advocating for equitable access to educational resources. I hope these tips and reflections help you in your journey to integrate technology seamlessly into your classrooms, and I look forward to supporting and learning with you all!

#EdTechTips #TechInTheClassroom #InnovativeTeaching #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd

This blog post was written by Katherine Fredrickson, Education Technology Consultant and edited by Amanda Walma, T/L Marketing and Communications Specialist at Kent ISD.