One of the most important responsibilities of the Department of Technology and Innovation is to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff have access to the best digital resources and tools available. With an ever-growing array of educational technology options, this task can be both exciting and challenging. Every year, we conduct a thorough review of our digital subscriptions, with the primary goal of optimizing their usage and cost-effectiveness. This post is to communicate some of the changes that are coming next year.
At the core of this process lies a delicate balance between usage and cost. We aim to provide our district users with the highest-quality digital resources, while also being mindful of the financial implications of our subscriptions. Our review process involves assessing each subscription's usage data, considering the impact on learning, and determining overall value of each resources for the district.
Ultimately, this annual review ensures that our digital resources are aligned with our district's educational objectives and that our investment in technology has a meaningful impact on our students' learning experiences. Your building Library Technology Associates and Instructional Coaches have been made aware of these changes and are ready to assist you in any transitions these updates might create.
Additions for the 2023–24 School Year
Amira (Pilot)—Amira is an elementary reading supplement that provides 1:1 reading instruction and feedback for students learning to read. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Amira listens to readers, gives feedback, and suggests corrections. Amira is a supplement to the new reading curriculum being adopted for K–5. This program will be piloted in a limited capacity next year to evaluate possible future expanded implementation.
Writable (Pilot)—Writable will also be piloted next year in a limited capacity. Like Amira, Writable is a supplement to the newly adopted K–5 literacy curriculum. Writable offers individualized writing assessments, feedback, and practice.
Chinese Level Learning—Level Learning is an all-in-one learning platform that offers readings, writing prompts, assessments, and feedback for language learners. (This platform will replace eChinese which will not be renewed.)
Non-renewals for 2023–24
myON—This is one of several e-reading platforms we have available to K–5 students that offers digital books in a variety of subjects. The use of myON has steadily decreased while its price has increased significantly. We currently have several myON resources in our elementary social studies curriculum. The Social Studies steering team, Teacher Librarians, coaches, and LTAs will support identifying new materials within the many e-reading platforms we are keeping.
Explain Everything—With advancements in interactive digital whiteboards such as Jamboard (Google) and Freeform (Apple), Explain Everything has become an expensive redundancy. Explain Everything was available for Grades 4–12 and has minimal usage. Many teachers have moved to Jamboard, Padlet, or Freeform for inline, interactive whiteboard activities.
eChinese—As mentioned above, eChinese will not be renewed for next year. We halted access to this platform in the Fall after some security issues arose. Level Learning will replace eChinese as our primary Chinese learning resource.
Google Photo—At the end of this school year, we will remove student access to the Google Photo storage option for Grades PK–8. Students in Grades PK–8 can still store photos in their Google Drive or on their iPad devices.
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