Ignite, Inspire, Innovate: Bridging the Tech gap with iDREAM Learning Labs

Outline

Presentation Outline
1. Introduction: Vision and Mission (10 minutes)
Content:

Overview of iDREAM Learning Labs and their role in empowering students for the digital future.
Addressing the technology access gap by equipping students with critical tools and skills.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Alignment with district priorities: Strategic Plan, Literacy, Numeracy, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
Engagement Tactics:

Icebreaker discussion: "What excites you most about integrating STEAM into your schools?"
Interactive poll on district needs regarding STEAM education.

2. Grounding: Innovative Technologies in Enrichment Programs (10 minutes)
Content:

Highlight emerging technologies for STEAM learning:
Esports and competitive play.
Game design, career exploration, and college readiness.
Computer science, robotics, and coding.
Audio creation with Soundtrap and music production tools (e.g., Fender Play).
Drones, VR, 3D printing, and digital fabrication (e.g., Cricut, laser cutting).
Engagement Tactics:

Showcase video clips or success stories of students using these technologies.
Quick brainstorming session: "Which of these technologies could make an impact at your site?"

3. Exploration: Hands-On Learning Centers (35 minutes)
Content:
Participants rotate through three hands-on activity stations (10 minutes each):

Esports Game Design: Using ChatGPT and Adobe AI to ideate and create game concepts.
Audio Making: Producing music and podcasts with Soundtrap.
Drones: Building, coding, and flying drones with FTW.
Engagement Tactics:

Facilitators guide activities, encouraging questions and peer-to-peer collaboration.
Each station includes device-based interaction and creation.

4. Application: Designing STEAM Experiences (5 minutes)
Content:

Reflect on district priorities and available resources.
Discuss how participants can design similar STEAM experiences for their schools.
Engagement Tactics:

Exit ticket activities (e.g., Padlet or "Click-to-Tweet" summarizing key takeaways).

5. Reflection: Connecting Resources to Action (5 minutes)
Content:

Explore and evaluate resources to support STEAM learning (e.g., funding, technology partnerships).
Recap of hands-on activities and their application to school/district goals.
Engagement Tactics:

Group discussion: "What resources can you apply at your site to support STEAM learning?"
Digital survey to capture insights and commitments.

Supporting research

Articles and Reports
ISTE Standards for Educators and Leaders:

ISTE (2017). ISTE Standards for Educators. https://iste.org/standards
ISTE (2018). ISTE Standards for Education Leaders.
https://iste.org/standards/education-leaders

These standards emphasize the importance of empowering students through innovative technology integration, equitable access, and leadership in digital learning.

Emerging Technologies for STEAM Education: Full STEAM Ahead (Educational Communications and Technology: Issues and Innovations) 1st ed. 2015 Edition
by Xun Ge (Editor), Dirk Ifenthaler (Editor), J. Michael Spector (Editor)

Equity in K-12 STEAM Education Dr Simran Mehta1 and Dr Sandeep Kumar https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382675526_Equity_in_K-12_STEAM_Education
This article highlights the status and importance of Equity in K-12 STEM Education.

Closing the Digital Divide:
Pew Research Center (2021). Digital Divide Persists Even as Americans with Lower Incomes Make Gains in Tech Adoption.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/
This report underscores the challenges of equitable access to technology and the critical role of programs like iDREAM in addressing the gap.

Diversity and Inclusion in STEAM:
National Science Foundation (NSF). Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering
https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23315/
Demonstrates the need for inclusive and culturally relevant approaches to STEAM education to increase representation.