For the second year, the Rhode Island Foundation supports the Summer Institute in Digital Literacy, a professional development program for K-12 and college educators, librarians and media professionals. In 2015, the Foundation's support enables the participation of ten educators from the Woonsocket Public Schools, an urban school district in Rhode Island with 63% minority students.
The Media Education Lab worked with the Rhode Island Foundation to identify urban teachers whose active participation would enrich the overall quality and impact of the Summer Institute in Digital Literacy. Ten teachers, led by digital learning coach, Mike Sexton from Woonsocket, will participate in a year-long professional development program that advances their capacity to integrate digital literacy into the curriculum.
"We value opportunities that enable urban teachers to explore the potential of digital media texts, tools and technologies to support student learning," said Toby Shepherd, program officer at the Rhode Island Foundation. "Digital learning can increase student motivation and engagement in ways that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children."
The program has the support of Acting Superintendent Patrick McGee, who pointed out that, as the district advances its efforts to bring digital tolls into the classroom, they have hired two digital learning specialists to assist teachers in incorporating digital learning technologies into their work with students. "Teachers have been enthusiastic to have this opportunity and we look forward to seeing how they implement what they learn in the Summer Institute when they return to their classrooms in the fall," he said. Participating teachers include:
Mike Sexton, Technology Coach
Dave Andrews, social studies teacher, Woonsocket High School
Elaine Zagrodny, elementary teacher, Citizens Memorial School
Linda Murray, Woonsocket Education Department
Paulette Metivier, science teacher, Woonsocket Middle School
Renee McCutcheon, elementary school teacher
Ellen LaRiviere, elementary teacher, Harris Elementary School
Neil Gagnon, 6th grade social studies teacher
Kathy McCarthy, Woonsocket Public Schools
Jill Badeau, special education teacher
subsequent years