Technology is changing everything, including the way we educate our children. In this Q&A with Parent, Dr. Matt Kuhn, Chief Technology Officer of Volusia County Schools, highlights the essential digital skills students need to thrive and offers a glimpse into the future of learning in Volusia County.
How is the District integrating technology into the classroom?
Dr. Kuhn: Our Information Technology Services team provides ongoing training sessions and workshops to help teachers become proficient with new technologies. This includes hands-on training, webinars and one-on-one coaching. They also work closely with curriculum specialists to design and integrate technology into lesson plans and curriculum. This involves identifying appropriate tools and resources that align with educational goals and standards. Extended staff, called Digital Learning Technology Leaders (DLTL), are teachers who offer support to other teachers, helping them troubleshoot issues and ensure that technology is used effectively in the classroom. DLTLs also collaborate with teachers during planning sessions to brainstorm and implement innovative teaching strategies that incorporate technology.
Our Instructional Technology Specialists create and curate digital resources, such as instructional videos, interactive activities and online assessments, to support teaching and learning. They gather feedback from teachers and students to assess the effectiveness of technology integration and make necessary adjustments.
What digital skills do you believe are essential for students to learn in today’s educational environment?
Dr. Kuhn: In today’s educational environment, several digital skills are essential for students to thrive both academically and in their future careers. Proficiency in typing is still crucial for efficient communication and productivity. Understanding basic computing functions, hardware and software is foundational. Navigating the internet safely and effectively, conducting online research and using email and other communication tools are vital skills. Office applications are important, like word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.
Digital Citizenship, which includes online safety, privacy, digital etiquette and understanding how to use technology responsibly and ethically, is key for young learners. This involves problem-solving skills, breaking down complex tasks, recognizing patterns and creating step-by-step solutions. It’s a foundational skill for coding and algorithmic thinking.
Digital creativity is also important. Students need to learn how to use digital tools for creative expression, such as graphic design, video editing and digital storytelling, to help them develop innovative thinking.
A new area is Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy. Students need to understand the basics of AI, including how AI systems work, their applications and their impact on society. This includes learning about machine learning, natural language processing and data analysis. Applying AI to critical thinking and using it ethically is key. We must develop their ability to critically assess AI technologies, understand their limitations and use them as an augmentation, not a replacement, for their schoolwork. This includes AI-driven problem-solving tools to analyze data, identify patterns and generate solutions to complex problems. This skill is essential for fields like data science, engineering and business.
With regard to technology in the classroom, what changes can parents expect in the future?
Dr. Kuhn: Now and in the near future, parents can expect classrooms to incorporate immersive technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality for interactive learning experiences, AI for personalized education and instant feedback and predictive analytics to identify students needing extra help. Cloud computing will grow to facilitate resource access and collaboration, while 3D printing will expand to allow students to create tangible models. Additionally, game-based learning is gaining in popularity to make education more engaging and fun. These advancements aim to enhance the educational experience by making it more interactive, personalized and accessible.
How can parents identify and nurture their children's interests in technology-related fields, such as coding or digital design?
Dr. Kuhn: To identify and nurture children’s interests in technology-related fields, parents should observe their natural inclinations, engage in conversations about their interests and expose them to various tech activities. Providing resources such as advanced software and online courses, encouraging exploration, enrolling them in classes or clubs, supporting their projects and connecting them with mentors can further nurture these interests. This is why VCS offers CTE programs and academies. The programs are single classes meant to introduce students to various fields. The academies are intentionally designed course sequences that go in depth when a student is ready to commit to a topic of interest.
