Lauren’s EdTech Lab

  Professional learning is at the heart of effective technology integration. For this Technology Integration Plan (TIP), professional development for library staff is grounded in research-based best practices and aligned with the ISTE Standards for Educators and the STARSS-LS Framework. Research indicates that ongoing, collaborative professional learning strengthens instructional practices and improves learning outcomes (Crompton, 2023). This plan focuses on preparing librarians to guide parents in using technology purposefully to support early childhood learning. Structuring Professional Development (Staff Component of STARSS-LS) The staff component of STARSS-LS emphasizes building capacity, collaboration, and sustainable professional growth. Professional development is structured as interactive, hands-on sessions where librarians practice leading parent workshops, explore educational apps, and model technology use at home. Reflection, teamwork, and iterative practice are central...

1. Best Practices from Crompton (2023) and ISTE Educator Standards Crompton (2023) highlights that professional development and the use of research-based practices improve student learning outcomes. Even though I am not a teacher, I see how supporting educators through training and providing access to innovative tools can directly impact students’ success. ISTE Educator Standards, such as 2.1.a (Set Professional Goals) and 2.2.c (Model Digital Tool Use) , guide me in helping educators explore new strategies, evaluate tools, and reflect on their effectiveness. From my needs assessment, I learned that while most students have access to devices and internet at home, many parents feel uncertain about how to support learning with technology. Using these best practices, I can develop a Technology Vision that supports educators with professional learning and provides resources for parents, such as workshops, guides, and online tutorials, ensuring that all students benefit from technology r...

  Introduction In the Oklahoma City metro area, young children have access to library technology programs, but many parents lack guidance on using digital tools intentionally for learning. My technology integration plan focuses on parent workshops at the Belle Isle Library, Warr Acres Library, and Patience S. Latting Northwest Library. These workshops aim to help parents use technology purposefully to support early literacy, numeracy, and STEAM development. The plan is guided by the Teacher Digital Competency (TDC) Framework (Falloon, 2020), which emphasizes not just skills but safe, ethical, and intentional use of technology. Stakeholders To design and implement these workshops, I would first engage: Parents and guardians , who are primary learners and implementers of technology at home. Library staff , who facilitate sessions and provide ongoing support. Early childhood educators and specialists , who guide curriculum development and ensure content is age-appropriate. C...

Students using iPads to learn . In the interview conducted by Stachowiak and McClay (2024), Dr. John Albert discusses his use of educational technology at California Elementary School, exemplifying the advantages of intentional, equity-focused leadership. As the primary instructional leader at the iInspire Academy, he oversees a one-to-one iPad program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, aiming to close socioeconomic and academic disparities. Dr. Albert’s career path into decision-making roles, as he described in the interview, illustrates a methodical approach: identifying students’ unique needs, developing a clear vision, and evaluating small pilot projects before scaling school-wide. This evidence-based approach established his credibility and recognition as a pioneer in instructional technology. Standard 3.1.b, "Ensure Access to Meet Student Needs," closely aligns with Dr. Albert’s methods. As he highlighted in the interview, he ensures that children from un...

  Local libraries are a major source of education and technological access for families with little children in my neighborhood. Children have access to computers, toys, and books at the Warr Acres, Belle Isle, and Patience S. Latting Northwest Libraries, but there is little parental supervision of technology use.   Children may interact passively with technology , as many parents are preoccupied or allow screen time as a break. There are currently no parent workshops  focused on helping families make deliberate use of technology, despite libraries offering programs like story time and STEM activities.   This presents a clear example of the digital divide extending beyond access to technology into digital skills and usage patterns (Van Dijk, 2017; Turner Lee, 2018). According to research on digital readiness before COVID-19, there were gaps in students' digital skills before the epidemic (Van de Werfhorst et al., 2018). Gender, socioeconomic ba...

    Bridging the Gap Introduction Hello, my name is Lauren, and I am a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Education with a focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology. I am a full-time student at the moment. My long-term goal is to become an instructional designer. In this course, I am exploring how libraries support parents in providing guidance on technology use and access for young children. My goal is to create a Call to Action that provides parents with education on effective technology use, helping children become active learners rather than passive users. I am focusing on families with young children who use local libraries as a community resource. My Call to Action will serve parents and caregivers , helping them understand how to use technology intentionally to support learning and skill development for early learners. Demographics & Community Context I visited three local libraries, including Warr Acres Library – Metropolitan Library System , Pati...