Episode 36 | Live from ISTE: Dr. Sheryl Abshire on Strengthening School-Home Partnerships

Summary

Dr. Sheryl Abshire discusses her experience in promoting technology adoption in education and the challenges and opportunities it presents. She emphasizes the importance of trust and support from school districts, principals, and teachers in implementing technology in the classroom. Dr. Abshire also highlights the need for technology to provide ease of use for teachers and personalized learning experiences for students. She discusses the role of generative AI in education and its potential to give teachers more time and improve learning outcomes. Dr. Abshire also addresses the importance of parent engagement and the challenges of funding and sustainability in technology adoption.

Takeaways

- Trust and support from school districts, principals, and teachers are crucial in promoting technology adoption in education.
- Technology should provide ease of use for teachers and personalized learning experiences for students.
- Generative AI has the potential to give teachers more time and improve learning outcomes.
- Parent engagement is essential in the learning process and should be supported and encouraged.
- Funding and sustainability are challenges in technology adoption that need to be addressed.

Sound Bites

"Generative AI gives teachers more time."
"Technology can personalize and customize learning for students."
"The pandemic woke people up to the power of technology in education."

Chapters

00:30 Introduction and Background

02:33 Teacher Adoption and Building Trust

04:49 Technology's Role in Improving Student Learning

05:55 Differentiation and Personalization in Learning

11:19 Challenges and Accomplishments in Technology Adoption

12:32 Importance of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

13:43 The Future is Student-Centered

14:50 Personalized Learning: How AI is Changing the Game

17:45 Saving Time for Teachers with Tech

19:44 The Funding Struggle: How Tech Became a Necessity

23:00 Proving It Works: Why Results Matter in EdTech

24:52 Making the Most of Tight Budgets with Technology

26:01 The Power of Networking and Giving Back

About Sheryl

With over 40 years of experience in education, Dr. Sheryl has held various leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer for the Calcasieu Parish School System, where she led technology integration across curricula. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, and she has served as a teacher, principal, and professor. She is an active member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a thought leader in educational technology, and a recognized advocate for EdTech policy. She has received numerous awards, including the National Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee and the FCC appointment to the USAC board. Since 2019, she has been a consultant and EdTech specialist, continuing to shape educational technology policies.

Connect with Sheryl

LinkedIn: @sherylabshire
Twitter: @sherylabshire
Instagram: @sherylabshire