It's important to note that the best technology is the one that fits your specific context, goals, and needs. Consider adopting VR technology to create immersive learning experiences for your students, such as virtual field trips or simulations. AI in the form of chatbot, AI-powered writing tools, or AI-powered learning management systems are also new and innovative ways to support student learning and engagement. To engage staff or students, use tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, or Trello to allow them to work on projects together in real-time. A quick survey of sites to increase engagement is to skill up your staff and to onboard them into your organization’s culture.  Digital storytelling is one method of achieving both of these targets. Luckily for you, the focus at the 2024 TxDLA Conference, March 25-28 in Galveston, is all about engaging students in a digital environment. Come see how you can embrace methods of engaging your staff/students in a comprehensive and fun environment. Or, join TxDLA to access our growing video library for members on using technology to engage students.

You might consider providing alternative text for images, videos and audio files to make your content accessible to those with visual and auditory impairments. Use a variety of media such as text, images, videos, and audio to present information in multiple ways. You might also create interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and discussions to keep students engaged. One of the fastest ways to check for accessibility is to use an accessibility checker website. Many free options are available such as EXPERTE.com's Accessibility Checker or Accessibility Checker.org, though, this is a reactive step. A more comprehensive method would be to design your content from the ground up with accessibility in mind. The TxDLA Digital Accessibility Certificate program offered several times throughout each year, is a vetted and reliable method of ensuring your content is always accessible. There are also multiple sessions on digital accessibility at our upcoming 2024 TxDLA Conference, March 25-28 in Galveston, including a free three-hour pre-conference workshop specifically covering digital accessibility.

It’s good practice to regularly check and evaluate the accessibility of your content, and to adjust as needed. Keep yourself updated with the latest accessibility guidelines, laws and regulations. Check the W3C website for accessibility resources. A quick tool for checking contrast (one component of digital accessibility) on your digital content  is to use a contrast checker such as WebAim. For a more effective toolbox, TxDLA has a comprehensive Accessibility Certification program that will skill you up. Check our website for more details.

Microlearning platforms can be used to deliver bite-sized chunks of information, which can be easily consumed on-the-go and can be effective for busy staff with limited time. Consider using an online Learning Management System (LMS) to create, deliver, and track online training programs. They can also provide access to a wide variety of training materials and resources. But, with unlimited technology in today’s world, the task of choosing the one which works best for you can be daunting. Picking the right tool can be just as important as the content when providing training to your staff. Come join Digital Learning specialists from across the state at 2024 TxDLA Conference, March 25-28 in Galveston, to see how they are leveraging technology in their professional development to meet the needs of their staff. Or, join TxDLA to access our growing video library for members on using technology to train staff.

Launching a virtual school can be a complex process.  You should begin by conducting research and assessing the needs of your target audience. This includes understanding the demographics, learning styles, and technology preferences of your students. Done with your research, and finally ready to launch your own virtual school, but don’t have all the resources or the expert mentors who have walked this path already?  Next spring, come meet and learn from the state’s best online administrators at the 2024 TxDLA Conference, March 25-28 in Galveston. Here you’ll be able to meet, interact, and learn from administrators from K12, higher ed, governmental, and corporate digital admins. Follow their guidance to dodge and overcome challenges in your pursuit to launch your very own virtual school campus.

Virtually of course!  The growth of digital education has been exponential the past few years … 29.2 % of college students have taken online courses, according to U.S. News. This format has existed pre-COVID, and will only get better going forward.  If you haven’t seen the latest and greatest for digital learning, consider attending our 2024 TxDLA Conference, March 25-28 in Galveston. And, until you are able to fill your vacancies, consider creating a supportive and positive work environment, with opportunities for collaboration, professional development and recognition. Use technology to support teachers, such as providing them with access to online resources, lesson plans, and professional development opportunities.

The largest collection of OER can be found at OER Commons.  It’s one thing to find the resources, but to be effective when using these resources, you need guidance and a mentor.  Join us this March 25-28, 2024 in Galveston at TxDLA's Annual Conference, where you can meet and find many mentors to guide you through the array of OER resources. Or, join TxDLA to access our growing video library for members on the effective use of free online education resources.

Provide a variety of resources, such as books, articles, videos, and tutorials, that cover different learning styles and levels of difficulty. From creating your own courses to outsourcing the content, leaders nowadays have a wide arrangement of options when it comes to self-directed learning, but how can you be sure the content is high quality and meets the needs of your staff and students? Come visit with specialists from all across the state at the 2024 TxDLA Conference, March 25-28 in Galveston, to learn how they are meeting the needs of the students and staff with high quality, self-paced learning.

Digital storytelling is the process of using digital tools and media to tell a story. This can include a variety of mediums such as video, audio, images, and text. The process typically involves the use of a computer or other digital device to create and edit the story, as well as to share it with an audience. Digital storytelling can be used for a wide range of purposes, including education, entertainment, marketing, and personal expression. 

Start by identifying the purpose and audience for the story. This will help you determine the type of story you want to create and the medium you want to use. Plan the structure of your story. This can include creating a storyboard or script that outlines the main elements of the story, such as the setting, characters, and plot. Gather your materials, which can include text, images, audio, and video. You can use a variety of tools to create these elements, such as a camera, microphone, and editing software.

Interested in learning more about digital storytelling?  Join TxDLA to access our growing video library for members on the effective use of free online education resources.  You will be a digital storytelling expert in a few short days!