Personalized learning, anytime, anywhere on any device
The impact technology has on teaching and learning is significant. Learning today is driven by the need to make connections and to collect and apply knowledge in a variety of ways. Students must interact with information in a variety of modalities, have opportunities to respond to the information and receive prompt feedback.
Technology, with the direction of a teacher, will provide the gateway students need for this interactive, 24/7 learning experience. This ensures each student has a personalized education and access to information so they may engage in their own learning process while pursuing their dreams and future aspirations.
Technology is ever-changing. The Instructional Technology Department is committed is to providing the best innovative tools, while staying abreast of new technologies to support the Katy ISD curriculum and engage all student learners in this Information-Age. The department is comprised of three areas: Classroom Instructional Technology, Digital Learning and eLearning and Instructional Applications.
Classroom Instructional Technology
Classroom Technology Designers are responsible for providing support for instructional software and hardware for teachers and students. Ongoing professional development and updated resources on our knowledge base provide teachers with the content needed to support their use in instructional technology. Students need access to rich resources that will provide each of them with a meaningful experience with the curriculum. The Classroom Technology Designers provide integrated, relevant resources at the content and grade level.
The Digital Learning area encompasses the Library Media Center which assists the librarians with online instructional resources and information literacy. Libraries are the hub of the school and provide many resources. As KISD moves more content online, it is ever more important that the focus is on information literacy. Digital responsibility and cyber safety are two key areas for the Digital Learning group. Ensuring students understand and are provided with curriculum to make a positive digital social contribution is important to Katy ISD.
eLearning and Instructional Applications
eLearning supports the initiative of "personalized learning... anywhere, any time and any device" by providing challenging online solutions for student learning and educator professional development. The Katy ISD Virtual School currently offers online high school courses for original credit for Katy ISD students. The Online Learning Coordinators work to ensure that online courses contain complete Katy ISD curriculum and are structured to help guarantee student success. Courses are developed using best practices for quality course design and instructional delivery methods. Our
Katy Online Learning Academy provides support for online credit recovery coursework based on the campus decision about a student's needs. In addition, this group is responsible for instructional applications standards including software and online subscriptions for teachers and students and ensures these resources are relevant and aligned with the Katy ISD curriculum.