Community Event Proposal Gwendolyn Cloyd EDU 620: Meeting Individual Student Needs with Technology Instructor: Amy Gray May 23, 2016

In just two months, members of the community will vote on an $18 million educational technology bond. The passing of the bond would provide upgraded technology to improve learning for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade students enrolled in the school district, as well as, adult learners enrolled in the community center which have blended adult learning programs. The leadership teams of both the school district and community have decided to join forces in an effort to encourage voter participation. However, by raising awareness and interest in technology as a teaching and learning tool, voters will have a better understanding of and appreciation for the issues pertaining to the bond

 I have proposed an event plan to the community center administrative team through a professional presentation a plan along with a written synopsis of the event plans provided to the community.  The goal of the event is to inform and excite local residents about how technology is currently being integrated into the learning environment in the community center, and how the use of technology could help improve instruction and learning, if the bond were to pass.  We will get the attention of the community by inviting the local community to an awareness event, in hopes of educating them as to the importance of technology as teaching and learning tool.  The community center staff will create a website, campaign signs, posters, brochures, Schedule speaking engagements, organize a voters’ registration drive, go door to door, use telephone, use mail to inform residents of the coming event.  Information is to be distributed throughout the neighborhood, as to how many stations # (three) will be present, and what information is available at each such station.

 Will consist of information on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the importance of UDL and student learning.  The station will look like an open area with chairs and tables, and coffee /refreshments for anyone who would like to have a seat and browse the information packets.  The packets will describe what UDL is and how it is implemented into teaching and learning, and how it specifically pertains to pre- k through 12 th grade students in the district, as well as, adult learners at the community center. There will also, be information on the use of certain technological tools to enhance learning.  By introducing UDLs’ curriculum the instructor will not only help students master a specific body of knowledge and/or a set of skills, but to also, become expert learners (Edyburn, 2013).

 The three principles of UDL are to provide multiple means of representation (the “what” of learning), Multiple means of action and expression (the “how” of learning), and provide multiple means of engagement (the “why” of learning (Edyburn, 2013).  CAST (2011) believes, that “Designing curricula using UDL allows teachers to remove potential barriers that could prevent learners from meeting this important goal” (par. 3, p. 7). They also, believes that “not all students perform best in the same way, and that Curricula for UDL are created to meet all learners to progress from where they are and not where we would have imagined them to be (p. 4).

 The impact UDL has on teaching and learning for Pre-K through 12th grade students and the adult learners at the community center has greatly improved their chances at accomplishing their educational, academic, and/or vocational goals, thus making them a positive member of society and the work environment. Incorporating UDL principles enhances learning by providing differentiated learning opportunities A universally curriculum offers multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge, multiple means of expressions to provide learners’ alternatives for demonstrating what they know, multiple means of engagement to tap into learners’ interest, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn (CAST, 2011). 

 The attendees could interact in this station as the instructor gives illustrations, or model lessons using different technologies to show how an instructor introduce the lesson to the students. This may increase their interest and appreciation for the educational use of technology.

 We believe that building trust within the community can be accomplished by promoting educational growth, technology integration, career, and technical education (CTE) to promote students’ achievement.  Building awareness to the residents in the community by promoting educational opportunities for students and adults that prepares them for job, career, and/or future studies.  The Bipartisan Bill, The Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) that President Obama signed on December 10, 2015 ensures that an opportunity for all students and take the No Child Left Behind bill a step farther (OCTAE, n. d.).

 The goal of the community center is to build awareness to the residents in the community by promoting educational opportunities for students and adults that prepares them for job, career, and/or future studies.  Another goal of the center is to introduce students/adults to the use of integrated technology and problem-based learning to prepare them for the 21 st -century.

Tutoring (all grades) Learning activities Continuing education Career training Technical training Job readiness Computer Technology GED/Certification Educational Portal (n. d.)

 The 21 st - century skills that students will learn are critically thinking, technology, communication, and life and career skills that they would need to survive in the real world and in the job arena, as well as, in a higher educational setting, as a result in taking as a result of taking any of the courses mentioned above (P21, n. d.).  Students will learn how to use digital technological, such as computers, media players, communication networking tools, and social networks, etc., in order to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information successfully (ICT Literacy - P21, n. d.).

 Grade school Teachers will use different videos and interactive computer games to assist in teaching and learning instruction. Vocational training classes/ English learners/ High School students will use digital literacy resources (charts, graphs) Tablets, interactive white boards, internet, etc., to assist them in their learning and vocational training and to support future employability.  Attendees can interact with this information and tools at this station by examining, receiving sample lessons and by watching demonstrations as instructors perform them. This station will supply brochures, have pamphlets of different technologies that are to be integrated into the classrooms and have hands- on questions and answers open discussions.

 New Technology will benefit learners (students/ adults) a great deal if the Community programs, courses, had upgraded technology from approved bond – so please vote for it’s passing.  This upgrade will only enhance a students’ ability to as Edyburn (2013) say, “demonstrate what they know in new and creative ways (Chap., 4.3, p.11, par. 1).   technology integration logo… 384(w)x 240 (h) Pixels, 13 KB, JPG

 CAST (2011).Principle of Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0: Wakefield, MA: Author. Retrieved from   Education Portal (n. d,).What is adult college education? Retrieved from   Edyburn, D. L. (2013).Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success. San Diego, CA:  Bridgepoint Education, Inc.  Office of Career Technical and Adult Education (n. d.). Career and technical education related links. Retrieved from   Partnership for 21 st -Century Skills (n. d.). Framework for 21 st Century Learning Retrieved from   Partnership for 21 st -Century Skills (n. d.). ICT Literacy. Retrieved from   Technology integration logo. J…  384 (w) x240 (h) pixels,, 13 KB, JPG 