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Harris Education Solutions Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Drive Innovation in K-12 Education

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in News & Announcements.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harris Education Solutions Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Drive Innovation in K-12 Education

January 31, 2025 – Harris Education Solutions (HES), a division of Harris Computer Corporation dedicated to advancing student success, is excited to announce key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its support for K-12 education district clients.

Diva Mayeau – Executive Vice President

Diva Mayeau has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Harris Education Solutions since 2024. With over 25 years in the public technology software sector, Ms. Mayeau brings extensive experience in strategic planning, business operations, financial management, and leadership. Her tenure at Harris Computers includes roles such as Vice President of Professional Services and Vice President of Operations. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, along with a Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate and various other management certifications, Ms. Mayeau is dedicated to providing exceptional support to partners, empowering employees, and driving business growth. Her commitment to operational excellence, employee professional growth, and continuous expansion with existing and prospecting clients sets HES towards continuing to be an enduring Business Unit.

Anthony Siciliano – Vice President of Research and Development

With 25 years in the education industry, Anthony Siciliano is a visionary leader in research and product development, dedicated to driving innovation in K-12 technology. His deep understanding of educational challenges and technology trends positions him to enhance and expand Harris Education Solutions’ suite of products, ensuring they evolve to meet the real-world needs of educators and students. Anthony’s expertise in data-driven solutions and user-focused development will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of HES offerings.

Based in New Jersey, Anthony is a hockey fan and sports enthusiast. When he’s not leading innovation at HES, he is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his three children—Anthony, Cameron, and Sydney—and his cat, Wallee.

Dr. Brad Hunter – Vice President of Operations

Dr. Brad Hunter brings extensive experience in K-12 education leadership, having served as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for Lee County Schools in Alabama. A dedicated advocate for student success, he has been instrumental in shaping district operations, policy implementation, and school leadership. Dr. Hunter was also recognized by the Alabama Music Educators Association for his contributions to music education, highlighting his commitment to fostering well-rounded learning experiences for students. His expertise in managing district-wide initiatives and improving operational efficiencies will strengthen Harris Education Solutions’ ability to align its solutions with the real needs of schools and districts.

These leadership appointments reflect Harris Education Solutions’ commitment to providing cutting-edge, educator-driven solutions that empower K-12 schools. By strengthening its leadership team, HES continues its mission of supporting student success through innovative and effective education technology.

For more information, visit harriseducationsolutions.com.

About Harris Education Solutions

Harris Education Solutions, a division of Harris Computer Corporation, provides a suite of educational products that support all levels within a district. From administration to teachers to students, HES delivers solutions for lesson planning, assessments, curriculum, data analysis, and platforms for RTI/MTSS and teacher walkthroughs, allowing for an integrated approach to district and classroom management.

Prioritizing Security: How Harris Education Solutions Protects Your Data

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in Cybersecurity and Trust Center, EdTech & Digital Literacy.

In today’s digital world, data security is more important than ever—especially for school systems entrusted with sensitive student and staff information. At Harris Education Solutions (HES), we understand the critical responsibility of safeguarding your systems and data. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and we want to share how we’re working to keep your information secure.

A Multi-Layered Approach to Security
Our commitment to data protection begins with robust infrastructure and best practices. Every aspect of our technology environment is designed with security in mind:

  • State-of-the-Art Hosting: HES systems are hosted in secure data centers equipped with advanced physical protections such as controlled access points, 24/7 video surveillance, perimeter fencing, and biometric authentication. These measures ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems.
  • Industry-Standard Encryption: To protect the confidentiality of your data, we use encryption protocols for both data in transit (using TLS standards) and at rest (via AES-256 encryption techniques). This ensures that your information is safe from unauthorized access at every stage.
  • Proactive Threat Management: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are conducted to identify and address potential risks. Any critical findings are prioritized and resolved by our Infrastructure and Development Teams to maintain a secure environment.

Advanced Monitoring and Protection
We employ a variety of sophisticated tools and strategies to stay ahead of potential threats:

  • Continuous monitoring of networks, servers, and services ensures rapid identification and resolution of issues to minimize disruption.
  • Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) provide an additional layer of defense against malicious activity.
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection safeguards against attempts to overwhelm and disrupt systems.

Trained Teams, Trusted Practices
A secure system starts with the people behind it. At HES, we’ve built a culture of security that prioritizes data protection across all aspects of our operations:

  • Employees undergo rigorous cybersecurity training, including annual compliance education on FERPA, credential safeguarding, and social engineering prevention.
  • Strict device management protocols are enforced, including encryption of company devices and regular patching to eliminate vulnerabilities.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular password updates ensure secure access to critical systems.

Commitment to a Secure Workforce
We also prioritize security from the moment an employee joins our team. All prospective employees are subject to thorough background checks, including criminal record verification and education confirmation, conducted by our Corporate Human Resources Department. This vetting process ensures we hire trustworthy and qualified individuals.

Your Security Is Our Mission
At HES, protecting your data isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a fundamental part of our partnership with you. We continuously enhance our security measures to address evolving threats, so you can rely on our solutions with confidence.

Thank You for Trusting Us
We’re honored to support your important work in education, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to keeping your systems secure. Thank you for being a valued part of the HES community.

For a closer look at our enhanced cybersecurity measures, click here.

Harris Education Solutions Introduces Cornerstone Content Service

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in News & Announcements.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


November 20, 2024  

Harris Education Solutions proudly announces the launch of Cornerstone Content, a new service designed to save educators time in assessment creation while addressing student learning needs.

This collaborative service partners with districts to create premade, curated assessments aligned with curriculum goals and state exam data. These assessments integrate with Castle Learning and eDoctrina, streamlining the process for educators and providing targeted support to students.

“Cornerstone Content is about empowering educators to focus on teaching by reducing the time spent creating assessments,” said Meghan Ricketts, Content Manager at Cornerstone Content. “We’re here to make a meaningful difference in the classroom.”  

For questions about Cornerstone Content, reach out to:
Meghan Ricketts  
Content Manager
Email: [email protected]

Follow Harris Education Solutions on LinkedIn for updates: [Harris Education Solutions LinkedIn]

eDoctrina’s Core Performance Management Software Officially Launches in Baltimore City Schools

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in News & Announcements.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Baltimore, MD – October 2024 – eDoctrina is proud to announce the official launch of its Core Performance Management software for Baltimore City Schools. This milestone follows a year-long, collaborative effort to integrate eDoctrina’s comprehensive suite of educational tools, designed to support performance management, assessment, professional development, and data analytics across the district.

In November 2023, Baltimore City Schools entered a three-year contract with eDoctrina to implement its Core Performance Management suite, including the OBSeRVE Module, SLO tool, student goals, educator effectiveness forms, improvement plans, the Assessment bundle, PD30 module, reporting and analytic tools, and other services. The partnership represents a shared commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through advanced, data-driven insights and streamlined performance management.

Since the start of this partnership, eDoctrina’s team dedicated over 3,900 hours to this initiative, encompassing software development, configuration, project management, and the creation of support documentation. This relentless focus and discipline by both teams led to a seamless implementation, culminating in the system going live on September 9, 2024.

“This launch is a significant achievement for both eDoctrina and Baltimore City Schools,” said Diva Mayeau, HES EVP. “The commitment, discipline, and focus demonstrated by everyone involved is a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision. We’re thrilled to see this system live and operational and look forward to building on this momentum to further support City Schools in achieving their educational goals.”

With the eDoctrina system now fully operational, the teams look forward to continuing their collaboration and leveraging the platform’s capabilities to empower Baltimore educators and improve student success across the district.

About eDoctrina
eDoctrina is a leading provider of education technology solutions, specializing in performance management, assessment, and analytics tools designed to support educators and administrators in achieving measurable outcomes. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative software and services that enable schools to foster growth, drive accountability, and promote success.

Understanding and Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in MTSS & Student Support.

One of your most essential, yet complicated, responsibilities is supporting the wide variety of learning needs of all students. Data-driven education practices continue to revolutionize the way we approach learning. Reams of data are only helpful if you can quickly see patterns. You need flexible tools that provide comprehensive, relevant, and organized information.

Students’ needs change frequently. Some students struggle with learning disabilities, some with mental health, and others with physical health. A few students face multiple challenges simultaneously. Sometimes students are doing just fine and then all of a sudden their life spins out of control. A family or personal crisis creates new needs in otherwise stable students.

Deficits are not the only reason students need extra support. Gifted students may need enrichment and acceleration. High achieving students often need encouragement when they experience a setback. Students from wealthy families have educational gaps from travel-related absences.

Supporting special needs can be so overwhelming that some administrators end up neglecting building robust foundational structures and systems. Every student needs a well-designed curriculum, high-quality instruction, and a safe environment. Without those, students end up experiencing academic and socio-emotional stress. Students experiencing stress are more likely to need more intense interventions. It becomes a vicious cycle of reactionary, rather than proactive, education solutions. Monitoring and adjusting for all aspects of student success requires a systematic approach.

To assist educators we’ve created an eBook titled “Understanding and Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)” for your reference. Topics include:

  • Understanding the Tiering System
  • Creating an Implementation Plan
  • Software Solutions

Click on the link below to download the eBook:

DOWNLOAD PDF

Implementing the MTSS framework with fidelity takes teams equipped with adequate resources. Without proper analytical tools, you and your team will likely suffer from data overload and give up before seeing the possibilities.

Preparing Students for Computer-Based Testing

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in Assessment & Data.

Computer based tests (CBT) are often given in schools to test students and determine their level of preparedness for the next grade, or even the next level of school. They are also sometimes used for school ratings to exhibit the average test score of students in a school, as well as periodic state testing.Although students tend to dread computer based tests, these types of tests can help students in more ways than one. They help with concentration, focus, and critical thinking. There are a number of things teachers and administrators can do in order to prepare students for a computer based test:

  • Put together an assessment team to work together on test development discussing question formats, how many will be included on the test, test design, implementation and platform.
  • Have a practice run that includes sample questions on the same or similar topics covered on the actual assessment, as well as question formats that mimic the real test questions.
  • Design a timeline for test day so students know what to expect and how long the test will take.
  • Work with technology experts to ensure on test day everything runs smoothly (booting up computers, login details, etc.)
  • Walk through the test finalization process including submitting answers, gathering and sharing test results.

With assessment formats and question types designed by educators to mirror state testing, Castle Learning and eDoctrina are excellent instructional support resources.We’ve created a guide with helpful tips on preparing students for CBT. Click HERE to view the guide.

How Self-Directed Learning Can Engage and Empower Your Students

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in Instruction & Classroom Practice.

Can students really decide how they learn best? That’s a question many schools are wondering as self-directed learning gains popularity across the country. The concept is not new. In fact, its roots trace back to Socrates and Aristotle, but today’s teachers are embracing this instructional strategy as technology offers more opportunities for students to explore topics they find interesting and seek information easily and independently.

Essentially, self-directed learning allows students to take ownership for their learning, deciding what they will learn, and how they will learn it. This empowers students, giving them a primary role in their education. Furthermore, research has emerged to indicate that this method is not only a highly effective way to increase retention, but has many additional positive side effects for students.

How Does This Work in a Classroom?

Allowing your students to choose what they are going to learn based on their own personal interests and strengths sounds nice, but how does this look in a classroom? Well, it’s different for every teacher and every student.

The truth is, there are many different paths to learning and some students will prefer one method over another. Certain students will learn best reading books or websites, while others prefer to watch videos or listen to podcasts. Kinesthetic learners may enjoy physical and virtual field trips. Teachers can help introduce students to these alternative paths to learning and guide students to find what works best for them.

You might give your students a general goal, like learning about marine life. Students would then work with you to determine a topic which interests them and how they will demonstrate their learning. An artistic student may be fascinated by colorful nudibranchs and create an informational pamphlet. Another student may decide to learn about the effects of pollution on beluga whales and write a persuasive letter to the editor of a newspaper. A third student may select to study the marine life in tide pools of their local area, creating a video teaching about the formation of the pools. Each student may have a different learning outcome, but each is deeply invested in the learning process because it is specifically tailored to his/her interests.

What Role do Teachers Play in Self-Directed Learning?

Self-directed learning requires a skill set that must be carefully taught and modeled by their teachers. To build and support self-directed learners, you will need to cover topics like:

  • Functional computer skills
  • Digital literacy
  • Library and research skills
  • Finding credible information
  • Finding resources to assist in the learning process
  • Introducing students to different types of learning outcomes

As students follow their individual pursuits, teachers act like a guide, monitoring progress, helping students find resources, and offering feedback, paving the way for learner independence.

Harnessing Technology to Create Self-Directed Learners 

Technology plays a key role in supporting self-directed learners. You probably use it yourself all the time. Let’s say your dishwasher is leaking. Before you call for repairs, what do you do? You might type “leaky dishwasher“ into a search engine and see what comes up. After watching a DIY video or reading a blog post, you attempt to fix it, based on what you learned. That’s self-directed learning! Some tools self-directed learners use are:

  • Video-conferencing tools
  • Self-publishing
  • Personal Learning Networks
  • ePortfolios
  • Self-Assessment
  • Video-streaming platforms

Today, there is an abundance of online resources available at students’ fingertips, making self-directed learning easy to conduct in the classroom. Using various resources such as Castle Learning and eDoctrina, teachers can reduce the workload of customizing assignments and personalize learning experiences, easily giving students different topics depending on their chosen area of interest. There is really no limit to how technology can develop and support self-directed learners.

Why is Self-Directed Learning So Effective?

The best part about developing self-directed learners is that these skills carry over to different classes and can also be applied in other areas besides school. It helps build skills which develop students into lifelong learners. Here are a few of the biggest ways.

It Cultivates Curiosity

Allowing students the freedom to choose learning objectives based on their own interests helps them enjoy learning. It creates the opportunity for students to follow “rabbit holes” which spawn new topics for discovery.

It Increases Student Motivation

Since students are actively engaged in setting their own learning goals, they are more motivated to participate and dig deeper into hard topics.

It Boosts Understanding and Retention

When students play a role in selecting their focus, they are better able to absorb and retain new information.

Benefits of Self-Directed Learning

As students become the independent architects of their own knowledge, they experience other benefits as well, such as:

Building Digital Literacy Skills

Technology is now firmly entrenched in our schools and classrooms. With more schools integrating a wide variety of online learning components, students need to have competence using digital resources to find and consolidate information.

Developing a Passion to Learn

Self-directed learning is all about creating a passion for learning. Allowing students to choose their learning path actively engages them in activities that they find relevant, interesting and, most of all, fun. It’s not a stretch to realize that active engagement allows students to retain more information than passively listening to or reading about topics. It also encourages deeper learning as students are more motivated to enrich their own learning.

Learning to Take Initiative

Self-directed learners are able to understand what they want to know and determine how best to achieve their learning goals. They are able to take initiative to build their own knowledge.

Building Skills for College and Career Readiness

As self-directed learners diagnose their own learning gaps and build knowledge in specific areas, they also build other important skills. Since they are responsible for their own learning, they develop intrinsic motivation and integrity. Self-directed learners become comfortable asking questions, and aren’t afraid to seek help when they need it. These are important life skills that will serve them well across classrooms, as well as college and career goals.

Here are just some of the life skills that self-directed learners develop and exhibit:

  • Perseverance
  • Setting goals
  • Problem solving
  • Time Management

Self-directed learning provides a feeling of empowerment and is an amazing tool to develop essential life skills and lifelong learners. It encourages deeper learning and supports students to set higher learning goals. The more interested and invested your students are in what they are learning, the more willing and able they will be to do the hard work to achieve their learning goals. You may be surprised at the enthusiasm students exhibit when they are truly invested in their work.

At Harris Education Solutions, we provide solutions that help support educators and encourage students to take ownership of their learning.

Bridging the Three Facets of the Digital Divide

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in EdTech & Digital Literacy.

How have you used the internet recently? Maybe you searched for information, read an email, paid a bill, attended a meeting, collaborated on a project, created a presentation, or consulted a doctor. Convenient internet access makes these and other actions quicker and easier.

In this modern era, not using the internet puts people at a significant disadvantage in many aspects of life, including education. The chasm between the haves and have-nots of internet access is called the digital divide. Optimizing the internet’s capabilities requires three components: 1) a computer or other internet-capable device, 2) reliable high-speed internet, 3) sufficient digital literacy skills.

Unfortunately, far too many students in the US lack one or all three components. This video shows the stark difference between students searching for information with internet access versus without it. As dramatic as this video is, searching for information barely scratches the surface of how technology, or EdTech, enhances student learning.

Inequity Factors

Research from the Pew Research Center, the National Education Association, and the International Computer and Information Literacy Study all tell a similar story. Personal factors heavily influence students’ access to computers and the internet. These factors often compound each other and include:

  1. Income level
  2. Geography
  3. Education level of parents
  4. Racial /ethnic background
  5. Income

Not surprisingly, families on tight budgets allocate limited funds to shelter, food, and healthcare over broadband internet service and computers. Even the least expensive devices cost a significant amount of money, and cheap devices often break and lack enough processing speed to be truly useful. Many low-income students do not have a device at home, or multiple household members share one device preventing students from having enough time to finish their homework.

Internet providers typically charge by the speed of the internet they provide. Streaming videos, attending virtual meetings, and uploading and downloading media require about 1.5 megabits per second, or 1.5 Mbps. Cable tends to be the cheapest way to get broadband internet. Texas residents pay about $.12 per MB per month for cable internet, whereas Wyoming residents pay $1.00. Many families cut costs by paying for slower internet that allows students to read and answer emails but not watch videos.

  1. Geography

The cost of broadband does not tell the whole story. The availability of high-speed internet varies dramatically depending on where you live. Students in areas such as rural West Virginia and Montana lack broadband infrastructure, making their internet connections too slow to be useful.

The NEA study ranked states based on students’ access to broadband internet. Complete access meant that they had enough working devices and reliable high-speed internet at home. Mississippi ranks 50th, with only 64% having full access. Meanwhile, 87% of New Hampshire students enjoy complete access. The geographic discrepancy is partially due to students living in rural versus suburban conditions and partly because some populations and policymakers do not prioritize access to the internet. However, even in top-ranking New Hampshire 25,000 students lacked enough access to take advantage of many digital education tools.

  1. Education Level of Parents

Children of parents with limited education have significantly less exposure to computers and digital literacy skills. This trend holds true globally. Higher education typically leads to careers that use computers and technology, whereas a lack of education often leads to jobs involving manual labor.

Ninety-one percent of students with parents with advanced degrees have sufficient internet speed and devices, compared with only 48% of those whose parents did not finish high school. More educated parents are also significantly more advanced in digital literacy skills and can guide their children’s learning.

  1. Racial and Ethnic Background

Finally, there is a high correlation between digital haves and have-nots according to students’ racial and ethnic backgrounds. Eighty-six percent of Asian American students have sufficient access to the internet and devices, compared with 50% of Native American students.

How Schools and Communities Provide Access and Training

While the digital divide in schools correlates with personal factors, community and school infrastructure can help bridge the gap. US municipalities that include broadband as a public utility are rare but quickly growing. State laws with strict requirements about cable providers are a big roadblock for towns wanting to provide broadband as a public utility. There are valid reasons for why public utility broadband is not right for every community, but it often gives more families access to reliable internet at home. This allows lower-income students to work from home instead needing to travel to a library or school. School districts might advocate for state and local measures that would provide more families with low-cost options for internet.

Changing state law and convincing local governments to invest in broadband infrastructure may be great long-term goals. Still, many students’ families need more immediate relief. Some schools are innovating creative solutions. The Coachella Valley Unified School District sends buses with WiFi to underserved neighborhoods to provide access. Some schools work out discounts with commercial internet providers. For more ideas, check out the Discount Internet Guidebook put out by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

Schools are also doing a lot to help families acquire devices. A common method is that the schools buy devices using monies from grants, Title One, CARES ACT, or other special funding. Many of these schools then allow teachers and students to take school devices home for homework. Another method is working with non-profits that refurbish devices to help families buy low-cost devices. Partners Bridging the Digital Divide lists many great resources, including where to find refurbished devices.

Overcoming the hurdle of internet access for students and teachers at home is tremendous, but it is not enough. Teachers and students need explicit technological training to take advantage of the tools. Without detailed training, teachers are less inclined to introduce technology in the classroom, so EdTech becomes more frustrating than solving problems. Students of undertrained teachers will get fewer opportunities to advance their digital literacy skills, limiting the closure of the digital divide which could dramatically affect their higher education, career, and daily life. District and state leaders can find professional development resources at the Office of Educational Technology.

A Partner in EdTech

At Harris Education Solutions, we are firm believers in the power of digital solutions for education. We understand that Investing in EdTech is a massive undertaking because it requires carefully considering your desired student outcomes and how to maximize teacher effectiveness. We hope our blogs help guide you in your EdTech journey. Try our Solutions Tool to see which products will help the people at your schools most.

Enable All Students to Access Curriculum with Strong Computer Literacy Skills

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in EdTech & Digital Literacy.

Angela entered middle school with a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math. However, middle school teachers expected her to use unfamiliar technology, causing her to feel lost in many lessons. Although her elementary school was academically rigorous, it had neglected to incorporate adequate technology lessons. Angela’s computer literacy deficit made accessing the content in middle school stressful and frustrating.

Recognizing their mistake, the staff at Angela’s former elementary school changed their approach to teaching technology. Teachers introduced lessons focusing on fundamental computer skills and empowered students to learn, create, and collaborate. Students began to hone their skills using learning software with rapid feedback and enhancing projects with multimedia such as music, videos, pictures, and animation. Students transitioning out of that elementary school now have the computer literacy skills to thrive in middle school.

Educators without a strong technology background may feel unsure about how to start integrating technology in their lessons. If that describes you, start with reading Essential Digital Literacy Skills to Teach Digital Natives. Now that you have an overview of digital literacy, this scope and sequence will give you an idea of what to teach in different grades. These guidelines are a starting place and not meant to replace your state standards nor information from your assessments.

Students should master the following skills by 1st Grade:

  • Asks permission before going to any game or website not pre-approved.
  • Understands and uses computer-related vocabulary, such as the hardware and basic operations.
  • Knows how to turn on a device and shut it down properly.
  • Opens and exits programs and apps.
  • Understands how usernames and passwords protect privacy and account settings and can successfully log in using them.
  • Understands the importance of logging off and how to do it.
  • Uses icons and arrows to navigate to desired locations.
  • Uses a touch screen, mouse, or mouse pad to click, drag, double click, and scroll.
  • Ability to use the standard keys on the keyboard such as backspace, space bar, letters, and numbers.
  • Can adjust the volume on headset or speakers to appropriate levels. Too many children suffer hearing loss from having the volume of their headphones too loud.
  • Independently follows multi-step directions such as turning on a computer, opening an application, logging on, choosing a specific menu item, using the application, saving work, and logging off.

Students should master the following skills by 3rd Grade:

  • Understands the different types of devices and their benefits.
  • Distinguishes between being online versus offline and asks permission before going to any new website.
  • Can play, pause, rewind, and forward videos.
  • Saves, names, finds, and prints documents.
  • Uses a child-friendly search engine to find information.
  • Uses a word processor to write, highlight, copy, and paste text in documents.
  • Draws and paints with simple programs.
  • Uses some multi-key functions such as Shift and letter for capital letters and Control Z for undo.

Skills to Master by 5th Grade:

  • Follows online safety guidelines set by adults.
  • Understands the potential damage and permanence of anything posted online.
  • Reads error messages and follows simple troubleshooting directions.
  • Types with fingers on the home keys rather than hunting and pecking.
  • Uploads and resize images.
  • Edits documents with proofreading and formatting tools.
  • Finds specific websites and navigates the menu options.
  • Understands the different types and purposes of websites.
  • Shares and collaborates using simple EdTech tools.
  • Conducts online research and analyzes the information for credibility.
  • Knows how to write and send an email.

Skills to Master in Middle School

  • Recognizes when a website is not safe or appropriate.
  • Identifies common problems and troubleshoots them effectively, such as reloading a frozen website and reconnecting to the internet.
  • Understands the different methods for storing data (thumb drive, hard drive, cloud, etc.) and when each one is most useful.
  • Collaborates with others using comment features, message boards, digital whiteboards, and more.
  • Creates and shows multimedia presentations with pictures, music, and interesting transitions.
  • Creates simple graphs, tables, and spreadsheets to show information.
  • Understands how social media posts affect themselves and others. If the school encourages social media participation, students follow rules of conduct.
  • Knows how to download, rename, and find various file types.
  • Understands the basic ideas behind intellectual property to avoid copyright infringement. Gives credit to original creators with links and names when mentioning or using their work.

Skills to Master in High School:

  • Protects themselves online from phishing, viruses, scams, identity theft, and radicalization.
  • Chooses which (if any) social media platforms are helpful and how to stay safe on them.
  • Customizes settings to optimize their experience.
  • Integrates various applications such as email, calendar, and reminders.
  • Uses proper etiquette when communicating via email, social media, and message boards.
  • Understand how different technology systems work together.
  • Independently learns new computer skills using directions, videos, and other resources.
  • Uses specialized technology in fields of interest.

Just the Beginning

These basic skills will allow students to interact with technology in school and daily life.  As you and your students gain proficiency, you may expand into other computer-related domains such as coding, programming, and creating original work.

Harris Education Solutions partners with educators to help teachers and students thrive. As software providers, we understand that adapting to technology takes time and practice. That is why we provide robust training and support to help you get the insights you need. Visit our solutions page to see which product will most benefit the teachers and students at your school.

Essential Digital Literacy Skills to Teach to Digital Natives

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in EdTech & Digital Literacy.

Since before your students were born, the internet has been integral to daily life, making them part of a generation of “digital natives.” Most children can “drag and drop,” “click,” “scroll,” and “login” even before starting elementary school.  However, digital literacy goes far beyond such basic processes. Digital literacy skills fall into various domains such as:

  1. Functional skills
  2. Staying safe online
  3. Finding and evaluating credible information
  4. Using digital tools to create

Learning Functional Computer and Internet Skills

While most youth today get plenty of screen time, many students still lack critical functional computer literacy skills. Some students have limited internet access at home. Even students in homes with fast connections often use it primarily for entertainment rather than learning. Teachers find that students frequently lack the necessary competency to use apps and programs important to education.

The International Society for Technology in Education, or ISTE, offers a wealth of resources to inform you about best practices in digital citizenship and computer literacy. They recommend that teachers provide explicit technological instruction and guided practice. The following list of foundational digital literacy skills is a good starting place to help students succeed with minimal frustration.

  • How to upload, download, and share documents, media, and other file types.
  • How to name, save, and organize files.
  • How to use software such as word processors, spreadsheets, software for collaborating and presenting, e-mail, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and other EdTech.
  • How to log in and out of sites.
  • How to use standard operating systems such as Apple MacOS, Chrome, and Windows.
  • How to use accessories such as cameras, headsets, and mice.

Allow students already adept in all these skills to help their peers (and possibly adults). The recognition of their expertise and opportunity to shine will feel good.

Staying Safe Online

While the internet offers amazing tools for researching, sharing, and creating, it also has a dark side with dangerous people lurking, ready to pounce on people’s vulnerabilities. With both those realities, avoiding the internet is not a practical solution to staying safe. Most students are naive about the type and severity of attacks from scam artists and other nefarious people. Adults must therefore set up safeguards and teach students how to protect themselves online.

Your district’s internet security system should be sufficient for restricting students to safe sites and activities when they are on campus. However, few homes have adequate internet security. The amount of schoolwork that students must do online from home means that teachers, parents, and students share the burden of keeping kids safe online. The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance for what students should avoid doing online. These tips include:

  1. Never share personal information online.
  2. Be wary about downloading any games, apps, or files.
  3. Stay away from illegal or untrustworthy sites.
  4. Avoid interacting with strangers online.

Finding Credible Information

The internet gives us unfettered access to a plethora of videos, websites, blog posts, social media posts, and scholarly articles. It allows us to explore almost any topic in-depth with minimal effort and time. The problem is that the quality of information varies dramatically. Students using the internet for research need to find and vet credible information sources.

Search engines use keywords to search the internet for relevant content. Therefore, teaching students what keywords to put in the query box significantly reduces their research time. Teach students to use specific keywords to narrow down the context of their search results.

For example, a student learning about the ecosystem in Yellowstone will get higher quality results from entering “Predators and Prey in Yellowstone” and “Food web in Yellowstone” than just “food web” or “Yellowstone.” Show students how to refine their keyword searches as they learn more about their subject. For more advanced research tips, read 35 Google Search Hacks that are Going to Change Your Life.

The adage, “Don’t believe everything you read,” is especially accurate when using the internet. Student researchers must understand that they will find misleading and incorrect information. Evaluating the credibility of information also strengthens their critical thinking skills. Even a young child can learn to recognize that cigarette ads from the 1940s are not credible sources about how smoking affects a person’s health.  Here are some questions students can use to evaluate their sources:

  • How recent is the information?
  • Is the author/organization an expert in this field?
  • Is this information relevant to my query?
  • What biases or external motivation does the author have?
  • Do I understand this information, and how does it fit with what I already know?

Using Digital Tools to Create

Quality cloud-based software programs empower students to unleash their creativity and apply it to almost any subject.  If you are tech-savvy, you might want to offer enrichment lessons in using creative software before assigning a project. If computers aren’t your strong suit, consider giving students time to investigate creative software independently and share what they learn. Here are some fun programs your students can start trying to create videos, art, animation, 3d models, music, and so much more.

  • Animation- DigiCel FlipBook and Doodly
  • Photo editing- Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo
  • Video editing- Movavi Video Editor and iMovie
  • Music composition-Dorico and Sibelius
  • Drawing- Krita and Artweave Free
  • 3d Modeling- BlocksCad and Morphi
  • Coding and programing-Scratch and Tynker
  • Game Development- GameMaker and Unity

Many professional-grade software programs offer low-cost and free versions for advanced student learning. However, be cautious about introducing students to robust programs that exceed your students’ capabilities. A seventh grader tried creating 3d models with the program Blender. After hours of frustration, he vowed never to use it again. Luckily, he gave it another try several years later and now uses it frequently and competently. Unfortunately, some students would likely get permanently discouraged.

Our Role in Technology Education

The everchanging and sophisticated global economy requires that students continue to advance their technological skills. However, teachers do not need to feel pressured to keep up with the fanciest technology. Helping students learn basic computer literacy skills will allow them to develop more skills as they need them. Harris Education Solutions provides software solutions to help teachers teach, and students learn. Let us know how we can best support you.

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Five Ideas for Creating a Strong Learning Community During the Pandemic (and Other Transitions)

Written by HES Marketing on . Posted in Instruction & Classroom Practice.

An engaging, strong learning community helps ignite a spark for lifelong learning. Watching the movies “Spare Parts” and “October Sky” are inspirational for many teachers because they highlight the amazing growth and intellectual curiosity possible with an engaged, positive learning community.

Members of a strong learning community who feel safe and valued are likely to have enough confidence to participate, collaborate, explore new ideas, and persevere with challenging work. However, even in the best of times, uniting individuals into a team of learners means integrating bonding activities throughout your lessons. These activities foster a sense of belonging to the classroom learning community.

Of course, creating a supportive and enthusiastic class culture during the instability from Covid-19 requires more planning than usual. Quarantines negatively affect attendance and interrupt the flow. Stress impacts interpersonal interactions and behavior. Divisions from broader society may trickle down into classroom interactions.

Additionally, some students are adjusting to the traditional classroom after working from home. Many teachers echo the sentiments of this middle school teacher who remarked, “my seventh graders this year act more like sixth graders of previous years.”

  1. Help Students Integrate and Adjust

Students who learned at home last year missed many shared bonding experiences. Try these ideas to include returning students into an existing learning community.

Help classmates get to know each other with introductory activities. Students will feel more comfortable engaging in academic conversations knowing each other’s names and feeling a connection. “Two Lies and a Truth” invites everyone to tell fun stories and facts about themselves. “Four Corners” is another great activity to help students find commonalities.

Adapt fun end-of-the-year activities to the beginning of the year by changing the focus from a learning review to a preview of learning. These lively, memorable learning activities give students events to talk about outside the classroom.

A friend makes a new environment much less stressful. Pair new students with a friendly peer to help navigate the school cafeteria and other social situations.

Learn about students’ educational backgrounds to make sure everyone knows how different systems work. For example, students who did not have virtual instruction last year may not be as familiar with EdTech tools that are second nature to other students. You can assign tech mentors to students who want them.

  1. Prepare for Virtual Community Building

Switching between face-to-face instruction to remote requires many adjustments with different norms, hours, and responsibilities. Anything you can do to build unity and consistency between the two modalities will make the transitions less stressful. You might want to supplement your in-person community-building activities with ones that also work virtually to prepare for the possibility of remote or hybrid instruction.

Your favorite strong learning community-building apps are great for any learning environment. Popular community-building EdTech tools include social media, Bitmoji, and communication apps.

Incorporating simple traditions creates a sense of belonging and unites everyone in the goal of learning. For example, start the session with a quick warm-up activity that engages everyone. Some group warm-up activities that work in both modalities are online quiz games, polls, and brainteasers. Likewise, close with an interactive chant, song, or phrase. You can choose something as simple as saying, “Now, go learn something fun!” and students replying, “Off we go!”

  1. Maintain Relationships with Absent Students and Welcome them Back

Including quarantining students in classroom activities whenever possible reminds everyone that absent students are valued community members. EdTech tools such as video-conferencing and digital whiteboards allow all learners to participate from any location with an internet connection. Reading aloud is a favorite activity for sharing virtually, and even high school students gain value from it.

Acknowledge students who have been absent for more than a few days and celebrate their return. Having everyone sign a card or banner only takes 5 minutes, yet it goes a long way towards strengthening bonds. Such gestures reassure students that people remember them and care about their well-being.

Missing a lot of information is stressful. Ask face-to-face students to write changes and events in a “while you were out” binder. The binder could include details such as schedule changes, new rules, and essential vocabulary. Recording this information serves a dual purpose. It empowers in-person community members to help quarantined students in a meaningful way and reduces returning students’ anxiety about missing details.

  1. Teach Communication Skills

Effective communication is a pillar to participating in any community. That is why reading, writing, listening, and speaking are standards included in every subject. Group work provides many valuable opportunities to teach communication skills. Collaborating and cooperating help students connect on a deeper level.

Part of effective communication includes knowing how to disagree respectfully and value various perspectives. Show students that those different opinions need not disrupt relationships and class harmony. Show them the power of listening and responding calmly.  They might try, “I see where you are coming from, and yet I still disagree because …”

  1. Support Mental and Emotional Health

The emotional temperature of a class permeates every aspect of the learning community. Academic and social pressures make school stressful for many students. Provide a few minutes for students to journal, do a wellness check-in, or use mindfulness apps.

Students experiencing intense emotions will need avenues to express themselves appropriately. The early warning system in edInsight from the Harris Education Solutions’ ecosystem helps alert potential trouble spots for individual learners. Please refer students in crisis to an administrator or mental health professional.

We are Stronger Together

At Harris Education Solutions, we commend educators’ remarkable resilience for building learning communities throughout disruptions from the pandemic. Some of these ideas will help develop a learning community in different situations too. Other events that require extra effort to promote a positive learning culture include:

  • welcoming a large influx of international newcomers
  • rebuilding after a severe weather event or other trauma
  • adapting to a changing financial landscape

Whatever your situation, we are here to partner with you every step of the way.