Hello everyone! In the times of blended learning, distance learning, and just modern learning, technology is everywhere! Sometimes we are equipped to use it correctly, but often, the teachers are left to figure out the best way to use programs and devices in their classrooms on their own. To help with this thinking, I have brought on Audrey Boklage, PhD. Audrey's extensive knowledge and research of the STEM student and educator experience positions her as a guide in curriculum development for MAYA's client, and as one of MAYA's resident higher education experts. Her first-hand experiences of teaching in classrooms and designing curriculum has informed her academic lens which is acutely focused on improving the STEM fields of various Texas school districts and within institutions of higher education. In this episode we look at using technology through the RAT model (Replacement, Amplification & Transformation), and ask how we can use technology in a way that fosters equity for all learners. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book Connecting with Students Online by Jennifer Serravallo. This book's been getting a lot of buzz because finally someone is getting down to the nitty gritty details of effective online teaching during an unprecedented crisis. Jen Serravallo keeps the focus on what teachers do best: build relationships with students that drive learning and progress. And she shows how to do it remotely. She offers 55 streamlined instructional strategies we can use right away. Everything from conferring to small groups to communicating with a child's parents or caregivers. Like everything Jen writes, Connecting with Students Online is accessible and respectful of teacher's time. It's filled with ready-to-use suggestions, and you don't need a school technologist to implement them. You'll find something here to help everyone in your classroom grow, even if you can't be with them in person. Best of all, Jen will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to organizations that help children directly impacted by COVID-19. If you don't have Jennifer Serravallo's Connecting with Students Online, head over to Heinemann.com to read a sample chapter and find out what you're missing. Or order yourself a copy. You'll help yourself, your kids, and children struggling because of this this pandemic.