iTS4ED

iTS4ED

By Los Angeles Unified Information Technology Services 4 EducationEducation
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iTS4ED episodes

  • Episode 9: AI in the District (Part 2)

    Welcome to the second session of the ITS4Ed Podcast on Artificial Intelligence aka AI. Since AI is continuing to expand and is having a major impact on education, we decided to dig a little deeper into AI in LAUSD.  We will continue our conversation with Ms. Sophia Mendoza, Director of the Information Technology Initiative (ITI). We will learn about ITI's approach to developing thoughtful and appropriate AI guidelines for the school community.  In this session, we will share resources from the ITI website: lausd.org/iti. This includes professional learning opportunities for educators, computer science education, cybersecurity, digital citizenship education, and more.  Be ready to learn about the latest updates on AI in LAUSD. 


    Narrator:

    • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, LA Unified 

      • Guest Speaker:

      • Sophia Mendoza, Director, Instructional Technology Initiative
        • 35 min
      • Episode 8: AI in the District (Part 1)

        Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast on Artificial Intelligence aka AI.  It’s a hot topic in the news today and it impacts many people.  In fact, the current writers and actors strike has “AI” as a score issue.  AI is having a major impact on education.  Whether you are excited or concerned about AI, we in the education industry have the responsibility to ensure AI is approached thoughtfully and appropriately in our school community.  As a district, we need to understand the vision for teaching and learning. So, whether you're a teacher, a student, a parent, or simply someone curious about AI and the future of education, this session is your gateway to the world where AI meets academia.


        Narrator:

        • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, LA Unified 

          • Guest Speaker:

          • Sophia Mendoza, Director, Instructional Technology Initiative

            •  

            40 min
          • Episode 7: eSports on the rise at LAUSD and beyond

            Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast. Joining this session are educators and pioneers who are revolutionizing classrooms, campuses, and beyond with the incredible potential of eSports. 
            We'll explore how competitive gaming can foster critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. From the strategic decision-making in esports titles to the application of STEM concepts in game development, we'll uncover the educational opportunities that lie within this digital playground.  Well also hear about how LAUSD schools are getting involved in this movement. 
            So, whether you're a teacher, a student, a parent, or simply someone curious about the future of education, this session is your gateway to the world where esports meets academia. Prepare to be inspired and amazed as we delve into the realm where passion meets achievement. 

            Narrator: 

            • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, LA Unified 

              • Guest Speakers: 

              • COSA - Dr. Chiae Kitayama 
              • Principal - Anthony Yom - Berendo MS 
              • IT Liaison - James Hicks  
              • UC Irvine eSports Director - Mark Deppe
                • 57 min
              • Episode 6: How an idea becomes an app

                In this session, we will discuss “how an idea becomes an app”.  Los Angeles Unified uses a multitude of software applications, some of which have been developed by our internal teams in Information Technology Services and others have been contracted out.  Today we will chat with guests who worked on creating and coming up with ideas for a couple of safety apps such as LASAR and Emergency Alert.


                Speakers:

                • Lieutenant Nina Buranasombati, LASPD
                • Dr. Alfonso Webb, Senior Director of School Operations
                • Ken Hong, Computer Applications Administrator


                  • Narrator: 

                  • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, LA Unified


                    • 39 min
                  • Episode 5: ITCS Technical Support - Pre and Post Pandemic

                    Welcome to the ITS4Ed Podcast. 

                    This is episode #5.  This podcast focuses on the IT Customer Support (ITCS) Unit of Instructional Technology Services.

                    In this discussion, you will hear different perspectives from various members of ITCS.

                    • IT Customer Support provides high-quality, professional, and expeditious support and services to enable District schools and offices to meet the District’s goals, increasing student achievement and operational efficiency. 
                    • IT Customer Support provides support for end users using technology and devices connected to the technology infrastructure. They provide on-site, day-to-day, proactive, and reactive local support to schools and offices. This branch performs the following functions:
                      • Chat
                      • IT Helpdesk
                      • IT Remote Services
                      • Onsite technology support for schools
                      • Day-to-day maintenance of school site technology 

                        •  

                        Speakers: 

                        • Jose Somoano, Senior IT Operations Manager
                        • Phillip Lucero, IT Business Efficiency Analyst
                        • James Hicks, IT Business Efficiency Analyst
                        • Steve Evans, IT West Supervisor

                          •  

                          Narrator:

                          • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, LA Unified
                            • 45 min
                          • Episode 4: Women in IT
                            In honor of Women’s History Month annually celebrated in March,  we are proud to present this podcast highlighting the LA Unified Women in Information Technology.  You will hear stories about how these four women are making an impact in the IT field. You will learn how they started in the IT field and overcame challenges. They will share advice and resources for young girls and other women who may be interested in pursuing a career in IT.
                            Speakers:
                            Linda Perez, Senior Technical Project Manager
                            Le Shun Coleman, IT Support Technician II
                            Amanda Young, School System Manager
                            Diana Gutierrez, IT Project Manager
                            Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager
                            46 min
                          • Episode 3: In Depth Interview with LA Unified’s Chief Information Officer

                            This podcast takes an in-depth look at LA Unified’s (the 2nd largest School District) CIO. Discussion topics include:

                            • How Soheil Katal got started in IT
                            • How the CIO successfully navigated the COVID pandemic while supporting instruction
                            • Challenges and successes during his career
                            • The current state of IT
                            • The future state of IT
                            • Advice to others interested in pursuing a career in information technology

                              • Guest Speaker

                              • Soheil Katal, CIO

                                • Narrator

                                • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager
                                  • 47 min
                                • Episode 2: Cybersecurity: Protecting our Students, Staff and Community

                                  This podcast focuses on what our school communities can do to protect themselves from a cyber security attack.  It covers topics such as: What can the public do to protect themselves Tips to help protect our information when using public Wi-Fi The 5 cyber security pitfalls to watch out for What LAUSD is doing to improve the instructional program as it relates to enhancing cyber security 

                                  Speakers: 

                                  • Eddard Romero, IT Administrator, Technical Services 
                                  • Janice Clark, Operating Systems Administrator 
                                  • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager 
                                  • Jay Gehringer, Cyber Patriot Coach
                                    • 16 min
                                  • Episode 1: LAUSD Response and Recovery from Cyber Attack

                                    The Cyber Security attack on LAUSD occurred over the Labor Day weekend in 2022 and caused some disruption to business systems, but schools were able to open on Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday as scheduled. This podcast explains: How the District was able to minimize disruption to the instructional environment The difference between a cyber breach, cyberattack, and ransomware What organizations are most vulnerable and what can organizations do to mitigate cyberattacks What is involved in a recovery operation 

                                    Speakers: 

                                    • Soheil Katal, CIO 
                                    • Jack Kelanic, Senior IT Administrator, Infrastructure 
                                    • Alton Kizziah, MGT Consultant 
                                    • Eddard Romero, IT Administrator, Technical Services 
                                    • Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager
                                      • 20 min

                                    About iTS4ED

                                    From the publisher's feed

                                    A Podcast series about IT Issues and Trends in K-12 Schools from the Los Angeles Unified School District's Information Technology Services team.