Learning Technology Grant Project
The City School District of Albany was awarded a Learning Technology Grant (LTG) through a New York State Education Department funding opportunity. The grant cycle runs for three (3) years, from July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024. Each year of the grant affords the district $100,000 per annum.
The intent of the grant, according to the application process, is "To develop, implement, and share innovative programs that utilize learning technologies to personalize learning and/or increase access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences (such as through online, distance, or blended learning), as well as professional development programs to assist teachers and educational leaders in effectively utilizing learning technology to enhance teaching and learning."
With NYSED’s support, the focus of this grant was shifted in the third and final year, and project overviews and artifacts from all three years are available below.
Grant project overview
Due to staffing changes of the individuals overseeing and carrying out the activities outlined in the district’s LTG application, and after a thorough review of the status of the implementation of these activities, it has been determined that the district will not be able to successfully complete the goals for this grant as anticipated.
With NYSED’s support, it has been decided that the original LTG goals will be abandoned and, given the remaining amount of time for the grant, the focus will shift to one single goal - to create an AI Task Force that will discuss the benefits, concerns, and potential application for AI tools in the district, and will create a robust framework for selecting and integrating AI tools across the district.
NYSED agrees that establishing an AI Task Force for this purpose is related to the overall purpose of the LTG program, “To develop, implement, and share innovative programs that utilize learning technologies to personalize learning and/or increase access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences… These programs will focus on improving culturally- and linguistically-responsive learning environments, and will support the mission of the NYS Board of Regents, which is to ensure that every child has equitable access to the highest quality educational opportunities… “
Project artifacts
The AI Task Force met several times between the end of April 2024 and the beginning of June 2024. The artifacts associated with their work can be viewed in this Google Drive folder.
A description of the creation and outcomes of the AI Task Force can be viewed in this Canva video presentation.
Grant project overview
Our project focuses on developing a guidebook on e-learning instructional design principles and training staff to design online learning curricula. These activities will allow the district to implement a Learning Management System (LMS) to afford students the opportunity to take credit bearing courses fully online.
Year one of this project will move the district forward for the benefit of all, serving the district mission to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. An instructional design workgroup will be formed to lead the overall development of principles and expectations for online learning in the district. A cohort of teachers will be trained through a professional development program developed through the grant, under the leadership of the district's e-Learning Coordinator.
The Albany Online e-learning coordinator will manage all activities of this three-year project plan and will be a member of the district’s instructional technology coaching team. A critical first step for the e-Learning Coordinator is to convene the e-learning instructional design work group to develop e-learning instructional design principles, create an e-Learning guidebook and train staff to design curriculum using these concepts. This group will also research, review, acquire, and implement a learning management system (LMS) to facilitate the shift to online learning opportunities.
In years two and three, a cohort of teachers will be trained using professional development created as a part of the program and will include 100% of Albany High School Night School teachers and administrators and 10% of Albany High School teachers and administrators. Online classes will be piloted using the selected LMS and curricula developed by staff for a minimum of four Albany High School classes at Night School (and other early adopter high school classes).
Read the complete project overview here.
Project artifacts
e-Learning Coordiantor Job Description
Demo Space - Canvas LMS "from scratch" course setup
Quick Start - Canvas LMS template featuring collection of pages and assignment types for teachers to begin with
Project Contact Information
Assistant Superintendent for Assessment, Accountability and Technology Innovation
