The Missing Voices in EdTech

Rafranz Davis is a math educator, leader, learner and advocate who believes in the power of digital learning opportunities amongst kids. As someone who has built a career on empowering students through the use of relevant technology, Rafranz is now working directly with other educators as an instructional technology specialist where she serves students through supporting their teachers in best practices.

Preface by Peter DeWitt Introduction 1. Understanding Diversity Confronting My Thinking on Diversity Defining Diverse Voices 2. Teacher Voice in EdTech Vignette: The Voice of the Teacher is Critical Barriers to Teacher Voice Teacher Perceptions of Technology Campus Leaders: Developing Teacher Tech Leaders Teacher Voice in Technology Professional Development 3. The Student Learner Perspective Vignette: I Want to Use My Technology Students Have Ideas Too Student Voice and EdTech Three Simple Solutions for Engaging Student Voice The Missing Voice of Students of Poverty Vignette: I Didn't Have a Choice But to Work Night Shift 4. Beyond Pencil Skirts and High Heels: Women of EdTech Connected Women as Serious Voices of Tech Influence Empowering Women Leaders Through Connected Mentors 5. The Unspoken Inequity: People of Color in EdTech Vignette: Connecting in EdTech Beyond Race Recognizing Expertise at the School Level Breaking Cultural Code: Empowering to Share Connecting Teachers of Color A Personal Reflection on Missing Voices

"Rafranz Davis makes a significant contribution to the discussion of diversity in the edtech environment. The questions she raises at the end of each chapter provide food for thought for those considering how to better support "less heard" voices in edtech, from students, to women, to people of color. In a touching vignette, she delves into ways the power of edtech has failed to support students like Hector-using technology to take the most convenient out, rather than helping him find a voice and a better future. She asks, significantly, how edtech teachers can hear the voices of students with no access. And most importantly, she speaks up courageously, sharing her own voice and struggles to find a sense of belonging in the edtech community. Her book is both a guide for administrators and edtech leaders seeking to better support student and teacher voices and an important testimony to the power of voices willing to raise the tough questions." -- Carolyn Foote, Digital Librarian "Rafranz Davis powerfully addresses the human side of technology integration. The reader quickly realizes Rafranz has been in the teaching trenches. She moves teachers and school leadership with her passion, while offering real solutions to the issues that arise when integrating technology. Her solutions and ideas focus on improving the discourse between teachers, students, and leadership so that they all work collaboratively in enhancing the learning environment. She also addresses ways we can encourage women and minorities to take leadership roles in the field of education technology." -- Shelly Sanchez Terrell, Author/Founder of The 30 Goals Challenge for Teachers "As of now there are about 20 books in the Corwin Connected Educator Series, a seemingly ever-growing set of titles masterminded by Peter DeWitt and Corwin Press. Each book is short enough to be read in one sitting, which makes the collection ideal for book studies and professional development, both during the summer and throughout the school year. Also, each paperback is authored by one or two educators who speak (and blog, tweet, etc.) with a credible voice in the world of connected education. Some of the topics include: Flipped leadership Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities Blogging for educators Best practices for establishing a makerspace Tools to connect and empower teachers Finally, all of the authors are active on social media, and they regularly present at local conferences, which helps in bringing to life the contents of these books." -- Ross Cooper, Supervisor of Instructional Practice K-12