OUR WORK
Over the last five years, EdTech Associates has designed multi–year
projects that are cutting edge on three fronts; 1:1, Universal Design for Learning and
21st Century Classrooms. Each project is built within a universally–designed framework
of multiple means of representation, expression and engagement to create 21st Century
learning environments where all students can achieve. As Karen Cator, USDOE Director
of Educational Technology, pointed out in her address at ISTE 2010, “Universal Design
for Learning is a key tenet in the National Technology Plan”, it is our vision that
these models will serve as examples of how to create and sustain universally–designed
21st Century Classrooms.
Autism
In 2005, EdTech Associates was invited by Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield, NH
to research and develop a project with the goal of engaging students with autism
and neurological disorders in group instruction using an interactive whiteboard.
The research resulted in the development of the Autism, Communications and Technology
(ACT) Project. The results of this project went beyond any expectations that we
expected and the transformation of teachers and learners was realized. Today, this
is not a project but has become a sustainable universally–designed learning environment
where students are proactive learners and where expectations are limitless. Learn
more about this project in articles and view the national webinars that were presented
by Kathleen McClaskey, EdTech Associates and Randy Welch, Program Director of Spaulding
Youth Center.
In 2009, EdTech Associates was asked by the Special Education Director of the
Timberlane School District in Plaistow, New Hampshire to develop an ASD program
across all grade levels. Learn more how new learning environments have been
created in the Autism and Technology Project.
Learn more about these projects…
Science
Science4All™ is a New Hampshire Math and Science Partnership project designed
by Kathleen McClaskey of EdTech Associates for grades K–12 and is intended to
be a sustainable instructional model (inquiry–based teaching with technology)
that includes three–years of professional development using a hybrid model.
In this 3 year project that was awarded in 2007, teams of science and special
education teachers from seven schools learned how to universally–design
their inquiry–based science lessons to engage all students.
Read about the results of this project …
The 21st Century Science Classroom Projectis funded through New Hampshire ARRA
Title IID funds in early 2010 was based upon the Science4All™ model. The 21st
Century Science Classroom Project goals included pedagogy, technology integration,
content and professional learning community delivered through a hybrid professional
development model of onsite, online and face2face.
Learn more about this project…
Math
The professional development design in the Tools for Learning™ Math
Intervention Project (2009 – 2011) and the Tools for Learning™ 21st
Century Math Classroom Project (2010–11) are primarily based upon the
gold standard research of the Maine’s Impact Study of Technology in
Mathematics (MISTM) project that evaluated the impact of a technology–infused
two–year professional development program for teachers on the mathematics
achievement of rural middle school students. In April 2009, the USDOE – IES
(Institute of Educational Sciences) Report “Assisting Students Struggling
with Mathematics: Response to Intervention (RtI) for Elementary and Middle
Schools” was published. The professional development design for these two
projects included three of the recommendations based upon evidenced–based
research on the most effective interventions in math.
Learn more about this project…
Literacy
The Tools for Learning™ Literacy Intervention Project (2010–11) professional
development design was developed to build 21st Century classrooms at the
elementary level. This design involved a comprehensive plan for training
for the project teachers using a hybrid model. This model included face–to–face
training sessions in combination with onsite consultation and training to
provide a foundation of research–based instructional strategies for the
language arts and special education staff using the project toolkit. The
online component involved a Moodle site where online support, training
resources and activities, and the facilitation of a professional learning
community would take place.
Learn more about this project…
TESTIMONIALS
“Kathleen's vision for educational reform and technology
integration is exceptional. She is results-driven in every project and endeavor
she takes on, and her energy is boundless. I have been working with her for
more than 7 years, and she continues to inspire me each time that we meet and
interact. Working with her on the Science4All project and grant has been a joy,
and we are getting real results from teachers in NH!”
Joyce LaTulippe, Director, e-learning agents
“Kathleen is a passionate and fervent advocate of
Universal Design for Learning understanding the important need for access
to the curriculum for all students. She knows how to make technology tools
become part of teacher's way of thinking about how best to transfer knowledge
to their students and the benefits of this type of multisensory, interactive
learning. Kathleen has a long track record of hands on work with schools
and teachers and yet she never ceases to be curious about the next and
newest technology that shows promise for the classroom. Her caring attitude
regarding students with disabilities has touched me as has her ability to
get excited about providing creative outlets for teachers and students who
need new motivation and a respite from monotony. Kathleen brings new
energy and dedication to the field of education technology while
understanding the history of this growing area enough to recommend what
does and does not work.”
Katharina Boser, President, Individual Differences in Learning