Administrator Workshop: Evaluating Post-Pandemic Educational Technology

Since the removal of emergency protocols, adult education providers are reconsidering their technological needs for distance learning, hybrid classes, and face-to-face instruction. This interactive workshop for program administrators will help participants make the best use of educational technology based on their current and anticipated program needs. The overall goal is to clarify their evaluation criteria when making purchasing decisions for hardware and software licenses considering past experiences, current needs, and emerging opportunities.

To achieve this clarity, participating administrators will:

• Define their current and prospective models of technology-mediated program delivery: distance, hybrid/blended, face-to-face with adaptive technology, and hyflex.
• Discover or share emerging funding opportunities for digital equity.
• Identify their organization’s strategic goals related to digital literacy, digital equity, and accessibility.
• Consider the training and technical support needs of staff and students.
  Share their experiences with platforms, vendors, and open educational resources.

The facilitator will also be available for individual follow-up by phone, email, or video conference.

About The Facilitator

As Chief Learning Officer of Mustard Seed Training, Meagen supports adult and family education providers to create a more just and loving society. In addition to training and professional development, Mustard Seed Training builds and creates materials for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and other interactive methods of faith formation with children.

Meagen serves as a national author and trainer in the field of adult literacy, helping educators integrate authentic workplace materials and educational technology. She has a BA in Religion from Oberlin College, Certificate in Distance Education from Penn State University, MA in Theology and Religious Studies from John Carroll University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Technology at Kent State University.

The instructional strategies and web-based resources shared in this session can be modified for use with a wide variety of learning contexts. One sample lesson will be shared from The Literacy Cooperative’s free and downloadable Contextualized Curriculum, intended for use with Integrated Education &Training (IET).

Presenter: Meagen Farrell is a trainer, woodworker, and PhD student. As Chief Learning Officer of Mustard Seed Training, Meagen supports parents and educators to create a more just and loving society. In addition to training and program development, Mustard Seed Training builds and sells materials for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and other interactive forms of Christian discipleship. Meagen serves as a national author and trainer in the field of adult literacy, helping educators find a balance between face-to-face and digital instruction. She has a BA in Religion from Oberlin College, Certificate in Distance Education from Penn State University, MA in Theology and Religious Studies from John Carroll University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Technology at Kent State University.