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MESD Digital Learning News

January 2025

MESD Digital LearningNewsJanuary 2025

Welcome!

Welcome to the MESD Digital Learning Newsletter! This monthly newsletter includes resources and information to support digital learning in the classroom to empower students to become active critical thinkers, creators and responsible digital citizens.


This month's newsletter includes:

  • AI Empowered EDU Conference Proposals
  • AI Educators Cohort PL Opportunity
  • Articles for Thought
  • Monthly UDL Resources
  • AI Resources
  • Monthly Tech Highlight: Library.AI


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πŸ”ˆ Audio Overview of This Newsletter πŸ”ˆ πŸ”ˆ Audio Overview of This Newsletter πŸ”ˆ

Don't have time to read and explore all the resources in this newsletter? Listen to a 15 minute Audio Podcast of the information created by Google NotebookLM. Click Here to Listen!!

AI Conference: Save the Date & Call for Presenters AI Conference: Save the Date & Call for Presenters

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Save the Date for the AI Empowered EDU Conference

Clackamas ESD, Multnomah ESD, Northwest Regional ESD and University of Portland will be co-hosting our second AI Empowered EDU Conference this spring on Tuesday, May 13th at the University of Portland campus.


Please mark your calendars and share our Save the Date Flyer with others in your district and network.


Call for Conference Workshop Proposals (click here for more details and apply)

Applications due January 31st. *Approved proposals will receive free conference registration*


We invite you to submit a proposal for the conference that meets our goal of equipping attendees with AI tools, strategies and policies that advance AI literacy initiatives across our regions.

We are seeking interactive, hands-on workshops that will involve attendees using AI and sharing, creating, designing, and solving problems together.

Ideal sessions would focus on one or more of the following:

Ethical and Responsible AI Literacy


Efficiency and Productivity


AI for Inclusive and Impactful Education


Preparing Students for the Workforce

Leadership and Strategic Planning




*We welcome and encourage student presenters-please share this call for proposals widely in your districts.*

MESD AI Educators Cohort: New PL Opportunity-Stipend MESD AI Educators Cohort: New PL Opportunity-Stipend

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Join Our AI Educators Cohort!

Are you ready to be at the forefront of AI integration in education? The Multnomah ESD and Multnomah-Clackamas Educators Network are inviting educators like you to join the AI Educators Cohort!

Benefits for you

  • $800 stipend

  • Paid subs for in-person sessions

  • Registration for the AI Empowered EDU Conference

  • Comprehensive resources & support

  • Collaborative learning with innovative educators

Who should apply?

  • K-12 teachers, librarians, and TOSAs from Multnomah & Clackamas counties.

  • Teams of educators (encouraged to apply together!)

What’s involved?

  • 5 sessions (2 in-person, 3 virtual) between February-May

  • Expert guidance on ethical AI implementation

  • Develop innovative AI projects tailored to your interests.

  • Present your work on a panel at the AI Empowered EDU Conference on May 13th.

Key Details:

  • Cohort begins: February 11

  • Application deadline: January 28

  • Applicants will be notified of acceptance by January 31st.

  • Total Time: 5 sessions + 1-2 hours/week independent work (can assist/augment your current lesson planning & workload to enhance efficiency)

Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and lead the ethical and effective use of AI in classrooms.

Click Here to Apply & Learn More

Have questions? Reach out to Katy Tibbs at ktibbs@mesd.k12.or.us.

Articles for Thought... Articles for Thought...

AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it

AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it

Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others.

launch apnews.com
The Governor Wants to Improve Literacy. So Why Are So Many School Libraries Empty?

The Governor Wants to Improve Literacy. So Why Are So Many School Libraries Empty?

Lisa Just likes to say that she never ran a quiet library at David Douglas School District. She'd help proofread papers, unjam printers, and teach lessons about citing references and reliable sources. "No ask was too big or too small for any student when I was in the library," she says.

launch wweek.com
Portland school board approves districtwide cellphone policy

Portland school board approves districtwide cellphone policy

After months of discussion, the Portland Public Schools board has approved a new policy limiting the use of students' personal electronic devices.

launch opb.org
The Transformative Potential of AI: 6 Big Questions for Schools

The Transformative Potential of AI: 6 Big Questions for Schools

When it comes to artificial intelligence, thoughtful leadership at the district, school, and classroom levels is more important than ever.

launch edweek.org

Monthly UDL Resources Monthly UDL Resources

How to Give & Get Constructive Feedback | Dr. Adam Grant & Dr. Andrew Huberman

New Book: UDL in Mathematics Instruction K-5

Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction, K-5 - CAST Professional Publishing

Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction, K-5 - CAST Professional Publishing

In this fast-paced, engaging new title in the UDL Now! series, Katie Novak and Ashley Marlow apply their expertise in UDL and equitable, inclusive instruction to the elementary math curriculum.

launch publishing.cast.org

AI Resources AI Resources

The below infographic presents the idea of "Break and Remake" as a method for AI-cautious educators to discover the impact AI can have on teaching. This idea focuses on utilizing AI to enhance existing resources, units, and teaching materials, identifying potential areas for improvement.

Guide to Integrating Generative AI for Deeper Literacy Learning - AI for Education

Guide to Integrating Generative AI for Deeper Literacy Learning - AI for Education

An initial exploration of how to harness generative AI's (GenAI) power to enhance, not replace, the cognitive lift and meaningful learning in K-12 literacy classrooms.

launch aiforeducation.io
ChatEDU | EdAdvance

ChatEDU | EdAdvance

Welcome to ChatEDU, your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the intersection of AI and K-12 education! Hosted by Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, and Dr. Elizabeth Radday, Director of Research & Innovation, this podcast explores the dynamic landscape of education technology.

launch edadvance.org
15 Times to use AI, and 5 Not to

15 Times to use AI, and 5 Not to

Notes on the Practical Wisdom of AI Use

launch oneusefulthing.org

Monthly Tech Highlight: Library.AI Monthly Tech Highlight: Library.AI

LibraryReady.AI

LibraryReady.AI

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, this curriculum aims to empower students with essential skills in AI literacy, critical thinking, and information seeking practices. It outlines a comprehensive approach across four core strands: Why AI, How AI Works, AI in Society, and AI in Practice.

launch libraryready.ai

MESD Upcoming Professional Development MESD Upcoming Professional Development

pd networks upcoming pd
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Katy Tibbs
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Let's Connect

Katy Tibbs

Educational Technology Specialist, Multnomah ESD

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