MESD & CESD Digital Learning News

Welcome!

Welcome to the MESD+CESD 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:

RAIN Cohort Application 26-27
Edtech Connect Meetings 26-27 SY
ODE Digital Learning Cadre Meetings
ODE AI Guidance Office Hours
Media Literacy Tip
Articles for Thought
Monthly UDL Resources
AI Resources
Monthly Tech Highlight: Gemini Notebook (new name!)

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🔈 Audio Overview of This Newsletter 🔈

Don't have time to read and explore all the resources in this newsletter? Listen to this NotebookLM generated audio overview.

Regional AI Network Explorers Cohort 26-27

Multnomah ESD and Clackamas ESD invite PK–12 classroom teachers, librarians, and TOSAs to join the Regional AI Network (RAIN) Cohort for 2026–2027!

Connect across districts to explore human-centered AI integration, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and hands-on project work focused on instruction, accessibility, and ethics.

Participant Benefits:

Paid substitutes for 4 full days
Registration included for the AI Empowered EDU Conference (May 2027)
Collaborative regional community of practice

Apply now to lead thoughtful AI innovation in your school community!

Share the informational flyer

Edtech Connect Quarterly Meet-Ups

MESD and CESD will be hosting quarterly virtual gatherings for K-12 edtech leaders to come together to discuss meaningful and innovative digital learning and technology integration in our classrooms. We will swap ideas, share resources, and explore emerging topics like AI, screen time, media literacy and digital equity. These meetings will take place from 4:30-5:30 September 23, January 13 and April 7. Edtech Connect Shareable Flyer

PDNetworks Link to Register

ODE Digital Learning Cadre 26-27

ODE Digital Learning Cadre connects educators to share strategies that support students in digital learning, highlight local success stories, and turn challenges into actionable solutions. They will meet virtually on the 3rd Friday of each month for 90 mins. Click here for more information and to register for these monthly sessions!

ODE Generative AI Guidance Office Hours

The ODE Generative AI K-12 Guidance version 3.0 was released in June 2026. ODE will be hosting office hours to learn more about the guidance updates on Thursday, September 3rd at 9:00 am.

Click here to register!

Media Literacy Resources

Back to School - The News Literacy Project

Media Literacy Activities and Lesson Ideas for High School (2026)

Articles for Thought...

Meet the robots programmed by kids to speak their Indigenous languages

Portland parents push for some of nation’s strictest limits on screens in schools

Enhancing student agency through school AI councils | Brookings

From Screen Time Mandates to Purposeful Technology Policies and Guidance (Extended Executive Summary) | CoSN

A CoSN Guide for District Leaders Extended Executive Summary The public conversation about screen time in schools has moved faster than most districts’ policy infrastructure. What began as a debate about personal cell phones and social media, an area where the majority of states have now acted, has widened considerably.…

cosn.org

Monthly UDL Resources

AI Resources

Student Senate STUDENT FIRST Act

The "Safe Technology Use, Data Privacy, and Ethical Norms for Teaching—Fostering Integrity and Responsible Systems in Teaching (STUDENT FIRST) Act of 2026" is hereby introduced for the inaugural 2026 Student Senate convening on artificial intelligence policy, to establish rights, protections, and responsibilities for students, parents, teachers, and administrators with respect to the use of artificial intelligence in education, and for other purposes.

dayofai.org

One Prompt Runs All Nine Gemini Notebook Studio Tools

Day of AI PK-12 AI Scope and Sequence

Day of AI has launched a new, free PreK–12 AI Literacy Curriculum, designed to build students’ understanding of AI year by year, from the earliest grades through high school.

Explore what’s new:

New PreK–12 AI Literacy Curriculum
A grade-by-grade learning pathway with engaging, classroom-ready lessons.

New Scope & Sequence
See the full learning progression at a glance, explore how concepts build across grade levels, and find the right Day of AI resources for your students.

New Planning & Implementation Guide
Not sure where to begin? The guide provides practical guidance for teachers, school leaders, instructional coaches, technology leaders, and other educators planning AI literacy instruction. Click Here to Check it Out