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Empowered Learners:
Empowered Learners:
Purposeful Learning Through Digital Tools
Purposeful Learning Through Digital Tools
As part of Digital Citizenship and AI Literacy Week, the SBCSS Digital Learning Services team hosted a special webinar on Digital Literacy, featuring Jamie Leafstone, Program Specialist for the West End Special Education Planning Area. With 18 years of experience in teaching and administration, Jamie brings a deep passion for leveraging technology to empower students to find their voice, make informed choices, and take ownership of their learning journey.
In this session, Jamie explored the ISTE Standards for Students 1.2.b: Empowered Learners, which emphasize helping students build networks and customize their learning environments to support personal growth. She discussed strategies for amplifying student agency, encouraging productive struggle, and fostering inclusion for students with disabilities. Participants gained insight into how technology can be a powerful tool for differentiation and accessibility, ensuring that every learner’s needs and strengths are recognized.
Jamie also demonstrated the practical use of tools such as Brisk, Magic School, and Generative AI to personalize instruction and enhance engagement. These tools help educators create equitable, student-centered environments where learners can explore content in meaningful and adaptive ways.
The session aligned with ISTE Standard 1.1.b for Students and ISTE Standard 2.2.b for Educators, reinforcing the importance of advocating for equitable access to educational technology and digital learning opportunities. Overall, this webinar celebrated how digital literacy and AI tools can empower all students to thrive as capable, confident, and connected learners in a digital world.
Jamie Leafstone
Jamie Leafstone
Jamie Leafstone is a Program Specialist for the West End Special Education Planning Area with 18 years of experience in teaching and administration. She's passionate about using technology to help students find their voice, make choices, and take ownership of their learning. Jamie works with educators to create inclusive classrooms that transform great ideas into everyday practices, supporting meaningful education for all students.
ISTE 1.1 Empowering Student Learning.pptx"AI should enhance our humanity and not replace it. Our role is to ensure that every tool that we use keeps people, especially our students, at the center."
"We're shifting from students using technology and AI to complete their tasks to students using technology to guide their learning. Instead of being sage on the stage, we're the guide on the side. And for students with disabilities, that difference isn't just about technology; it's about access, agency, and equity...Helping every learner, including those with disabilities, to take an active role in their learning."
"When we amplify learner agency, we shift from doing the learning for our students to learning with them."
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