Discovery Series Presents:

In conjunction with the department of Learning Technologies and sponsored by the Texas Center of Educational Technology

Topic: A Year like No Other:  How One Texas School District Prepared for Virtual Learning 
Speaker: Michelle Starcher, LTEC PhD candidate
Register:  Postponed until further notice

Overview: In the Spring of 2020, Fort Worth ISD transitioned to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic while dealing with a ransomware attack.  However, the start of the 2020-2021 school year presented new challenges as the district prepared to offer both in-person and virtual learning to students.  Discover how the FWISD educational technology team supported teachers, students, and parents as the district rolled out virtual instruction and created a robust, organized, and consistent experience for all stakeholders.   

Bio: Michelle Starcher has served in K-12 education for over twenty years, with experience as an elementary teacher, curriculum writer, librarian, and technology coach. Michelle was the District Training Specialist for the Educational Technology Department in Fort Worth ISD when the district transitioned to online instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition, she led the e-learning team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of professional development eCourses for over 5,000 teachers and administrators.   

In addition to her work in Fort Worth ISD, Michelle is currently a UNT Learning Technologies PhD candidate.  Research interests include personalized instruction, online teaching and learning, professional development, digital learning leadership, and school transformation. Michelle has previously presented information related to online instruction and technology integration at state and local conferences.