The Missing Voices in EdTech

Rafranz Davis is a math educator, leader, learner and advocate who believes in the power of digital learning opportunities amongst kids. As someone who has built a career on empowering students through the use of relevant technology, Rafranz is now working directly with other educators as an instructional technology specialist where she serves students through supporting their teachers in best practices.

"Rafranz Davis makes a significant contribution to the discussion of diversity in the edtech environment.   The questions she raises at the end of each chapter provide food for thought for those considering how to better support "less heard" voices in edtech, from students, to women, to people of color.   In a touching vignette, she delves into ways the power of edtech has failed to support students like Hector—using technology to take the most convenient out, rather than helping him find a voice and a better future.   She asks, significantly, how edtech teachers can hear the voices of students with no access.  And most importantly, she speaks up courageously, sharing her own voice and struggles to find a sense of belonging in the edtech community. Her book is both a guide for administrators and edtech leaders seeking to better support student and teacher voices and an important testimony to the power of voices willing to raise the tough questions."

• Preface by Peter DeWittIntroduction1. Understanding DiversityConfronting My Thinking on DiversityDefining Diverse Voices2. Teacher Voice in EdTechVignette: The Voice of the Teacher is CriticalBarriers to Teacher VoiceTeacher Perceptions of TechnologyCampus Leaders: Developing Teacher Tech LeadersTeacher Voice in Technology Professional Development3. The Student Learner PerspectiveVignette: I Want to Use My TechnologyStudents Have Ideas TooStudent Voice and EdTechThree Simple Solutions for Engaging Student VoiceThe Missing Voice of Students of PovertyVignette: I Didn′t Have a Choice But to Work Night Shift4. Beyond Pencil Skirts and High Heels: Women of EdTechConnected Women as Serious Voices of Tech InfluenceEmpowering Women Leaders Through Connected Mentors5. The Unspoken Inequity: People of Color in EdTechVignette: Connecting in EdTech Beyond RaceRecognizing Expertise at the School LevelBreaking Cultural Code: Empowering to ShareConnecting Teachers of ColorA Personal Reflection on Missing Voices