#42 Surviving Tech Turbulence with Leigh Anne Scherer

Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast

Leigh Anne Scherer, Technology Director at North Clackamas School District, navigated the unprecedented challenges of transitioning to online learning during the pandemic, offering key insights into the role of technology in education.

In this episode, Leigh Anne and Seth discuss:

• The rapid shift to virtual learning in 2020 and the lessons learned from navigating this transformation.
• The importance of ensuring data privacy and security in the adoption of digital curriculum and AI tools.
• How accessibility features in digital tools can enhance learning for all students, with a focus on English learners.
• The experimental approach Leigh Anne's district is taking towards AI, allowing teachers to explore tools while maintaining a cautious stance on student-facing AI applications.
• The parallels between how large language models and humans learn language, and the implications for language learners in the classroom.
• The potential and pitfalls of using AI in education, particularly the risks of relying too heavily on translation tools for English learners.

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About today’s guest
Leigh Anne Scherer is the Technology Director for North Clackamas School District in Oregon, where she brings her extensive experience as an English learner educator and school administrator to the role. With a focus on accessibility, data privacy, and innovative uses of technology, Leigh Anne plays a crucial role in guiding her district's approach to digital learning and AI integration.

About your host
Seth Fleischauer is the host of the Make It Mindful podcast and the founder of Banyan Global Learning. With a psychology degree from Princeton and a background in elementary education, Seth's work bridges technology, education, and human connection. His company, Banyan Global Learning, has delivered over 40,000 program hours across four continents, focusing on curricula that emphasize cultural competence.