In this episode of The Inside Scoop, David Owen and Dr. Starla Townsend discuss the intersection of education and technology and how teachers can keep pace with emerging tools in the classroom. Dr. Townsend is Cobb's Director of Instructional Technology. Her team of 27 Technology Training Integration Specialists (TTIS) work across 112 schools, leveraging their dual expertise in teaching and tech to enhance learning environments and keep students engaged.

Under the leadership of a Superintendent with a background in Technology, the District prioritizes sustainable, impactful solutions over fads. CTLS (Cobb Teaching and Learning System) exemplifies this approach and supports data-driven decision-making while empowering teachers to personalize student learning.

The collaboration between the Instructional Technology team and the Academic Department is central to their success. They work closely to integrate technological solutions that align with academic goals, providing hands-on support and modeling for teachers. The team ensures that technology enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills through initiatives like the Learning Innovation Design Framework. Their flexible, school-specific approach enables them to reach numerous classrooms, often inspiring enthusiasm among both students and educators.

The discussion also touches on the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Dr. Townsend emphasizes the need for students to develop a foundational understanding of AI. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate AI in both productivity and learning contexts, with a focus on safe and effective use to help prepare students for the tech-driven world of the future.