The Digital Equity Webinar series explores the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and digital inclusion practices. This series is relevant to educators, librarians, social workers, digital navigators, equity advocates, and anyone interested in learning more about digital equity and is organized by the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition and partners. Links to the session presentations and recordings are provided below.
Click here to access the Digital Equity Webinar Series playlist on YouTube.
Digital Equity Webinar Series
Visit the YouTube PlaylistHow Accessible is your IT?
Learn how to assess websites and digital materials for accessibility. Understand best practices for creating accessible websites and presentations to promote digital inclusion in your community.
Presenters:
- Stephen Polacek , Director of IT Accessibility Policy and Programs with the Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) Maryland Department of Disabilities
- Matthew Hackert, Senior IT Accessibility Specialist Maryland Department of Information Technology
This session was held on Friday, October 4th, 2024 over Zoom.
Accessibility and the Intellectually Disabled Community
Learn about accessible and assistive technology that can support individuals with intellectual disabilities and discover valuable resources to help meet their unique needs.
Presenters:
- Donald Clark, Program Development Specialist State Office of Policy, Planning, & Innovation (SOPPI)
- Koshala Cole Remote Supports Consultant SafeInHome
- Moderator: Stephanie Jones, Director of Innovations, Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration
This live session was held on Friday, October 11th, 2024 over Zoom.
Click for DDS Tech First Slides
Accessibility for Individuals with Speech Disabilities
Learn about accessible technology for individuals with speech disabilities (SD) and explore valuable resources and best practices to support their needs.
Presenters:
- Richard Cave, PhD candidate at University College London Speech and Language Pathologist and national adviser to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Steve Cooper, board member of The Governor's Advisory Board for Telecommunication Relay (Maryland), Lary’s Speakeasy Laryngectomee Cancer Support Group, The Laryngectomee Club of Montgomery County Maryland, and The International Association of Laryngectomees.
This session was recorded on Friday, October 18th, 2024 over Zoom.
Click here for Accessible Slides
Accessibility and the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Community
Learn about the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing (HoH) community and explore ways to create inclusive services for these individuals.
Presenters:
- David Bahar, Executive Director of Telecommunication Access Maryland
- Jane Hager, Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) Specialist Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM)
This session was recorded on Friday, October 25th, 2024 over Zoom.
Libraries: Anchor Institutions & Digital Inclusion Leaders
This webinar panel discussion explores how libraries are evolving to meet community needs, bridge digital divides, and foster local development.
Presenters:
- Sonia Alcantara-Antoine – CEO of Baltimore County Public Library
- Carrie Willson – Executive Director of Calvert Library
- Ashley Teagle - CEO of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association (SMRLA)
- Tamar Sarnoff - Director of the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch of the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA)
- Julie Brophy – Manager of the Adult & Community Engagement Department
- Moderator: Liz Gabbitas – Founder and Director of Libraries for Digital Equity
- ASL Interpreters: Tina Gatchell and Effrem Young
This session was recorded on Friday, November 1st, 2024 over Zoom.
Accessibility and the Low Vision and Blind Community
Learn how to make your digital content and interactions more accessible to low-vision and blind users. This webinar introduces actionable insights on implementing accessibility best practices, leveraging assistive technologies (AT), and utilizing available resources.
Presenters:
- John Owen, Director of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
- Ashley M. Biggs, Marketing and Outreach Librarian for the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
- Christopher A. Nusbaum, Project Coordinator with Bridges Technical Assistance Center
This session was recorded on Friday, November 8th, 2024 over Zoom.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Use in the Classroom
Learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and discover how it can be effectively and safely used in teaching settings.
Presenters:
- Maria Barga, Tech Educator with University of Maryland Extension Marylanders Online
- Jack Bayne, Digital Navigator with the Carroll Technology and Innovation Council
- Tim Dixon, elementary school teacher with 26 years of experience and consultant for the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE)
- Ron Nicholson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of BCAUSEICAN INC
- Sarah Thomas, PhD, founder of EduMatch
Moderator: Quiana Bannerman, Director of Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE)
This session was recorded on Friday, November 15th, 2024 over Zoom.
Student Voices on AI in Education
This panel discussion features students sharing their insights and discussing how AI is shaping today's educational experience.
Presenter: Charmaine Thompson, Chief of Instructional Technology at Charles County Public Schools
Student Panelists:
- Damilola Adegbuyi
- Lusenie Turay
- Chase Saltzman
Moderator: Quiana Bannerman, Director of Maryland Center for Computing Education at the University System of Maryland
This session was recorded on Friday, November 22nd, 2024 over Zoom.
Using AI to Foster Critical Thinking about Bias, Ethics, and Data
This session explores the ways that AI can be used as a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills related to bias, ethics, and data.
Panelists:
- Charlotte Avery, Program Impact Manager for the Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law and Society (TRAILS) and the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM)
- Ron Nicholson - Executive Director, BCAUSEICAN
- Caleb Wilson - District Coach of Instructional Technology and Innovation, Worcester County Public Schools
Moderator: Quiana Bannerman, Director of Maryland Center for Computing Education at the University System of Maryland
This session was recorded on Friday, December 6, 2024 over Zoom.