Ventura USD Transformation: Journey Toward a Digital District

Ventura USD Transformation: Journey Toward a Digital District

Event status:On Demand (Access Now) Date and time:Tuesday, March 24, 2015 1:00 pm
Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Change time zoneDuration:1 hourDescription:

Ventura Unified School District is experiencing a technology transformation. From infrastructure improvements, rolling out a mobile device program, and implementing a Learning Management System, they’re on the journey to a 21st Century district where teaching and learning can happen inside and outside of the school’s walls – anywhere and anytime!

Like all schools today, VUSD has new challenges to face - state testing, many different devices, budget concerns, delivering safe content to the classroom, how to engage their digital learners, and more. But they are making it happen — and they’re willing to share their secrets (and their lessons learned) with you!

We invite you to join the Ventura USD team as they discuss their journey toward becoming a digital district.

If you’re considering a mobile learning program or implementing an LMS, thinking about how to safely deliver content to the classroom, better engage your students, or just trying to figure out how to manage all the devices you already have, be sure to join us!

Sponsored by:

Featured Speakers:

Julie Judd, Chief Technology Officer, Ventura Unified School District
As the Chief Technology Officer of Ventura Unified School District, Julie is focused on improving District processes through technology enhancements. Under Julie’s leadership, VUSD is increasing student learning through better use of web-based tools like My Big Campus & GAFE. In her previous role as Director of Technology at Moorpark Unified School District, she managed large infrastructure upgrades, data center and disaster recovery projects, implemented educational technology software standards and best practices. Julie completed the CETPA CTO mentor program in 2009. She is also a member of CUE, CoSn, and the Ventura County School Technology group.

Julie received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Florida State University and is currently a student at Pepperdine University in the Organizational Leadership Doctoral Program.

Suzan Estrada, Technology Curriculum Specialist, Ventura Unified School District
Suzan has been with VUSD as a Technology Curriculum Specialist for over 7 years. She works closely with classroom teachers, administrators, support staff, and students to infuse technology into teaching and learning. Suzan is passionate about using digital technologies to communicate, tell stories, teach and assess learning.

Her 19+ years of middle school teaching experience have given her a strong foundation in Educational Leadership, Classroom Management, Curriculum Development, Lesson planning and educational technology. She has been an active member of Ventura Unified’s Technology Committee for the last 25 years. Suzan feels most successful when she helps educators to effectively implement digital curriculum and interactive media lessons for students.

Suzan received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from California State University Northridge, and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from Azusa Pacific University. She is a member of the professional organization CUE and enjoys attending the annual conference.

Melissa Bush, Technology Curriculum Teacher Specialist, Ventura Unified School District
As a Technology Curriculum Teacher Specialist with VUSD, Melissa offers support and training to other teachers, support staff, and the administrators at VUSD. Melissa’s focus is on creating a student centered classroom which facilitates dialogic conversations to deepen student understanding and engagement in course material. Google Apps for Education and My Big Campus (Learning Management System) are the tools she relies upon to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Taking away the fear of integrating technology into curriculum and leaving people feeling empowered and confident is her greatest reward.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UC Davis and earned her teaching credential from California State Northridge.