Refugio ISD has made a lot of progress when it comes to educational technology, but like many small, rural districts, there are still challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is internet reliability. While the district has worked to improve access, bringing in portable Wi-Fi for areas with weak signals, the reality is that connectivity issues still disrupt learning. Testing kindergarteners, for example, became an exercise in patience as slow computers and lagging connections forced teachers to restart exams multiple times. Five-year-olds aren’t exactly known for their patience, so you can imagine how frustrating that was for everyone involved.
At home, however, most students do have access to devices. Even those you wouldn’t expect seem to have tablets or smartphones. During the pandemic, the district ensured that every family had Wi-Fi and a computer so students could participate in virtual learning. While that was a game-changer at the time, high schoolers today still face internet-related struggles when completing homework at home. To help, the school builds in time during the school day for students to work on assignments while Wi-Fi is available.
One of the district’s biggest successes has been providing every K-12 student with a Chromebook. Even Pre-K students have access to tablets, which means technology isn’t the barrier, it’s how effectively it’s used. Some students prefer to use their phones for schoolwork, likely because they find touchscreens easier to navigate than laptops. The choice is theirs, but at least they have options.
Teachers are incorporating a wide range of edtech tools into their classrooms, from Google Classroom and Amplify to Canva and interactive TVs. The library’s website also serves as a research hub, helping students access databases for assignments. But while technology is available, professional development for teachers is a different story. Most training is done through Zoom, which, while convenient, isn’t always the most effective way to learn hands-on tools. Plus, not everyone is on the same page, some teachers thrive with new tech, while others resist any kind of change. That can make implementation across the district uneven.
One noticeable gap in the district’s approach to technology is in the library. Refugio ISD currently doesn’t have a librarian, and in the past, librarians weren’t included in technology training. This is a missed opportunity, as librarians can be a huge asset in helping students and teachers navigate digital resources.
Beyond the school walls, the community itself plays a role in how technology is used. Refugio is a small, rural town where oil and small businesses drive the economy. Sixty-eight percent of students come from low-income households, and there’s also a high population of students in special education. While the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) is small, they receive strong support through Title I funding and a staff that includes many ELL-certified teachers.
At the end of the day, technology in Refugio ISD is a work in progress. The district has made huge strides in access and device availability, but there’s still room to grow, especially in teacher training, internet reliability, and digital literacy support. The tools are there; now, it’s about making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident using them.
Hi Monica!
ReplyDeleteRefugio ISD has made great strides in technology access, especially with its 1:1 Chromebook initiative. While challenges like internet reliability and Zoom-based training remain, the district’s commitment to digital learning is evident. My brother and his family lived in Refugio for one year before moving to Rockport, so I know how strong and close-knit the community is. Hopefully, you'll have a librarian one day to further support technology integration and student/staff learning!
Two topics stand out here. For one, the idea that librarians should not be included in technology trainings and the like is so short-sighted! School librarians are best-suited to not only transfer learning to the entire school community, but they are also the most skilled members of the learning community who can evaluate learning. It's also a problem that there is not adequate connectivity. Great scan!
ReplyDeleteHey Monica~
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! An environmental scan is absolutely crucial for school libraries to stay relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of their students and staff.
Refugio ISD has made notable progress in integrating technology into education, providing devices like Chromebooks and tablets to students. However, internet reliability continues to be a challenge, especially in rural areas, which affects learning, particularly during testing. While students have access to technology, there’s a gap in teacher training, and not all educators are on the same page with new tools. The absence of a librarian trained in technology is also a missed opportunity. Despite these hurdles, the district is making strides in improving access and digital resources for both students and teachers.
ReplyDeleteThis post effectively illustrates the complexities of technology integration in a small, rural district like Refugio ISD, where significant progress in device access is often hampered by persistent internet reliability issues and uneven teacher training. The absence of a librarian in technology training represents a missed opportunity to leverage their expertise in navigating digital resources for both students and teachers.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, there's a lot of ISDs that no longer employee librarians as they don't see them as a necessity. It's great how many strides your ISD has taken to getting internet access, though I sometimes wonder if the internet is truly helping or hindering education in some regards. Last note, I love that your ELLs get so much support, sometimes I feel like my school is lacking in that section.
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