Ridgefield outlines technology plan with three priorities: teaching, privacy and digital citizenship

The committee reviewed the district’s new technology plan and stakeholder process, which the presentation said responds in part to a Tri-State review of the district’s technology vision. District technology lead Dr. Taylor Rai described three priority areas for study and action this year: how educational technology supports teaching and learning, data privacy and security, and digital citizenship.

"The 1st bucket that we're gonna be looking at is the teaching and learning and how educational technology supports the curriculum," Dr. Rai said, explaining that the work will include K–12 working groups and a stakeholder advisory committee that will advise on specific actions. He added that the district will post explainer videos and materials on a public website and use a flipped-advisory model so community members can review presentations before stakeholder meetings.

The presentation also emphasized a focus on data privacy systems and vetting software; Dr. Rai noted the district will implement a transparent "learn" platform listing vetted applications and use tools like GoGuardian to balance instruction and safety. The committee welcomed the plan’s transparency, praised the advisory structure that includes board members and parents, and encouraged Dr. Rai to attend PTA meetings this fall to gather broader community input.