Massachusetts Educational Technology Advisory Council
Minutes for September 19, 2012
Attendees: Barbara Treacy, Annamaria Schrimpf, Steve Mazzola, Lee McCanne, Shelley Chamberlain,
Ellen Driscoll, Luis Rodriguez (DESE), Maxim Weinstein, Edwin Guarin, Steve Kelley, Susan Hargrave
(DESE), Chris Alles (MSBA), Phil Daley (MSBA)
Incumbent co-chair Annamaria Schrimpf called the meeting to order.
Motion to approve the minutes of the June 5 meeting made by Ellen Driscoll, seconded by Edwin Guarin,
approved by voice vote.
Maxim Weinstein nominated Annamaria Schrimpf as co-chair. Annamaria Schrimpf nominated Lee
McCanne as co-chair. Both nominations were seconded by Steve Mazzola. With no further nominations,
the co-chairs were elected by unanimous consent.
Future ETAC meetings were scheduled for December 4, February 5, April 2. All will be 3–5pm at the
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education in Malden.
Luis Rodriguez updated the Council on the new Office of Digital Learning (ODL) at DESE. The DESE goal is
to have more involvement in blended, virtual learning. There is a need to ramp up effective use of
technology in classrooms. Luis presented the vision for ODL, and he will send out an org chart of the
office and how it fits into DESE. Any questions or comments can be sent directly to Luis.
The Council discussed ETAC’s charge. Several items were proposed, the first four by Luis, the remainder
by members of the Council:
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Develop a lexicon of key digital learning terms and a communication approach to help establish
a common understanding of digital learning throughout the Commonwealth.
Identify emerging practices in assessing both student and educator technology literacy,
recommend updates to standards, processes and/or tools.
Develop a toolkit for educational leaders and school level administrators to identify and vet staff
for digital learning skills.
Identify exemplar blended learning models to inform opportunities for partnering and building
district capacity.
Assist districts in identifying and meeting infrastructure needs.
Explore and recommend an approach to certifying district educational technology directors.
Identify ways for districts to effectively leverage Edwin, the Commonwealth’s teaching &
learning platform.
Advise DESE on the educational technology leadership the Council considers necessary.
Arrange site visits to expose DESE leadership to digital learning in Mass.
After discussion, the consensus of the Council was that the first and last bullets could be combined,
using the ODL vision as a focus.
Final charge from the council was
"Build digital learning awareness throughout the Commonwealth"
Lee McCanne moved to accept “Build digital learning awareness throughout the Commonwealth” as
ETAC’s charge for 2012–2013. Seconded by Maxim Weinstein, carried by voice vote.
Luis briefed the Council on a draft proposal for DESE and MSBA to work together to help schools get
assistance in building the necessary technology infrastructure to support online assessment and learning.
Luis updated the Council on Edwin, the Mass. Teaching and Learning Platform. There has been no
vendor procured yet, so timelines for rollout are unclear. The initial phase after procurement will be
pilot testing by four districts awarded grants by DESE.
Luis reported that the Commonwealth Virtual Schools bill did not pass during session; it still has
potential to be passed during unofficial session or next session. DESE is laying plans for how to proceed
if it is passed, as well as for next steps if it isn’t.
Meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.