Reshaping Digital Learning in the Northwest

Educators know that bringing technology into the classroom isn’t just about picking the latest tools. It’s about building an ecosystem that truly empowers both teachers and their students to succeed. Through careful alignment with district goals and strategic professional development, educators in the Northwest ISD have discovered how digital tools can transform learning in meaningful ways.

Growing up in a family of educators, Brittany Horn knew the challenges teachers faced all too well. Now, as an Instructional Technologist at Northwest Independent School District, she, along with her team, has witnessed firsthand how the right technology can transform a classroom – when implemented thoughtfully.

Her team’s philosophy is clear: “We’ve moved away from, ‘This is a flashy tool, let’s use it’ to ‘What’s your learning objective? Which tool can best help you meet that need?’” Brittany explains, reflecting on her team’s approach to adoption.

That experience shaped her approach when she joined Northwest ISD’s instructional technology team, where she now supports six elementary schools. Instead of pushing technology for technology’s sake, Brittany and her team decided: “When it meets a need for our teachers, that’s where we focus our time.”

Finding the Right Fit

The turning point came when teachers began expressing frustration with digital worksheets and assignments. Students were struggling to engage with PDF materials, and teachers were spending countless hours managing digital paperwork.

“We’ve noticed if we just tell the teachers, ‘Let me know what you want,’ it’s quiet,” Brittany shares. Her team needed a different strategy – one that would meet teachers where they were.

Enter: Kami. Initially adopted by Northwest ISD for digital annotation, Brittany and her team quickly discovered its potential for broader instructional impact.

Breaking Down Barriers

Rather than launching a traditional training program, Brittany took an approach that resonated with teachers’ real-world needs. “Instead of just saying, ‘Here’s what the tool can do,’ we say, ‘We took your upcoming unit on the Boston Tea Party and put it in Kami with questions; give it a try and let us know what you think.’”

What began as a tool for digital annotation quickly evolved into something much more impactful. “Teachers have moved beyond basic digital annotation,” Brittany shares. “The insights have changed how some teachers approach instruction.”

With the ability to monitor student work in real time, Kami’s features have transformed how teachers identify and address learning gaps. “Class View has been a game-changer. The fact that they can catch misconceptions in real time is huge.”

Unleashing Creativity

The transformation has been particularly evident in how students express their learning. “Last year, we had kids create graphic novels in Kami, and it was super cool because they all had a different setting, but they all started with the same template,” Brittany shares.

Her enthusiasm for student creativity is clear: “Any time students get to create and have a voice in what they’re doing is impactful. There are ways to do that with different tools, like having them put a video or photo on a page, making it theirs, making it creative, and not doing it the exact way everyone else is doing it.”

For many students who previously struggled to express themselves in traditional formats, these creative tools have opened new doors for their learning.

Building a Community of Innovation

This journey has been about more than just technology. Brittany and her team have built a supportive community where teachers share successes and brainstorm solutions. Their seasonal newsletter campaigns like “Tech the Halls” and (our personal favorite) “Tech or Treat” have turned professional development from a chore into an anticipated event.

Future-proofing

As Brittany looks ahead, she sees endless possibilities for student-led learning. “For example, students making audio comments or publishing their work; not just turning it in to the teacher.”

When asked her advice for other schools considering digital transformation? “It’s so easy to start with Kami! It doesn’t take long to upload something and give it a try. And don’t feel like you have to do it alone. If you have support, let them help you. It’s so much easier to get started when you have someone to show you the ropes.”

For Brittany and the teachers at Northwest ISD, the focus remains on leveraging technology that not only supports teachers but empowers students to take ownership of their learning. It’s not just about adopting new tools – it’s about transforming education in ways that create lasting impact for both teachers and students.

This story is part of our ongoing series exploring educator’s stories around digital learning. Stay connected for more inspiring stories about reshaping education with technology.

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