The recent LatinX Edtech Summit, held in El Paso, Texas, aimed to bridge the digital divide and connect educators and technology entrepreneurs. The event brought together over 140 participants, including teachers, administrators, business leaders, investors, and representatives from educational organizations.
One of the key organizers of the event was the STTE Foundation, a nonprofit based in El Paso that focuses on developing educational programs to enhance students&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPTlrT3p6dTA3cG53QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYVVOT1kyUnhSMVYyZFhCSFJWZE9ZbVl3UWpOVWR6MDk-8217; digital literacy. The CEO of STTE, Joseph Sapien, emphasized the importance of the connections made at the summit and the potential for advancements in education and technology.
The summit addressed the digital divide that exists among underrepresented students and communities, particularly in rural areas. Many Hispanics have smartphones but lack access to computers and affordable internet, limiting their participation in the digital economy. Efforts to improve digital equity include providing affordable broadband and enhancing digital skills.
Eddie Rodriguez, the executive director of CREEED, another sponsor of the summit, highlighted the importance of higher education in achieving economic success. He emphasized the need for a high-quality public education that provides equal opportunities for all students.
During a panel discussion, superintendents from rural school districts discussed the impact of technology on K-12 education. The pandemic accelerated the use of technology in schools but also highlighted the need for improved internet access. The panelists also mentioned the benefits of technology in language learning and access to college scholarships.
Jacob Fraire, the president of the ECMC Foundation, expressed his hopes to hear new ideas from Latino leaders in education and technology. With a growing Latino population, it is crucial to address the underperformance of Latino students in higher education. The ECMC Foundation focuses on improving opportunities for underserved populations and believes in the power of tech-enabled learning.
Sarita E. Brown, the co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, spoke about her organization&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPTlrT3p6dTA3cG53QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYVVOT1kyUnhSMVYyZFhCSFJWZE9ZbVl3UWpOVWR6MDk-8217;s commitment to working with institutions that serve Latino students. She praised El Paso&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPTlrT3p6dTA3cG53QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYVVOT1kyUnhSMVYyZFhCSFJWZE9ZbVl3UWpOVWR6MDk-8217;s bilingual and bicultural community and highlighted the region&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPTlrT3p6dTA3cG53QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrYVVOT1kyUnhSMVYyZFhCSFJWZE9ZbVl3UWpOVWR6MDk-8217;s potential for combining human capital with practical solutions.
The summit provided an opportunity for educators and technology developers to collaborate on innovative ideas that could benefit Latino students. Brown urged participants to efficiently connect and address the challenges faced by Latino students, who will form a larger part of the higher education population in the future.
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