September 23 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Towson University Union Ballroom D

EVENT INFO

Today’s students have grown up in a world of constant connectivity — from smartphones and social media to content streaming and generative AI. Technology has had major social, emotional, and cognitive impacts—fundamentally shaping how students communicate, access information, form identity, and engage with learning.  

Join TU College of Education and MPT's Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education to explore what this reality means for teaching and learning across Pre-K to higher education.  

What you'll learn:

• How lifelong digital immersion is shaping learning

• The behavioral habits, attitudes, and capacities present-day students bring to school

• Ways to be more effective in reaching and teaching students

• Proactive guidance for students on AI use to support learning and not as shortcut

Agenda:

• Presentation by MPT's Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education examining key facets of students’ digital lives influenced by a wide ecosystem of online content, media, and tools

• Moderated panel discussion with experts in health and education and a TU student

PANEL EXPERTS

Dr. Ronald Means is board-certified in psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry, with extensive experience in outpatient care and community mental health. He previously served as chief medical officer at Catholic Charities of Baltimore, where he developed and implemented policies for effective clinical care. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Means is an instructor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Dr. Means is a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the Maryland Psychiatric Society (serving as President-Elect), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (serving on the journal editorial board). 

Erin Senior is a seasoned education leader with over 10 years of experience at MSDE implementing innovative digital learning initiatives. She oversees multiple instructional technology programs, including synchronous, blended, and asynchronous learning environments, K-12 digital learning programs, and AI initiatives. Before joining MSDE, Senior spent 14 years as an elementary and middle school educator and understands the challenges and opportunities educators face today. 

She is dedicated to ensuring that all educational stakeholders have access to the tools and resources necessary to deliver high-quality digital learning experiences that prepare students for success in their future pathways. Senior holds a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education and an M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration. 

Katherine Holman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a professor in the Department of Special Education at TU's College of Education and a certified speech-language pathologist. She is the program director of the Teacher as Leader in Autism concentration for the Special Education M.Ed. and a regional autism consultant. Holman presents nationally and leads workshops on designing instructional programming to promote successful educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Her expertise includes autism (social development, early diagnosis and intervention, evidence-based school practices, interprofessional collaboration and practice), supporting families of children with disabilities, social-emotional learning, and building resilience through trauma-informed practices.

Holman’s research focuses on preparing and supporting school-based professionals who serve autistic students and their families through innovative, interdisciplinary, community-engaged training models. Her scholarship centers on interprofessional education and collaboration, ECHO-enhanced professional learning, and competency-based leadership preparation for special educators and related service professionals.

Bill Tally is a media researcher with expertise in digital learning and literacy for families, schools, and communities. As a Senior Scientist at the EDC Center for Children and Technology in New York City, he has led hundreds of projects investigating how digital media can slow down and deepen learning, making it more meaningful and interactive. Tally received a doctorate in Sociology of Media and Education from The City University of New York and has evaluated media literacy initiatives for over 40 years, working with designers, teachers, and children of all ages. 

As the principal of Tally Creative Consulting, Tally works with public media stations, library systems, schools, and non-profit organizations to evaluate and improve their digital learning programs.