Building Confidence with Digital Tools

Client: NYC Department of Education

Responsibilities: Instructional Designer, Content Development, Visual Design, Project Management, Facilitator

Problem: When schools shifted to virtual learning during the pandemic, educators, students, and families faced major challenges adapting to new digital platforms. Without structured, accessible support, essential teaching and learning activities were at risk of disruption.

Solution: I designed and delivered a comprehensive suite of on-demand instructional resources and live workshops to accelerate digital adoption. The training prioritized clear, practical guidance to empower users at every skill level to confidently navigate tools like Google Classroom, Google Meet, and G Suite.

Responsibilities: SME, Instructional Design, Training Facilitation, Project Management

Tools Used: Quicktime Player, Canva, G Suite, Studio App, Padlet, Kahoot, Google Docs

Impact

Process

Grounded in adult learning theory and following the ADDIE model, I led a multi-phase approach to build an accessible, data-informed training program:

Analysis:

Identified urgent technology skill gaps through direct user feedback and platform usage trends.
Distributed pre-training surveys to students to assess digital fluency and comfort levels with key tools (Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Meet, etc.).

Instructional Design:

Developed foundational and advanced learning objectives based on survey insights.
Applied best practices for instructional design by structuring content around real-world tasks, practical application, and incremental skill-building.

Content Development:

Produced self-paced video tutorials using QuickTime Player.
Created visual job aids, infographics, and guides using Canva and Google Docs.
Integrated interactive practice activities using Padlet and Kahoot.

Training Facilitation and Scaling:

Led multiple live workshops focused on instructional strategies, task automation on Google Classroom, managing the virtual learning environment, and boosting student engagement through digital tools.
Delivered specialized workshops for the district superintendent and all campus principals, who then distributed the resources across their own school communities.

Evaluation and Iteration:

Conducted post-training surveys to measure the effectiveness of each workshop and resource.
Used feedback data to refine future trainings, address evolving needs, and improve learner outcomes.

Post-Training Feedback

“I could not help sending you this E-mail. The simplicity of how Frias Franchesca, shows how to use google classroom is fantastic, I looked it over and could not stop watching it. It is very informational from the basics to more complicated, and does it in an easy way to learn it, Thank you Principal Woods for sharing this with me and the rest of the staff.”
“Great presentation. Looking forward to the emailed materials so I can share with cabinet and AP's, to turnkey to teachers. As this scourge isn't going away, we all need to become more knowledgeable about, and sophisticated with, remote learning. Again-- great presentation”
“Well presented ---Gideon is lucky to have a great tech team....future PD's should consider two sides of the equation.... "using the tech tools of production" and exploring best practices relating to the "pedagogy" to engage students-- two different tracks of PD....”
“This was really helpful. I would like my tech person to be able to deliver something similar to my teachers.”
“Great presentation. It was exactly what we all needed. Thank you.”
Sometimes it's important to share the positive things. One of my paraprofessionals sent me this email this morning (see below). I have been continuously sharing resources with all my staff and I shared yours, Ms. Frias. Keep up the great work and know that your impact is being felt even outside of Frank Sinatra. Thanks Gideon and Supt. Lindsey for sharing Ms. Frias.