Instructional-technology supervisor outlines AI plan, device-fee and student tech pathways

Ebony Fanfan Dilsen, the district’s instructional-technology supervisor, told the Roselle board that her office manages state reporting and a range of classroom platforms and is working to sustain the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools one-to-one device initiative. "I am Ebony Fanfan Dilsen. I'm the instructional technology supervisor for [the district]," she said as she opened a presentation on programs and tools.

Dilsen described career and technical pathways, student tech teams that repair devices, and partnerships that provide professional development. She said the district uses Montclair State’s Computer Science Hub for staff training and highlighted K–12 computer-science instruction: block-based coding in elementary grades, Amazon Future Engineer curriculum from grade 6 through 12, and high-school offerings including Python, AP computer science, drones and a student repair academy.

On device management, Dilsen said the district instituted a $25 usage fee and organized device-collection periods during school breaks. "We did institute the $25 usage fee," she said, and reported most parents agreed to voluntary device collection when offered. She also reviewed repair trends, saying top-cover/screen damage is the largest category and hinge failures have been frequent; the district is "talking to the manufacturer" about hinge problems and may reconsider buying CTL devices if defects persist.

Dilsen discussed policies governing student use of technology, noting the board updated the district’s acceptable-use policy last year to include artificial intelligence. She described the district’s ethical approach: require disclosure when students use AI, teach students to verify AI outputs and maintain creative control. "We ask students to let everybody know you use AI when you're using AI," she said, and warned that AI can "hallucinate" incorrect facts.

The district has adopted Magic School AI, which Dilsen described as an education-focused AI tool that supports multilingual learners and students with disabilities and offers real-time translation. She said the platform helps teachers differentiate lessons and create classroom activities.

Dilsen invited the board and community to an AI showcase on March 26 where about 150 students will present AI projects and Montclair State experts will participate in a community conversation. She also described classroom tools—VR, Sphero and Azobots for coding, drones, an Esports room and 3-D printers—saying the district is expanding hands-on and maker resources and building a digital-media pathway that includes broadcasting and journalism.

Board members asked about early-grade implementation and screen time. Dilsen said kindergarten students use age-appropriate coding kits and an interactive table; she emphasized integrating technology with play and sharing strategies with parents to limit screen time.

The presentation closed with the chair thanking Dilsen and the district planned to share the slide deck with parents and staff. The board moved next to the business agenda.