Empowering Excluded Learners Through Data Ownership
Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, Senior Director of Credentials at Digital Promise
In this series, we talk with Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, Senior Director of Credentials at Digital Promise. Rita gives us insights into the world of digital credentials, the importance of safe data collection, and how she builds communities and trust on her team and around her.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Episodes
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Released January 9, 2024
In our first episode of 2024, Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson tells us about her work with digital credentialing, the importance of considering accessibility from the start of a project, and keeping the historically and systematically excluded users at the center of your work.
She also tells us about the importance of building a culture of feedback within our teams, and finding respectful ways to critique your peers.
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Released January 16, 2024
In our second episode with Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, we discuss the importance of keeping user’s data secure, and only collecting the essential information needed for the credential they’re seeking.
She tells us about how Digital Promise uses pilot studies and other research methods to refine their credential offerings. She also remarks on keeping an equity mindset in your research, and the importance of compensation for the individuals who participate in it.
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Released January 25, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson addresses the ethics of data collection. She talks about how demographic data is often not necessary for the work you’re doing, and can pose risks to historically and systematically excluded learners in many ways.
She also speaks on the importance of clear and succinct communication, and its importance in an inclusive culture.
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Released January 30, 2024
In our final episode with Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, we discuss what’s giving her hope and what resolutions she’s set in the new year. We also talk about her time in the military and how that helped her learn to build communities wherever you might be.
She also talk about how excited she is for new, young nonprofits joining the industry, and the ways in which they’re innovating.