Sydney Johnson
Follow @@sydneyfjohnsonSydney Johnson covers math and science, among other topics. Before joining EdSource, Sydney was an assistant editor at EdSurge where she covered higher education and technology. Her work has also appeared in Slate, The Huffington Post, the East Bay Express, San Francisco magazine and other outlets. She has a B.A. and a B.S. from UC Berkeley.
All articles by Sydney Johnson
On or off? California schools weigh webcam concerns during distance learning
Some teachers report less engagement with cameras off, but anxiety, tech glitches and privacy concerns could keep some students from turning them on.
Sydney Johnson
August 26, 2020
Pressure is on to close the digital divide under California governor’s executive order
The governor wants to reimagine the state’s Broadband Council and ramp up efforts to connect all students to technology during distance learning.
Sydney Johnson
August 14, 2020
Ask a reporter: Back to school in California during Covid-19
EdSource reporters and readers met Wednesday in a virtual town hall to discuss what education will look like this fall in California.
Sydney Johnson
August 13, 2020
California makes internet-enabled tablets available to nearly 1 million students
At least 100,000 tablets with internet included will be ready for districts in time for the new school year, state officials said.
Sydney Johnson
August 5, 2020
Some California teachers asked to return to empty classrooms during distance learning
Protests are emerging in districts where teachers are required to conduct distance learning from their physical classrooms.
Sydney Johnson
August 4, 2020
California school districts brace for an online back-to-school season
Many school districts will have to ditch plans for hybrid learning and in-person classes at the start of the school year.
Sydney Johnson
July 24, 2020
California districts attempt to revive outdoor education programs slashed during the pandemic
In California, leaders of 37% of outdoor education programs said they will remain closed due to lack of financing after the coronavirus pandemic.
Sydney Johnson
July 6, 2020
Long road ahead to close California’s digital divide in education before new school year begins
About 56,700 laptops and 94,000 hotspots have been sent to districts across the state so far.
Sydney Johnson
June 26, 2020
California schools must provide daily live interaction, access to technology this fall
California lawmakers introduced distance learning provisions around instructional time, attendance and connecting with parents.
Sydney Johnson
June 25, 2020
California science teachers look for new ways to bring hands-on experiments to students
While some families are doing science projects at home, teachers say a lack of supplies makes it difficult to assign hands-on experiments.
Sydney Johnson
June 10, 2020
Lawmakers look for new ways to pay for broadband in rural California
A bond proposal aims to build broadband infrastructure in rural California, help purchase computers and fund professional training for teachers.
Sydney Johnson
June 4, 2020
Oakland students organize protest of George Floyd death, pleading to be heard
Community members handed out free water, snacks and hand sanitizer as students and families marched down Broadway.
Sydney Johnson
June 1, 2020
California’s smallest districts plan ‘socially distant’ in-person graduations this spring
State officials are developing guidelines on how to safely bring students back to campus.
Sydney Johnson
May 21, 2020
How some California charter schools support students during distance learning
Some charter schools with technology already in place are putting greater emphasis on family support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sydney Johnson
May 18, 2020
More California students are online, but digital divide runs deep with distance learning
More than a month since most schools first closed, at least 270,000 students remain disconnected to the internet at home.