What is digital learning?
The school of the future is here today. Digital learning meets individual student needs and interests with appropriate access to learning technology. Digital learning includes online learning and blends of online and onsite learning as well as a teacher using technology to tailor lessons to the interests of individual students.
How will digital learning help students achieve?
Until today, customizing education to an individual student’s learning style and interests was a dream. Technology and digital learning can make that dream a reality. Digital learning allows education to be individualized so each and every student can achieve his or her academic potential. Students will learn at their own pace, ensuring they gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in school and ultimately in college and careers beyond graduation.
How do you believe digital learning will change education?
Technological innovations have already changed the way we work, shop and get entertainment. Digital learning can transform education from a mass production model to an individualized model that provides each student with a quality education that fits their learning style and interests. Digital learning will also help the country meet fiscal challenges over time with lower operating costs and more flexible facilities needs.
Why is online and digital learning different than radio and TV? How is it transforming education more than its predecessors?
Online and digital learning have the adaptive potential of personalized learning. It’s the first chance in history to learn more, faster, and cheaper. Now that anyone can learn anything, anywhere that changes everything.
How are games helping students learn?
Higher levels of engagement will lead to more time on task and more learning per year. When you combine engagement with 24/7 access to digital learning, it’s an affordable way to double time on task for many students. Simulations and 3D animations will prove to be a much more powerful way to teach many aspects of science, calculus, and social systems.
Won’t this cost more money?
States and districts will need to make investments in high access environments (that is, provisions to ensure that every student has an Internet access device) but the switch to digital content and assessment often saves enough money to more than off set the total cost of access devices. U.S. schools should plan on switching from print to digital for the 2012–13 school year in preparation for new online state assessments. The switch will require some planning and some changes to policies and budgeting practices—start now. Blended schools can cost less to operate because they can use differentiated and distributed staffing and higher student ratios for portions of the day. To make the shift more doable and affordable, most schools will want to break the process up into bite-size chunks: a few grades each year, digital content one year, and competency-based progress the next.
How can my state improve digital learning?
States can make changes and shifts to improve digital learning by reducing barriers, allowing the shift of funds and establishing plans for access and technology for all students. To learn more, read our Roadmap for Reform.
How can I get involved?
Individuals and organizations can join Digital Learning Now! as Digital Leaders. In addition you can advocate for the implementation of the 10 Elements on High Quality Digital Learning in your state. If you’d like to plan a Digital Learning Now! event in your state contact Erin@Excelined.org.