10 Elements

The 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning were released at the 2010 National Summit on Education Reform in Washington, DC. During the fall of 2010, the Digital Learning Council defined the elements and identified the actions that need to be taken by lawmakers and policymakers to foster a high-quality, customized education for all students. This includes technology-enhanced learning in traditional schools, online and virtual learning, and blended learning that combines online and onsite learning.

1. Student Eligibility

All students are digital learners.
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2. Student Access

All students have access to high-quality digital content and online courses.
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3. Personalized Learning

All students can customize their education using digital content through an approved provider.
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4. Advancement

Students progress based on demonstrated competency.
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5. Quality Content

Digital content, instructional materials, and online and blended learning courses are high quality.
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6. Quality Instruction

Digital instruction is high quality.
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7. Quality Choices

All students have access to multiple high-quality digital providers.
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8. Assessment and Accountability

Student learning is the metric for evaluating the quality of content and instruction.
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9. Funding

Funding creates incentives for performance, options, and innovation.
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10. Delivery

Infrastructure supports digital learning.
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In 2010, the Foundation for Excellence in Education convened the Digital Learning Council, a diverse group of more than 100 leaders in education, government, philanthropy, business, technology and members of policy think tanks led by Co-Chairmen Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida 1999 – 2007, and Bob Wise, Governor of West Virginia 2001 – 2005. The group developed the 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning, a comprehensive framework of state-level policies and actions designed to advance the meaningful and thoughtful integration of technology into K12 public education. The 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning are organized around three general areas: customization and success for all students, a robust offering of high-quality options and infrastructure. Customization and Success for All Students: All students should be able to access digital learning to customize their education to achieve academic success.
  • Student Access: All students are digital learners.
  • Barriers to Access: All students have access to high-quality digital learning.
  • Personalized Learning: All students can use digital learning to customize their education.
  • Advancement: All students progress based on demonstrated competency.
A Robust Offering of High-Quality Options: To effectively customize education, students must be able to choose from an array of rigorous and effective schools and courses.
  • Quality Content: Digital content and courses are high quality.
  • Quality Instruction: Digital instruction is high quality.
  • Quality Choices: All students have access to multiple high-quality digital learning providers.
  • Assessment and Accountability: Student learning is the metric for evaluating the quality of content, courses, schools and instruction.
21st Century Infrastructure: Education must be modernize to ensure students have access to sustained digital learning.
  • Funding: Funding provides incentives for performance, options and innovations.
  • Infrastructure: Infrastructure supports digital learning.