Summary SB 48 (Open States or New Hampshire Legislature) represents a shift in thinking on the existing chapter on school performance and accountability. It moves away from traditional models and towards a system which would prepare students for college and career through the use of clear learning outcomes and competency-based learning. It would also change…
In Plain English: IA HF 215
Summary HF 215 (Iowa Legislature or Open States) introduces a range of new education reforms including teacher leadership, mentorship and professional development programs. It establishes a competency-based instruction task force and a competency-based education grant award. The bill also appropriates $1.5 million per year for administering the state online learning initiative. Competency-based Education Grant Program This…
15 Aug 2013
In Plain English: FL HB 7029
Summary HB 7029 (Open States or Florida Legislature) expands the market of online courses in Florida, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and removes limits on which students can register for online classes The legislation requires the Florida Department of Education to create an online course catalog for digital learning courses. This catalog must provide…
14 Aug 2013
State of Digital Learning
By Nathan Martin August 9, 2013 At the foundation of Digital Learning Now! is the belief that policy impacts growth. While digital learning and the use of technology in the classroom will continue to grow and become more prevalent and common, state policy will either help or hinder that growth. Digital learning will either be…
9 Aug 2013
Unbundling of Higher Education
By Nathan Martin August 7, 2013 In times of economic crisis, a country’s true fiber and constitution can be seen. While the recession impacts the majority of families and homes across the country, American ingenuity and innovation continues to flourish despite the downturn. Necessity is spawning invention at institutions of higher education, as financial realities…
7 Aug 2013
Genachowski “New Innovation Battlegrounds”
By John Bailey August 7, 2013 Over at Forbes, Julius Genachowski, former FCC Chairman (and member of the Aspen Taskforce on the Internet and Learning), points out how state and local governments are the new battleground for innovation: What’s going on here? In cities and states across the country, two forces are engaged in battles…
7 Aug 2013
Digital Learning Now! Releases White Paper on Myths, Reality & Promise of Online Learning
WASHINGTON – Digital Learning Now! (DLN), a national campaign under the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), today released the eighth white paper in the DLN Smart Series. “Online Learning: Myths, Reality & Promise” explores the current trends, myths and realities of online learning. From state legislatures to classrooms across the country, a revolution of…
11 Jul 2013
Economist: Technology in America’s Schools
By Nathan Martin July 11, 2013 The push for digital learning is rooted in the belief that the needs of students should be put first. Politics, long-seated educational practices and misinformation can obscure this basic principle, but at the heart of current excitement is the belief that, when used properly, education technology empowers students and…
11 Jul 2013