Introduction

Manufacturing and factories, which influenced subjects, teaching models and even classroom de-sign have been replaced by an economy of creating, developing and selling across a vast array of platforms. The jobs of today, and tomorrow, will require an entirely new system of learning—online and offline, in traditional settings and in the real world, inside and outside walled classrooms.

–“Learner at the Center of a Networked World,” The Aspen Institute

Technology impacts all aspects of our lives —it has changed and enhanced everything from how we socialize to how we interact professionally. It has changed how we plan personally, professionally, and financially. Similarly, technology has the potential to enhance educational experiences for students through digital learning. Schools that are infused with digital learning have found that technology is a critical component to meet the needs of all digital-age learners.

States, districts, and schools have made – and will continue to make — investments in devices, bandwidth, networking, digital content, and teacher training to promote digital learning. Many are upgrading and expanding the digital resources that serve as an integral part of specific initiatives such as a one-to-one program, online assessments, or school improvement goals. Others have broader digital learning initiatives like project-based learning, personalized learning, or competency-based education, which are enhanced by technology. With digital learning, teachers have the potential to personalize learning for all students. Students are more engaged in a digital learning environment, in part because it is more in line with how students learn and interact with the world. Further, digital learning represents how students will be expected to learn in college and career. Digital learning can increase access to high quality educational opportunities and contribute to narrowing the achievement gap.

Authors and Contributors

Laura Acree

Christine Fox

Projects

North Carolina Digital-Age Learning Initiative

The NC Digital-Age Learning Initiative builds upon the existing foundation of digital learning initiatives to develop a coherent long-term strategy that sets directions and priorities, supports innovation, and provides resources to enable the State’s educators and students to benefit fully from digital-age teaching and learning.

Published

May 1, 2015

Resource Type

Report

Published By

Friday Institute for Educational Innovation