Jeni Corn, Ph.D., Trip Stallings, Ph.D., Friday Institute, NC State University

Two Views Digital Learning Plan or Digital Learning Plan

Our View ✔ Digital Learning Plan ✖ Digital Learning Plan

Legislative Actions

Elements of the Digital-Age Learning Model Advancement based on demonstrated mastery of the content and competency in applying what has been learned. Anywhere and anytime learning, inside and outside of schools, 24/7, with most learning blending face-to-face and online activities. Personalized learning and flexible resources optimized for each student. Student-centered instruction, combining large group, small group and individualized learning, with teachers serving as facilitators and coaches. Digital content providing interactive, flexible and easily updated educational resources. Assessments integrated into learning activities to provide ongoing information about students’ achievement that can be used to improve teaching and learning. Parent portals provide 24/7 access to their children’s assignments, grades, and records, as well as a means to communicate with teachers and administrators. Project-based and community-based learning activities connecting to students’ lives outside of school.

The DL Plan will Include Feasibility study –Functional and technical –Economic –Legal –Operational –Timing Readiness assessment –State, district, school* Findings and recommendations –Services, budgets, organization and governance, funding, policy Pedagogy and Digital Resources

Questions the NC DL Plan will Address: Models 1.What exemplary approaches and lessons learned from local school districts’ digital learning initiatives should North Carolina build upon? Digital Content & Pedagogy 2.How will North Carolina transition from funding for textbooks to funding for digital materials that are aligned with curriculum, remain current, and are effective for all learners? 3.How will existing systems, such as Home Base, the North Carolina Virtual Public School, Public Libraries, and the K-12 Cloud support the transition to digital resources and digital learning? Technology & Infrastructure 4.How will North Carolina ensure that all public schools and community anchor institutions have the technology, service, and support infrastructure needed to sustain robust digital learning?

Questions the NC DL Plan will Address: Human Capacity 5.How will North Carolina enhance or build the capacity of all its teachers, school leaders, and district leaders to fully utilize digital resources and meet the new digital learning standards? 6.How will the K-12 digital learning transition impact post-secondary teaching and learning in North Carolina? Policy & Funding 7.How do State and local education policies and processes need to be updated and revised to further digital learning? 8.How does the digital learning transition impact school budgets and how can the digital learning transition be funded? Recommendations 9.How can North Carolina best support current and future local digital learning transitions in districts throughout the State?

Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Board Regional town halls Meetings with –Educators: superintendents, principals, tech directors, teachers, –Policy makers –Business leaders Webinars and online surveys

Digital Learning Challenges Note: Data from open-coding of text-based responses (n=112).

Components of Digital-Age Learning Note: Percentage of respondents selecting “very important” and “every school” on 2 Likert-scaled survey items (n=207).

Teacher Working Conditions Data Teachers have sufficient access to instructional technology, including computers, printers, software and internet access. Teachers have sufficient training to fully utilize instructional technology.

Deliverables

Final Notes NC is positioned to be a national leader in digital learning The Digital Learning Plan will move things in the right direction, but the changes will be ongoing, not completed by 2017, 2020 or any other year We believe there will be a good long-term ROI in terms of educational outcomes, increased graduate rates, workforce preparation and state budgets. Investments in infrastructure, digital content and human capacity development will be required.

Solicitation of Input 1.What strategies do you think your district or school does well to support digital learning? 2.What are some ways that digital content is currently being used in your district or school? 3.What are the human capacity needs for the digital learning transition (e.g., PD, leadership, and staffing)? 4.What local funds might be available to enable your district to make the transition to digital learning after 2017?

For the Policy Brief and additional information: To submit inquires and recommendations: Digital Learning Plan Information Gathering: Working Group Interest Form: