New Report Guides States on Helping Deliver Digital Learning
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 06/01/20
How
can states support their schools' efforts to deliver digital
learning? That’s the topic of a new
report
from SETDA,
the State Educational Technology Directors Association,
an organization for technology leaders at state levels. The report
defined digital learning as "any learning powered by
technology," whether inside or outside of the classroom.
The
report described several areas where states can play a big role in
helping schools deliver digital learning, whether that's in the
classroom, online or in a blended format, where some students are at
school and others are at home.
-
By
enacting annual state
digital learning plans
with details for providing short- and long-term remote learning;
-
By
encouraging development of district digital learning plans;
-
By
doing everything possible to ensure equitable access to devices and
internet access;
-
By
offering guidance on how to choose and implement digital content;
and
-
By
providing well-being support.
According
to SETDA, the use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security
(CARES) Act funds and state emergency response funds can help state
education agencies, districts and schools develop plans and processes
for supporting remote learning not just for emergency situations but
also for long-term digital learning initiatives.
For
example, states could set up statewide contracts or master contracts
to support districts to more cost-effective implementation of digital
tools resources and/or professional development. On the district
side, they could participate in multi-district or regional consortia
to help drive down costs. The areas where master contracts or
consortia purchasing has already made an impact for some states and
districts include the purchase of:
-
Digital
devices and hotspots or monthly access fees;
-
Learning
management systems, content management systems and resource
repositories;
-
Support
to implement data standards;
-
Digital
content; and
-
Professional
learning opportunities.
The
17-page "State Education Agency Considerations for CARES Act
Funding as Related to Digital Learning" is openly available on
the SETDA website.
About the Author
Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.