By Dan Keyser,
Director of Curriculum and Instructor, School District of Monroe
State Superintendent Tony Evers proclaims today, Feb. 6 as Digital Learning Day (DLD) in Wisconsin. This is a day where school districts around the state, and nation, celebrate the use of technology. Technology can assist every teacher in doing their job more effectively, improve learning processes that give teachers more time to spend with each student and eliminate burdens that take time away from teaching. The School District of Monroe is embracing Digital Learning Day this year through the theme: "The Day in the Life of a Digital Learner."
This school year has seen a 1-to-1 deployment of iPads to sixth-graders in the middle school. A recent survey of students and parents has shown that student engagement and management of their learning has increased. Ninety-one percent of sixth-grade students reported being a better learner because the iPad helps them stay focused and organized. Parents commented that their children are becoming ready for the digital world and more motivated to do their school work. Eight-four percent of parents say that the iPad has had a positive impact on their child's learning. As a result, the school board approved the expansion of the 1-to-1 to the other two grade levels. Additionally, the Colony Brands Foundation Inc. supported this, and future, technology expansion by donating $400,000, over four years, to the district. This will advance our long-range technology plans by 1 to 3 years.
In the meantime, a digital world and digital learning is not waiting. The district recognized that technology is where education has been heading and that we needed to prepare ourselves for the students that we are seeing today. The Technology Integration Group (TIG) was formed to help provide professional development and feedback on technology within the district. This group meets monthly and has members from every school. It was this group, along with principals, that helped organize DLD 2013. On Feb. 6, each building will showcase how students today interact, and learn, digitally. Many projects and showcases will be placed on building, and district, Facebook pages for the community to see.
On Digital Learning Day, think about how technology has changed how you live, work and interact. For many of us we can remember the days where there were only three networks stations and if you needed to research something, the library was your only choice. Today, there are hundreds of channels and if you have a burning question all you need to do is walk to your nearest computer, tablet or smartphone to find and answer. Imagine what our students will see when they become our age.
- Dan Keyser is director of curriculum and instruction for the Monroe school district
Director of Curriculum and Instructor, School District of Monroe
State Superintendent Tony Evers proclaims today, Feb. 6 as Digital Learning Day (DLD) in Wisconsin. This is a day where school districts around the state, and nation, celebrate the use of technology. Technology can assist every teacher in doing their job more effectively, improve learning processes that give teachers more time to spend with each student and eliminate burdens that take time away from teaching. The School District of Monroe is embracing Digital Learning Day this year through the theme: "The Day in the Life of a Digital Learner."
This school year has seen a 1-to-1 deployment of iPads to sixth-graders in the middle school. A recent survey of students and parents has shown that student engagement and management of their learning has increased. Ninety-one percent of sixth-grade students reported being a better learner because the iPad helps them stay focused and organized. Parents commented that their children are becoming ready for the digital world and more motivated to do their school work. Eight-four percent of parents say that the iPad has had a positive impact on their child's learning. As a result, the school board approved the expansion of the 1-to-1 to the other two grade levels. Additionally, the Colony Brands Foundation Inc. supported this, and future, technology expansion by donating $400,000, over four years, to the district. This will advance our long-range technology plans by 1 to 3 years.
In the meantime, a digital world and digital learning is not waiting. The district recognized that technology is where education has been heading and that we needed to prepare ourselves for the students that we are seeing today. The Technology Integration Group (TIG) was formed to help provide professional development and feedback on technology within the district. This group meets monthly and has members from every school. It was this group, along with principals, that helped organize DLD 2013. On Feb. 6, each building will showcase how students today interact, and learn, digitally. Many projects and showcases will be placed on building, and district, Facebook pages for the community to see.
On Digital Learning Day, think about how technology has changed how you live, work and interact. For many of us we can remember the days where there were only three networks stations and if you needed to research something, the library was your only choice. Today, there are hundreds of channels and if you have a burning question all you need to do is walk to your nearest computer, tablet or smartphone to find and answer. Imagine what our students will see when they become our age.
- Dan Keyser is director of curriculum and instruction for the Monroe school district
