28 Days and Counting…

We are very excited about the momentum building around Digital Learning Day being held February 1, 2012. Below is the first of a “daily quick tip” that may help participants implement their plans as we count down the days until the first-ever Digital Learning Day.  Please make sure to spread the word by sending emails and tweeting this tip to encourage your colleagues and constituencies to sign-up and participate in this national awareness campaign at http://www.digitallearningday.org. It’s important that we know who is participating so if you haven’t done so yet, please sign up to let us know how you plan to celebrate Digital Learning Day.

Tip of the Day: Check Out Showcases for Elementary, Middle, and High School Schools and Librarians

The Digital Learning Day website highlights several educators utilizing technology in instruction to make a difference for students available at http://www.digitallearningday.org/showcase/:

·    In the High School section, listen to Abel Real's story about how the access, collaboration, and opportunities afforded through instructional strategies using
 technology changed his high school career and future.  Jim Allder, a WV band instructor, talks about how the interactive, project-based learning network, Globaloria.org, helps students build their STEM and the deeper learning skills needed for the 21st century; and High Tech High demonstrates how using technology for project based learning is increasing relevance and student-centered approaches to learning.  

·         In the Middle School showcase section, Andrew Smiley, from Center Grove Middle School North in Indiana shares a video he created utilizing animoto as an instructional tool with students; and Eminence Middle & High School demonstrates how teachers and students use technology in the classroom with a specific emphasis on the connection between literacy and technology.

·         In the Elementary School showcase section, Radford University iLearning provides videos highlighting how teachers utilize mobile technologies, including this first grade teacher from Southwestern Virginia who is using mobile technologies to increase differentiation and time on task in her classroom.  Saddleback Valley Unified School District shares how educators have implemented an extensive mobile technologies initiative which is changing teaching and learning to improve student achievement.  Manor ISD teacher Ms. Burrell of Decker Elementary engages her students in a project about the Gulf Oil Spill using 21st technology with a focus on broadcast journalism and cross-curricular content areas.

·         In the Librarian showcase section, you can see videos created by students for the American Library Association Learning4Life in My School, Library Student Video Contest that demonstrate how technology is being used in libraries to improve student outcomes and opportunities.

Join the wave of innovation being created to celebrate teachers and promote innovation through Digital Learning Day on February 1, 2012.  Sign up TODAY to learn more and get updates on this important awareness campaign at http://www.digitallearningday.org. You can also “like” Digital Learning Day on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NationalDigitalLearningDay and follow the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #DLDday.