How to Participate in Digital Learning Day
Starting in 2012, Digital Learning Day has provided a platform for educators to share online sources for learners throughout the US. The countrywide event, organized by The Alliance for Excellent Education, has proclaimed the theme for this year as Innovate! Every Classroom, Every Day with Digital Learning.
The mission of DLD, which takes place this year on February 27, is to dedicate a day to share the best teaching practices, innovative trends, and digital tools. Not every classroom has the same access to the same digital devices and educational software as others. For a more flat playing field, DLD aims to share engaging digital learning opportunities regardless of the school’s zip code.
Ways to participate:
Try something new in the classroom.
Share your plans - add an event to the map.
Share your success on social media w/ hashtag #DLDay.
Host a “watch party” of the DLDay broadcast on 2/27.
Stories Across the Country
Schools across the country are participating in their own ways. From introducing high-speed internet into small rural schools in Montana to using virtual 3D to deepen understanding of math concepts. Arkansas has even implemented certain software that screens k-2 students for dyslexia and allows teachers to immediately identify which students are struggling.
Connecticut has developed a program, Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), to allow high school students to take online college courses in which those students can transfer to a four-year college. Nearly 20% of P-Tech students finish high school with AAS degrees in mobile programming or software engineering, they can then use these credentials to get a leg up on college or be ready to enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed.
Big Party Participants
The tech giant is celebrating the day by offering a collection of six lessons of which can be used in any classroom. Lessons consist of varying tools such as how to create a professional resume that stands out using Google Docs, or students can use Google Drawings to create a poster about themselves which can be shared with their classmates. Students can also learn about their “digital footprint” and how to calculate it through visualizing their online actions in a spreadsheet.
Although the social media platform may not be doing anything themselves, thousands of participants are using the network to share their events. A quick search of the hashtag, #DLDay, showcases the countless webinars, events, and shared learning sources that will be available in honor of Digital Learning Day.
Libraries and Educational Outlets
Even Canada is participating in DLD! Edm Public Library in Alberta is opening up its digital content, robotics and makerspace equipment. Additionally, they’re offering the chance to win prizes upon completion of three activities.
The news outlet, Education Week, is participating by offering a free webinar aimed to help educators prepare their students for the workplace. The webinar will consist of topics such as “How to Nurture Creativity” to “Learning to Rangle Big Data.”
Whether you’re hosting an event or planning to partake in one, stay connected with the hashtag #DLDay and join the digital buzz this Digital Learning Day!
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