Colorado Celebrates in Digital Learning Day!

Kicking February off by participating in the first National Digital Learning Day Celebration made me reflect.  Isn’t it wonderful to have the state of Colorado and indeed the nation join us in our efforts to advance educational options for students and in doing so, recognize the merit and some of the challenges in the use of technology to advance learning.    While today there was a great focus on the tools and the merit of moving our nation to being a leader rather than a ladder for other less developed countries there was also the recognition of the criticalness of innovative teachers, motivated students, and engaged parents.  Another point made by a convert was that they were advised that teachers of the futures were expected to be Guides on the Side rather than the Sage on the Stage.   

It should be noted that Senator Bennett and the Englewood School District of Colorado were highlighted as making great advancements through the implementation of technology solutions. 

Another Colorado person that was highlighted was Kristen Kipp the 2011 National Online Teacher of the Year.  She was a great spokesperson for the teacher’s role in learning online.  She shared that there were three things that were critical for success in advancing learning online for students and those were the following:

Students must be connected to the content.

Students must be connected to each other.

Students must be connected to their teacher.

While today was a good kick off for February I am looking forward to an even more powerful celebration of choice in learning on February 23, 2012 when families from all over Colorado who have chosen online learning come together.  Our Day at the Capitol this year has the promise of being the biggest and best yet.   

Written by Judith Stokes, Assistant Superintendent Branson School Online and President, Colorado Cyberschool Association