The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is engaging in a campaign to encourage digital literacy instruction across the state. Together with the Alliance for Excellent Education, the MDE announced its intent to encourage teaching practices aimed at preparing students to be digitally literate citizens starting Feb. 1, 2012.
The campaign, called Digital Learning Day, challenges teachers to make a plan for incorporating more technology-based instruction into their craft, creating optimal digital learning experiences for students. The Digital Learning Day campaign's official website defines digital learning as "any instructional practice that is effectively using technology to strengthen the student learning experience."
There is growing research to suggest digital learning can improve students' learning experiences. In a press release issued Jan. 4, the Alliance for Excellent Education outlined the findings of a report, The Digital Learning Imperative: How Teaching and Technology Meet Today's Educational Challenges, which states that when combined with school reform, the "Three Ts" -- teaching, technology and use of time -- can combat the top three challenges facing American schools: college and career readiness, school funding concerns and ineffective teachers and teaching practices.
Though termed Digital Learning Day, this campaign is more than a day-long initiative for Michigan schools. Districts across the state, including Ann Arbor Public Schools, are encouraged to investigate the plethora of free Web 2.0 tools available to teachers and to incorporate digital teaching practices into the curriculum.
According to State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mike Flanagan, "There is a significant potential to expand the use of online learning as a practical strategy to help students stay in school and graduate. We're excited to be kicking off the Year of the Digital Learner on Feb. 1."
The MDE plans to provide teachers, parents, students, and community members interested in promoting and advancing digital literacy instruction with information and tools necessary for the campaign's forward motion and success, facilitating life-long digital citizens in Michigan.
For more information, visit the Digital Learning Day website at www.digitallearningday.org.
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