Beyond the Textbook - Discovery Education &Texas ASCD - Jan. 21, 2011 - Hall Davidson @ Region 11 Education Service Center, Ft. Worth, TX

21st Century Learning in our district:  Must have a shared vision (teachers, parents, administrators).
Hall Davidson - Director of Global Learning, Discovery Education
http://www.discoveryedspeakersbureau.com/node/119


Article:  A Call Technology in the Classroom - from District Administration
What do we have to do to Transform?
1.  We have to model the use of technologies
Discovery Streaming Education - Not just a video library, that's not digital learning.  Editable, student-centered (they can use it 24/7),  can share on social-media sites...
We need to use this media in every meeting with teachers, principals.  Example:  Animal Behaviors clip with principals - "Which animal most reminds you of you in your daily job?"
Begin with this activity at ILT and follow up with Lunch and Learns, campus instruction, integrate into District Curriculum.
Google Translater
Google Alert
Wordle
2.  Web 2.0 applications for student learning - have to begin using digital tools in the classroom


3.  Professional Learning for Teachers
4. 


Kids in online learning situations out-perform kids in face to face instruction. If we don't do it, the private sector/Charter Schools will steal our kids.


Kaplan University Commercial


Online education - web-based video, instant messaging, and collaboration tools
Are we using iTunes U?
More digital books sold at Amazon than books 09/10.


Why go digital?

• Economy
• Technology effectiveness
• 21st Century Skills
• Engagement for learners

 But all of this means nothing if we cant measurably improve learning.  That is where you will get buy-in from teachers, principals, and parents.  Check out the Charlotte-Mechlenburg School District (this district is also a model Cont. Improvement district).  Ann Clark - chief academic officer in Charlotte - Science study scores after they adopted a digital instruction model.  The professional development was the key to the success of this initiative.  Also Osceola County Public Schools, FL. , Indianapolis Public Schools... Students' scores in Reading, Math, and SS also improved because they were more interested in the content, they wrote in traditional journals in addition to digital composition (important for kids to write in journals traditionally  - brain research)