Digital Learning Day

Even though it’s only the first week, I believe we experienced a high point already. It was officially “Digital Learning Day” at the legislature on Wednesday and there was an exciting infusion of students in a world dominated by adults. The Assembly foyer was packed full of students in all age groups set up on various digital devices to help advance their education. Students and teachers from Spanish Springs High School in Sparks showcased the C3Media Academy that trains students in print, web, and video production. In partnership with KNPB Channel 5, students from Reno High School showcased their Redhouse Project where students generate community awareness by producing public service announcements for local non-profit agencies. I always love it when our legislators get to interact with our students – it brings a much more personal feel to a process many find dehumanized. In fact, WCSD students conducted very professional interviews with Senators Smith and Kieckhefer as well as Assemblymen Kirner and Bobzien as part of their video project. Check out the final products here  and here

Instead of asking students to turn off their digital devices when they come to school, we need to provide them with sufficient access and infrastructure so we are able to encourage them to use technology in the most productive and efficient way. At the Nevada legislature the building nearly shuts down and people stop working when the wireless network goes down. It seems that here, of all places, support for educational technology should be a no-brainier. If we expect Nevada high school graduates to be prepared for the digital workplace we live in, we should allow them the opportunity to experience it through our public school system.