Digital Learning Council

OVERVIEW

On Agust 18, 2010, Jeb Bush, governor of Florida 1999–2007, and Bob Wise, governor of West Virginia 2001–2005, launched the Digital Learning Council (DLC) to identify policies that will integrate current and future technological innovations into public education. The DLC unites a diverse group of more than fifty leaders from education, government, philanthropy, business, technology, and think tanks to develop the roadmap of reform for local, state and federal lawmakers, and policymakers.

“Technology has the power to customize education for every student in America,” said Jeb Bush, cochair of the DLC. “Providing a customized, personalized education for students was a dream just a decade ago. Technology can turn that dream into reality today. The Digital Learning Council will develop the roadmap to achieve that ultimate goal.”

Technological innovations have already changed the way the nation works, shops, and entertains itself. The DLC will lead this national initiative to develop and transform education by moving digital learning to the forefront of education and away from the niche role it plays today. Today, more than 2 million students take courses online and 1.5 million home education students take online course but that barely scratches the surface of what is possible through technology.

“The members of the Digital Learning Council share a sense of extreme urgency about the need to bring digital learning to every school, every classroom and every child,” stated Governor Bob Wise, cochair of the DLC. “We must not squander the opportunity to promote digital innovation to reform our nation’s schools and ensure that all students are prepared to confront the challenges in our economy and society with the tools and skills that digital technology offers.”

The DLC will cover the many facets of digital learning, including: online and virtual schools; personalized learning; blended learning; digital content; online and mobile social networks; classroom technology; ensuring equity, security and privacy; and promoting parental choice, among other topics. The DLC will report its ongoing discussions online and welcomes input and dialog. The final recommendations of the DLC will be the focus of a nationwide campaign to urge adoption of the policy principles by states, track states’ progress and encourage best practices.

Gov. Bush serves as chief executive officer of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, and Gov. Wise is president of the Alliance. To see the list of members and special liaisons of the DLC, click here.

"10 ELEMENTS of HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL LEARNING"

On December 1, 2010, Govs. Bush and Wise released the "10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning." These ten elements represent the recommendations of the DLC. Click on the image in the "Overview" section above to watch the CNN video that discusses the announcement and the DLC.

On December 2, 2010, the Alliance for Excellent Education hosted a live webinar to talk about the release of the "10 Elements." Gov. Wise was joined by Lisa Gillis of the DLC and Susan Patrick of the International Association for K–12 Online Learning (iNACOL) to discuss why digital learning can improve student learning and how it can help transform the education system. Following the discussion was an interactive conversation using questions submitted by participants from the around the country. To watch or listen to the archived webinar, click on the image to the right.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS and INFORMATION

August 18, 2010 press release announcing launch of the DLC

Digital Learning Council website

EdWeek blog post on December 1 release of "10 Elements"

"The Online Learning Imperative", an Alliance brief (pdf)

"Online Learning: Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities", Alliance state-by-state profiles