Latest from Tech & Learning in Digital

8 Core Digital Literacy Skills for 2030

Steve Baule — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

As we approach 2030, digital literacy is evolving beyond the basic ability to operate devices and navigate the internet. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), big data, automation, and global interconnectedness, digital literacy must equip individuals to think critically, act ethically, and adapt rapidly to technological change.

This shift demands a redefinition of what it means to be “digitally literate,” expanding the concept to include skills in AI interaction, data interpretation, creativity, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

In that vein, this article was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT 5 by asking the LLM to modify my PowerPoint presentation on digital literacy in 2030 for the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative August 2025 Ed Tech Connect Conference (including the speaker’s notes) into a 1,200-word article. I then completed a thorough edit and added back some of the examples that were not included in my speaker’s notes. (Thanks again to SWWC for inviting me to speak!) I found this process illuminating to see how the LLM prioritized my presentation bullets, notes, and then added a few additional ideas “of its own.”

The digital citizens of 2030 will need to be more than consumers of technology, they will need to be creators, evaluators, and ethical stewards of a digitally rich world.

The Changing Nature of Literacy

Historically, literacy referred to reading and writing skills. Over centuries, literacy expanded to encompass media literacy, technological literacy, and now a spectrum of competencies that together define digital literacy. Each technological shift, from the printing press to the rise of the internet, has required new ways of accessing, processing, and producing information.

The late 20th century’s computer revolution brought basic digital literacy skills such as word processing, email, and online research. In the early 21st century, the proliferation of social media and mobile devices introduced multimodal literacy: the ability to interpret and create across text, images, audio, and video. By the 2020s, AI and big data began driving another transformation, adding layers of algorithmic literacy, ethical awareness, and adaptability to the digital skill set.

However, instead of continuing as a separate area of literacy or a subject area such as computer science and technology education, have often been the view that the current ubiquitous nature of digital materials, tools, and data require that digital skills be integrated into the traditional areas of literacy and not taught as a new subject area.

These core literacy skills need to be learned in context. For instance, prompt engineering skills are not generic, and those who will be successful in the future will need to understand how prompting might differ in chemistry from the prompts used in a creative writing course.

8 Core Digital Literacy Skills for 2030

The Digital Literacy Skills for 2030 framework reflects this transformation. The following competencies will be essential:

1. Prompt Engineering and AI Interaction

AI tools will be embedded in nearly every profession and aspect of daily life by 2030. To use these tools effectively, individuals must learn prompt engineering: the art of crafting precise, context-rich instructions to guide AI outputs.

Key strategies include:

Being clear and specific to minimize misinterpretation.
Providing relevant context that shapes the AI’s response.
Using role assignment (“Act as a legal researcher…”) to focus outputs.
Breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts.
Iterating and refining prompts for improved results.

Prompt engineering isn’t simply about “talking to machines;” it’s about knowing how to collaborate with AI to produce reliable, ethical, and high-quality outputs.

2. Critical Thinking and Evaluation

In a world flooded with information, the ability to evaluate credibility, bias, and purpose of digital content is non-negotiable. Critical thinking skills for 2030 must extend to recognizing deepfakes, algorithmic manipulation, and AI-generated misinformation.

Core competencies include:

Cross-verifying information across platforms and sources.
Identifying the motives and biases behind content.
Applying logic and evidence-based reasoning in digital contexts.
Teaching others how to validate information in an AI-enhanced environment.

Without critical evaluation skills, individuals risk becoming passive recipients of algorithmically tailored information streams that reinforce bias rather than expand knowledge.

3. Creativity and Innovation

Digital literacy for 2030 demands the ability to generate original ideas, remix existing content, and leverage technology for creative problem-solving. AI tools can be harnessed to act as co-creators, helping produce multimedia content, prototypes, and innovative solutions.

Creative digital literacy includes:

Using design thinking processes in online environments.
Embracing rapid prototyping and iterative improvement.
Viewing failure as a step in the creative process.
Adapting digital tools to new contexts and purposes.

Creativity is no longer a “soft skill,” it is a critical capability in fields from education and healthcare to engineering and the arts.

4. Ethical Reasoning and Judgment

Digital ethics is becoming increasingly complex, involving issues of privacy, data ownership, AI bias, and intellectual property. Ethical digital citizens must understand the implications of AI-generated content, surveillance technologies, and digital platform governance.

Competencies include:

Navigating digital privacy and consent in an era of constant data collection.
Modeling empathy and civility in online discourse.
Upholding intellectual property rights and acknowledging AI’s role in content creation.
Advocating for transparent, fair, and accountable digital systems.

The ethical dimension of digital literacy ensures that technological progress aligns with human values and rights.

5. Complete Problem Solving

Problem-solving in 2030 will often involve multiple stakeholders, complex systems, and dynamic digital environments. Fully literate individuals in 2030 must be able to define problems, use technology to analyze them, and work collaboratively toward solutions.

Key practices include:

Leveraging digital simulations and AI analytics.
Collaborating across platforms and geography.
Integrating quantitative and qualitative data into decision-making.
Communicating solutions using multimedia formats.

This competency requires blending technical skills with collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking.

6. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning

The pace of technological change means that the tools and platforms of 2030 may be unrecognizable from those of today. Adaptability, the willingness and ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn, will be essential.

Core behaviors include:

Engaging in self-directed learning through online courses and microlearning.
Staying current with evolving AI tools and digital platforms.
Building resilience and curiosity in the face of change.
Developing a mindset that views continuous learning as integral to personal and professional growth.

7. Interpersonal, Cultural, and Collaboration Skills

The digital workplace will be increasingly global and multicultural. Collaboration will happen in virtual spaces where cultural competence and interpersonal sensitivity are as important as technical skills.

Key skills include:

Using collaborative tools such as shared documents, project boards, and AI co-pilots effectively.
Knowing when and how to effectively crowdsource work.
Understanding and interpreting digital body language.
Building inclusive online environments that respect diverse perspectives.
Navigating cultural differences with empathy and adaptability.

8. Data Literacy Skills

Although often treated as a separate field, data literacy is integral to digital literacy. This includes interpreting data visualizations, understanding statistical concepts, and making evidence-based decisions. In 2030, data literacy will be inseparable from digital problem-solving and AI collaboration. As often explained to students, one core data literacy point is to always be apprehensive when shown a single number or data point.

For instance, someone might point out in a Board meeting that the health center logged 66,294 swipes on the card reader at the entrance in the past year. However, without putting that data point in context, the data is just that: a data point, and not information to be acted upon. A basic question to ask would be Was that number up or down from the previous year?

As big data and generative AI tools continue to generate large amounts of data, it is essential to understand how to gather data and ensure that it can be used to guide institutional actions.

Building Digital Literacy for 2030

In Education

Schools and universities must embed digital literacy across the curriculum, rather than isolating it in specific courses. This includes:

Teaching prompt engineering in writing and research classes.
Integrating media literacy into social studies and science.
Using project-based learning to build collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Encouraging ethical discussions around AI and technology use.

In the Workplace

Organizations can foster digital literacy by:

Offering ongoing professional development focused on emerging tools.
Encouraging cross-generational learning to share skills and perspectives.
Creating policies that align technological adoption with ethical principles.

The Role of Equity in Digital Literacy

Equitable access to technology remains a foundational challenge. Without universal access to reliable devices, high-speed internet, and quality digital education, the benefits of digital literacy will remain unevenly distributed. Efforts to expand access must include rural areas, underfunded schools, and marginalized communities. Equity also means ensuring that AI systems are designed to avoid reinforcing existing social biases.

The Convergence of Digital and AI Literacy

By 2030, digital literacy will be inseparable from AI literacy. Navigating a digitally connected world will require understanding how algorithms shape content, how AI systems are trained, and how to interact with them effectively. Digital literacy will no longer be just about using tools—it will be about co-creating with them while maintaining human oversight and ethical integrity.

Conclusion

Digital literacy for 2030 represents a profound evolution from the skills of past decades. It is defined by adaptability, ethical reasoning, creativity, and the ability to collaborate across cultural and technological boundaries. As AI continues to transform the digital landscape, these competencies will become both desirable and necessary for active participation in society and the economy. This does not discount the need for traditional subject matter expertise but should be seen as a parallel pathway integrated within traditional fields of study. If a digitally literate historian cannot distinguish between the English Civil War and the American Civil War, they will be too easily overcome by deep fakes or generative hallucinations.

Preparing for 2030 requires more than updating software, it requires updating mindsets while still embracing the core cultural literacies in the arts, sciences, and the humanities. By fostering prompt engineering skills, critical thinking, ethical awareness, and cultural competence, we can ensure that individuals thrive in the AI-enhanced digital age.

7 Free Edtech Things. Cause Free Edtech Things are Always a Good Thing

Glenn Wiebe — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

A couple of days ago, I shared the great news that Flipgrid is now completely free for educators and it got me thinking:

“What other tech stuff can I get for free?”

I started poking around, asked some questions, did a little reading, reviewed some old History Tech posts, and came up with a list. And thought you might like a peek:

Digital storytelling tools

I love Canva and the free version is simple yet powerful enough to create all sorts of cool products.

Adobe Spark – I love Adobe Spark even more. Videos, quick and easy to create websites, and social media graphics all in one shiny package. What’s not to like?

Productivity suites

The gold standard in my book is G Suite for Education. And I know that you already know about Google Docs. But it’s more than just Docs – be sure you check out all the goodies. Slides, Sheets, Forms, Notes, Classroom, Drawing, Keep, My Maps, Drive, add-ons, Chrome browser extensions. It’s all tied together and it’s a beautiful thing.

But you might also want to look at something called LibreOffice. You get six programs that look and feel a lot like MS Office plus it can open, edit, and save in MS Office formats.

And maybe play around with Dropbox Paper. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but it can be pretty handy. It connects with Slack and plays nice with Microsoft stuff.

Free online storage

Speaking of Dropbox, you did know that this online storage tool gives you 2 GB online storage for free? And gives you more when you recommend others to sign up for a Dropbox account?

And we’ve already mentioned Google Drive. If you’re a G Suite Education user, you get as much storage as you want. Store as much stuff there as you want. But . . . don’t forget, your school basically owns and controls access to all of it. It’s nice to have some off-site Google storage, so be sure to set up your own personal Google account. You get 5 GB of free online storage and you can buy more storage as needed for basically nothing.

And technically it’s not free cause you’re paying $100 a year for it but as an Amazon Prime member, you get 5 GB of Amazon Cloud Drive space for free and unlimited photo storage at no additional cost. So two day shipping, access to videos / music, AND free storage.

Photo editors

We can’t afford Photoshop and the learning curve is pretty steep. So what else is there? Start with Photoshop Express Editor. And then explore GIMP, Fotor, and Pixler. And for super simple, you might try Luna Pic.

Sound editors

If you are looking for a free sound editing tools, you could probably start and end with Audacity. Free and easy-to-use open source, it can record live audio and computer playback. But you might also check out Ocenaudio, a bit simpler and less complex tool.

Content curation platform

Wakelet is a super simple tool to use and one of my new favorites for not just curation but sharing, digital storytelling, collaboration, and writing prompts.

Flipboard has been my go-to curation tool for years. Customizable, searchable, able to create personalized and sharable link lists with mobile app and browser-based versions. I love this.

LiveBinders are virtual classroom binders that exist online for everyone to access. Create binders so students can quickly find resources materials without having to ask. You can also organize materials based on curriculum, category, and classroom timelines.

Books

Try Overdrive, which connects you to your local library or academic institution. Use the free app and your library card, and you’re entitled to any number of audiobooks and Kindle ebooks.

If you’re interested in classic literature, LibriVox specializes in public domain works.

If you’re looking to implement electronic textbooks, Project Gutenberg is a great place to start. They offer over 54,000 eBooks available for download, all free for students and teachers alike. Find textbooks on every subject, older literature with expired copyrights, and audio books galore.

EPIC is basically an on-demand digital library with over 25,000 books and videos perfect for kids between the ages of five and twelve. Some have audio components, allowing your kiddos to listen as they follow along as words and sentences are highlighted. Readers can click on unfamiliar words and get definitions and pronunciations. You can also get mobile apps across all devices as well as the traditional website.

Cause free is good.

cross posted at glennwiebe.org

Glenn Wiebe is an education and technology consultant with 15 years' experience teaching history and social studies. He is a curriculum consultant for ESSDACK, an educational service center in Hutchinson, Kansas, blogs frequently at History Tech and maintains Social Studies Central, a repository of resources targeted at K-12 educators. Visit glennwiebe.org to learn more about his speaking and presentation on education technology, innovative instruction and social studies.

Oklahoma’s Edmond Public Schools Chooses Discovery Education to Support New Digital Conversion Strategy

Maria Sanabria — Wed, 09 May 2018 14:02:30 +0000

-Discovery Education’s Math Techbook and Professional Learning Services to Strengthen Efforts to Create Dynamic Digital Classrooms –

Silver Spring, Md. (May 9, 2018) – Oklahoma’s Edmond Public Schools (EPS) today announced it has chosen Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, to support the implementation of the district’s Digital Conversion Strategy. This new six-year partnership, which provides a unique combination of customized professional learning services and the award-winning Math Techbook to teachers and students in grades 6-12, will help change the way teachers teach and students learn through the use of technology across the district.

In the Fall of 2017, Edmond Public Schools began implementing their new Digital Conversion Strategy district wide. Through this effort, students are building collaborative learning skills that prepare them for college and careers. Classroom engagement has been increasing as deeper and more enriching content makes learning more relevant and exciting. In addition, opportunities for expanded learning beyond the school day and outside the school building are growing, which is allowing students to spend more of their time learning.

The incorporation of Discovery Education’s Math Techbook into EPS secondary instruction will help accelerate these developments by connecting students to math through real-world problems worth solving in dynamic digital settings.

Discovery Education’s Techbook series, which was chosen for use in EPS following a competitive process, is a breakthrough collection of digital textbooks that are aligned to rigorous standards, support a comprehensive curriculum, and include numerous professional development opportunities. The series supports the academic success of all learners through interactive features that change the reading level of text and enable text to be read aloud. Techbooks save teachers’ time with a comprehensive design that places model lessons, student activities and assessments at their fingertips. Currently, Discovery Education Techbooks are used by more than 5.6 million students in all U.S. states and several Canadian provinces.

EPS students in grades 6-12 will soon have access to Discovery Education’s Math Techbook, a digital textbook that connects students to math through real-world problems, helping all learners develop long-lasting mastery of mathematical concepts. In 2017, Math Techbook was independently verified by EdReports.org to meet the highest levels of mathematical content and pedagogy. The Math Techbook will be delivered to students through Chromebooks as part of the school district’s one-to-one strategy, creating dynamic digital learning environments that drive higher student engagement.

“We are excited to partner with Discovery Education and use Math Techbook as our 6th grade through Algebra 2 math curriculum,” said Edmond Public Schools’ Secondary Math Content Specialist Becky Archibald. “Math Techbook's instructional resources and pedagogical approach align with Edmond Public School's Instructional Pillars, which are Inquiry, Choice, Create, Reflect, Collaborate. The Math Techbook’s research-based and innovative math curriculum will support our teachers as they strive to advance excellence and empower all students to succeed in a changing society.”

To ensure EPS teachers are optimizing their new Math Techbooks, Discovery Education’s professional learning team will support district educators throughout the transition to digital teaching and learning. Through the robust professional learning opportunities offered by these experts, EPS secondary educators will learn how to maximize their new hardware and digital content to improve student academic achievement.

Finally, the Discovery Education Community will also support EPS in transforming student learning experiences with digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

“Discovery Education is looking forward to working with Edmond Public Schools as they implement their Digital Conversion Strategy,” said Discovery Education’s Director of Education Partnerships Phillip Mikula. “The district has created a tremendous roadmap to building dynamic digital learning environments, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s Digital Techbooks, professional learning services, and more, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.

About Discovery Education

As the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12 classrooms worldwide, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional learning, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries around the globe. Inspired by Discovery Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.

Discovery Education and Nutrients For Life Foundation Host Exclusive Virtual Field Trip at Texas A&M to Connect STEM Concepts to Curriculum And Real-World Agricultural Careers

Maria Sanabria — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:42:12 +0000

– LIVE Virtual Field Trip from Texas A&M Offers Middle School Students Nationwide a Deeper Understanding of The Science Behind Sports Turf Management –

Silver Spring, Maryland (Monday, March 12, 2018) - The Nutrients for Life Foundation, an educational non-profit that educates students and the public about the vital role soil nutrients play in growing our world, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, will host a LIVE Virtual Field Trip for students nationwide from Texas A&M on March 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The LIVE event, “Play Ball: The Science Behind Sports Turf Management,” will engage middle school students with an exclusive look at the scientific practices and innovative technologies used in sports turf management, showing the important role soil science plays in the world of sports.

“We are excited to partner with Discovery Education to provide innovative resources to 21st century learners that expand their understanding of the valuable role soil plays in developing our growing world,” said Nutrients for Life Foundation Executive Director Harriet Wegmeyer. “Sports start from the ground up with healthy soil, and we are proud to expose the next generation of scientists to exciting career paths in agronomics and soil science.”

Hosted live from College Station, Texas, this Virtual Field Trip is part of the Nutrients for Life Foundation and Discovery Education's "From the Ground Up: The Science of Soil" multi-year education initiative. Designed to give middle school students a deeper understanding of the important role science and soil nutrients play in agriculture, “From the Ground Up: The Science of Soil” explores core science connections between soil nutrients, plants and crops.

During this live event, Nick McKenna, Assistant Field Manager of Texas A&M University, will share how he utilizes soil science and critical thinking skills in turf management. From soil chemistry to fertilizer production, McKenna and his team will provide students with an in-depth look into how Texas A&M sports fields are maintained and kept safe the university’s athletes. “Play Ball: The Science Behind Sports Turf Management,” will help students make connections between the STEM concepts they are learning in the classroom and real-world careers in today's agricultural industry. Participants across the country may register at thescienceofsoil.com/virtualfieldtrips.

“Discovery Education is proud to continue a longstanding partnership with the Nutrients for Life Foundation to seed the curiosity of young learners, while encouraging them to explore and grow,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education. “Connecting STEM concepts to real-world careers through an immersive experience like the ‘Play Ball’ Virtual Field Trip is transformative and empowers educators to reach their students through curriculum in breakthrough ways.”

To support educators beyond the Virtual Field Trip, "From the Ground Up: The Science of Soil" also provides middle school students, educators and families with a suite of comprehensive digital resources that uncover a deeper understanding of the role soil science plays in everyday life and the importance of soil nutrients in agriculture. These resources include dynamic interactive lesson plans, digital explorations, bilingual family activities and a ranging collection of agricultural career profiles.

“Highlighting the real-world application of science and technology in classroom instruction is my passion and integrating this Virtual Field Trip will provide my students the unique opportunity to explore STEM concepts in the context of real-world careers,” said Patti Grammens, science teacher at Lakeside Middle School, Forsyth County Schools, Georgia. “Offering my students a pathway to explore Texas A&M college, the science behind sports turf management, and an immersive educational experience helps me to connect exciting and enriching concepts to everyday life.”

For more information on "From the Ground Up: The Science of Soil,” visit thescienceofsoil.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @DiscoveryEd and @Nutrients4Life.

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About Nutrients for Life

The Nutrients for Life Foundation spearheads the mission to educate students and the public about critical soil nutrients in our growing world. Since its formation in 2004, the Foundation has reached over 30 million students with resources such as "Nourishing the Planet in the 21st Century," the Smithsonian approved, STEM curriculum. Nutrients for Life's partnership with Discovery Education began in 2013 and has added a new dimension of innovative, interactive digital resources for the modern classroom. The Nutrients for Life Foundation is a tax-exempt status organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.

Creating a Culture of STEAM Teaching and Learning the Focus of Florida’s Marion County Public Schools’ New Partnership with Discovery Education

Maria Sanabria — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:14:43 +0000

-District Will Combine Award-Winning Science Techbook, Digital Content, and Sustained STEAM-Focused Professional Development to Support STEAM Initiative-

Silver Spring, MD. (March 5, 2018) – Florida’s Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) today announced a new six-year partnership with Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms. Through this new collaboration, the Marion County Public Schools will combine Discovery Education’s Science Techbook, Streaming Plus, and a sustained professional development program to support the district’s effort to create a rich culture of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) teaching and learning across the school system.

MCPS is committed to providing all students an authentic learning experience that helps them reach their fullest potential as it prepares them for success beyond graduation. To help achieve this goal, the district is creating modern learning environments by introducing Discovery Education’s dynamic digital content into classroom instruction at selected MCPS elementary and middle schools. Educators using this content will be supported by sustained, job-embedded professional development that will help them blend it into their daily practice. This unique combination of rich digital content and professional development will jumpstart MCPS’ efforts to build a culture of STEAM across the school system that aligns with the district’s goals for all students.

Discovery Education Streaming Plus will be among the first digital resources introduced to MCPS teachers and students. A comprehensive digital service supplementing instruction across all K-12 curricular areas, Discovery Education Streaming Plus helps build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding, and evaluating information. Students can access a variety of digital assets including images, primary source documents, podcasts, oral interviews, books on tape, articles, videos, and more, and are empowered to become content creators with a suite of content creation tools that help teachers and students safely and easily collaborate in real-time on virtual projects. Teacher resources include lesson plans, instructional strategies, and content collections organized around themes, as well as a collection of new STEM/STEAM resources designed to fuel a cultural shift in teaching and learning.

Students in the elementary and middle schools participating in the first phase of this initiative will also receive access to Discovery Education’s Science Techbooks. Discovery Education’s Science Techbook series empowers educators to transform science instruction. Utilizing an inquiry-based format built on the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate (5E) model, each Science Techbook includes rich, standards-aligned content such as video, audio, text, interactives with hands-on activities, and virtual labs that help educators differentiate instruction and provide a rich and engaging learning experience for students. Additional student features include bilingual text-to-speech and leveled reading tools, and note-taking and highlighting capabilities.

The Science Techbooks series also includes valuable STEM/STEAM resources as well. STEM Project Starters encourage students to connect math, technology, and engineering to their understanding of science concepts to produce creative solutions to real-world problems. In addition, the STEM In Action resources helps students connect their work to STEM careers, which promotes a clearer understanding of how skills used in school can be applied to jobs “in the real-world.” Embedded formative assessment opportunities that help educators monitor student progress are embedded into each Techbook, and like all Discovery Education digital textbooks, the Science Techbooks works on any device and can be implemented in any instructional setting.

In addition, Discovery Education’s professional development services will also support MCPS’ efforts to build a culture of STEAM education. Through Discovery Education’s STEM Leader Corp capacity building model, district administrators and teachers will learn new strategies and best practices for building and sustaining a culture of STEAM in their schools and guide them as they master new STEAM instructional approaches. With a focus on developing high-quality STEAM instruction, creating interdisciplinary lessons and units, and vertically aligning STEAM education school-wide, this initiative provides the robust professional development, job-embedded coaching, and administrative leadership support necessary to create centers of STEAM excellence.

“In Marion County Public Schools, we know STEAM education is monumental to helping students grow the critical thinking and communication skills they need to compete in the world of tomorrow,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier. “This new partnership with Discovery Education helps equip our students and teachers with the tools they need in the classroom and helps us as a district accomplish our goals of building successful citizens every day. We’re excited this powerful collaboration is underway.”

In addition to receiving access to Discovery Education’s Science Techbook, Streaming Plus, and robust STEAM professional development, the Discovery Education Community will support MCPS’ educators’ efforts to transform students’ learning experiences with dynamic digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing and inspiration.

“Discovery Education is honored to collaborate with MCPS on their effort to create modern and STEAM-based learning experiences that help students learn more about how they can help shape our future,” said Dr. Jason Sinquefield, Director of Education Partnerships at Discovery Education. “We look forward to supporting superintendent Dr. Maier and her wonderful team of educators and administrators as they begin this exciting new journey.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s Professional Development resources, Digital Techbook series, and more services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Partners with Discovery Education to Accelerate the Creation of Digital Learning Environments

Maria Sanabria — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:49:47 +0000

- 41 K-12 Catholic Schools Across the Archdiocese to Begin Integrating Award-Winning Digital Content into Classroom Instruction-

Silver Spring, MD (February 21, 2018) – The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Department of Catholic Schools has entered into a new six-year partnership with Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, that will empower educators across the Archdiocese to create dynamic digital learning environments that reflect students experiences with technology outside the classroom. Through this collaboration, teachers and students in 41 of Archdiocesan schools will soon receive access to Discovery Education’s award-winning Streaming Plus service, accelerating the Archdiocese’s efforts to prepare all students for global citizenship.

This new partnership directly supports the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools’ efforts to provide all students an academically excellent education that empowers all individuals to reach their fullest potential. By incorporating Discovery Education’s award-winning digital content into teaching and learning, educators in Archdiocesan schools now have flexible digital resources that not only help them more deeply engage students and personalize learning, but also help create authentic learning experiences combining faith and reason.

A comprehensive digital service supplementing instruction across all K-12 curricular areas, Discovery Education Streaming Plus helps build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding, and evaluating information. Students can access a variety of digital assets including images, primary source documents, podcasts, oral interviews, books on tape, articles, videos, and more, and are empowered to become content creators with a suite of content creation tools that help teachers and students safely and easily collaborate in real-time on virtual projects. Teacher resources include lesson plans, instructional strategies, and content collections organized around themes, as well as a collection of new STEM/STEAM resources designed to fuel a cultural shift in teaching and learning.

“The Archdiocese of Baltimore is excited to launch this new partnership with Discovery Education,” said James Sellinger, Chancellor of Education for the Archdiocese. “The integration of Discovery Education’s Streaming Plus into classroom instruction strengthens our schools by enhancing the learning experience of all our students. Combining the innovative resources like Streaming Plus with our rich tradition of learning prepares our schools and students to meet the rigors of the 21 Century.”

In addition to receiving access to Streaming Plus, the Discovery Education Community will support the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic school educators’ efforts to transform students’ learning experiences with dynamic digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing and inspiration.

“Discovery Education is honored to be part of the Archdiocese’s work to create modern digital learning environments,” said Kelly Burleson, Senior Education Partnerships Manager at Discovery Education. ¨We look forward to working closely with the 41 Archdiocesan schools participating in this exciting new initiative, and are pleased to now be a part of Baltimore’s rich history of Catholic education.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s Streaming Plus, and more services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

10 Types of Digital Activities to Engage Teenagers

Shelley Terrell — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000

“The adolescent mind is essentially a mind or moratorium, a psychosocial stage between childhood and adulthood, and between the morality learned by the child, and the ethics to be developed by the adult” (Erikson, 1963, p. 245).

I began teaching teenagers in 2004 in Texas. I really enjoy teaching teenagers and supporting them in becoming strong individuals ready to conquer the world as adults when they leave my classes. Teaching teenagers is much harder today than when I was a teenager. With social media, teens are constantly evaluated by peers and people worldwide. Bullying is a rampant problem and impacts millions of teenagers. according to the famous theorist, Erikson, teenagers are at the 5th Stage of Development, called the Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 yrs. old) stage. Teens are developing their identities, focused on fitting in, establishing beliefs, and defining their values and goals. My new book, Hacking Digital Learning Strategies with EdTech Missions, has 10 digital missions to help teachers support their teenage students in establishing their identities and defining their goals using technology and digital devices. Below, find 10 different types of activities and tons of resources to address the developmental needs of your teenage students.

One way to help your teenage students set goals for their future is with vision boards and dream boards! Check out resources and lesson ideas here.
Get students to reflect on their identities with selfie challenges which is one of the missions in my book. Find selfie activities, resources, and apps here. Find a free Epic Selfie Adventure template here.
- Students can create selfie comics with the Comics Head (iOS/Android) app, Friendstrip (iOS/Android) app, or selfie comic videos with the Lomics (iOS/Android) app.
- Teens can create selfie avatar videos with Gabsee (iOS/Android) app.
Students can create selfie comics with the Comics Head (iOS/Android) app, Friendstrip (iOS/Android) app, or selfie comic videos with the Lomics (iOS/Android) app.
Teens can create selfie avatar videos with Gabsee (iOS/Android) app.
Host collaborative video discussions and debates using the
Flipgrid (iOS/Android) app and web tool or VoiceThread (web/iPad) app. Flipgrid is especially motivating for teens with emoji reactions and other cool features.
Get your teenage learners to create podcasts, host a radio talk show, or create other audio projects. Find resources and web tools and apps here.
- Students can learn how to conduct interviews with the lesson plans and questioning tips from StoryCorps.
Students can learn how to conduct interviews with the lesson plans and questioning tips from StoryCorps.
Teens communicate and express themselves with emojis, text speak and emoticons. Bill Nye has a new video series #EmojiScience where students can snap an emoji and receive science videos. Find more emoji resources and activities here.
Teens love creating videos. Get them working in small groups to produce animated movies, claymation videos, tv commercials, news reports, documentaries, DIY/How-to videos, tutorials, silent films, and other types of films. Find resources and web tools and apps here.
Teens are motivated by game based learning and gamification. Find resources and web tools here.
Teenagers love creating playlists and discovering music. Check out these resources for getting students to learn with popular music and hip hop.
Students also enjoy memes. Get them to create memes about the rules or to express how various characters feel with Meme Generator. Students can also find several math and science memes as well.
Teens love puns and gifs. Get them to learn with gifs with the following resources:
- 15 Mesmerizing Science GIFs Explained
- 17 Mathematical GIFs That Are Deeply Soothing
- Gif Lingua is a website to learn English with Gifs.
- Get teens to create their own gifs with Giphy, Gif, Gif Paint, or turn Google Slides into Gifs.
15 Mesmerizing Science GIFs Explained
17 Mathematical GIFs That Are Deeply Soothing
Gif Lingua is a website to learn English with Gifs.
Get teens to create their own gifs with Giphy, Gif, Gif Paint, or turn Google Slides into Gifs.

Challenge: Try one of these ideas to engage learners in your classroom this year!

cross posted at teacherrebootcamp.com

Shelly Terrell is an education consultant, technology trainer, and author. Read more at teacherrebootcamp.com.

Chalk & Wire Launches MyMantl - Digital Credentialing

TL Editors — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 01:24:43 +0000

Chalk & Wire announced today that its learning recognition network, MyMantl, is now fully available for students, educators, employees and employers. MyMantl’s verified digital badging provides a way for learners, as early as high school, to chronicle their skill development and demonstrate proven credentials.

MyMantl can also integrate digital badging with Chalk & Wire’s CWPro, the company’s ePortfolio-enabled student educational assessment platform. This enables institutions to award badges automatically when learners achieve specific levels of competency across assessed work samples and records of experience.

For more information and pricing details, visit https://mymantl.com/.

Create Digital Worksheets For Any Subject

TL Editors — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

Wizer

Digital worksheet builder lets students show learning in multiple ways

Pros: Attractive user interface makes for easy assigning, submissions, and feedback; user-created resource bank lightens workload.

Cons: Some limits to how students can demonstrate understanding of concepts; some features may not work on all devices.

Bottom Line: Students will appreciate this 21st-century take on worksheets, and teachers will love all the different options for creation and assessment.

12 Web Tools and Apps for Children to Create Digital Storybooks

Shelley Terrell — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Little Bird Tales– Include images, audio narrative, and drawings to animate written stories.
Storybird– Create digital books with a selection of characters and backgrounds created by professional artists.
Toon Doo– Create books online with a selection of cartoon characters and backgrounds.
My Storybook– Simple way to visualize a story with drawings, images, characters, and more.
Storyjumper– Choose characters and backgrounds to visualize a written story. Not able to embed.
BoomWriter– Create collaborative class storybooks. Features include peer editing and a voting process.
Book Creator– iOS and Android app to create digital books and include images, audio, video, and more.
Buncee– Web tool and iOS app to create digital storybooks with animations, stickers, images, and clipart.
UTellStory– Create a digital story with photos, video, voice, music and words.
StoryKit (iOS)– Children can draw, upload images, record their voice, and lay out the elements of the story (text boxes, images, paint, and sound clips). The application includes four public domain children’s books to rewrite and rearrange into a new story.
StoryBots– create books on the iPad starring the child!

cross posted at teacherrebootcamp.com

Shelly Terrell is an education consultant, technology trainer, and author. Read more at teacherrebootcamp.com.