Public schools accelerate digital learning amid growing technology needs

VIENNA, Ill. (KBSI) – Hard cover books, and notebooks could soon be a thing of the past as more and more schools incorporate digital learning.

Public schools say they are rapidly expanding their use of digital learning tools and reshaping traditional education methods to prepare students for a technology driven world. 

Vienna High school is one of the many schools to incorporate digital instruction. The district uses a digital hall pass that allows the school to collect data on student activity, a tutor subscription where students can receive one-on-one tutoring, and several subscriptions that assist students in learning.

Rebecca Guest is the Dean of Instruction at Vienna Highschool, she says that although digital learning is a vital tool, it should be seen as a tool and not a replacement for human connection.

“At the same time, we feel like there’s a balance that we understand. Technology is integrated into every part of our lives, and we want students to be prepared for the future, but we also recognize that those social connections and interactions that we have in class are super important, too” says Guest. “So, it’s finding that balance of using that technology to enhance learning but also being mindful about keeping some of those face-to-face interactions. So, our students really are prepared.” 

Teachers are also adapting their methods. Guest shares that many of the digital subscriptions give students a one-on-one learning experience, while a teacher is teaching a class of 20 plus students.  

“Finding, you know, can they balance the efficiency? You know, there’s so many things a teacher has to do. So is it helping to kind of bring some efficiency and help them do things a little more quickly, than they would have been able to do otherwise? So, it’s I feel like it’s a, it’s what enhances, what they’re doing, what helps them do their job even better than before” says Guest.

According to a recent report from the National Center for Education Statistics more than 80% of US public schools now provide one to one device access for students.

Guest shares that their district has received great feedback from both students and parents and she recommends other districts do their research on it.

“I definitely recommend researching it and I think talking to other schools and teachers who are maybe using some of that technology is really helpful too.”