February 17 is Digital Learning Day!

The advancement of technology has provided unprecedented access to information and has allowed people to research, learn, and share like never before. Digital Learning Day celebrates the use of digital technology in learning, and in particular, highlights the innovative and forward-thinking use of technology for learning in the classroom. Created by the Alliance for Excellent Education in 2012, Digital Learning Day (DLDay) is a nationwide celebration that highlights great teaching and demonstrates how technology can improve student outcomes.

There are a variety of ways that you can participate in DLDay. Ashley Cronin, a Digital Resource Curator for Edutopia, notes of several ways teachers and schools can get involved:

• Conduct digital-learning activities and share these with the world. Go paperless for the day, participate in a Google Hangout, get students coding-- the options are endless!
• Set up showcases of digital student work.
• Share information about digital-learning resources, tools, and strategies.
• Get online and on social media to spread the word about digital learning.

Cronin also encourages interested teachers to visit the Digital Learning Video Gallery on the website for the Alliance for Excellent Education. Here educators can "view real-life, practical stories about how district and school leaders are improving learning outcomes through effective use of technology."

The Alliance for Excellent Education has planned a full day of of live digital events that will explore the state of digital equity in schools and communities across America. A complete schedule is below. Click on a session to access additional details.

February 17, 2016: Digital Learning Day Schedule (All Times Eastern)
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.	Digital Equity and Access: Connecting Students Beyond School
11:00 – 11:20 a.m.	Digital Equity and Leadership: Creating a Culture of Equity and Innovation
12:00 – 12:20 p.m.	Digital Equity and Teacher Preparation: Improving the K–12 Teaching Pipeline
2:00 – 2:20 p.m.	Digital Equity and College/Career Readiness: Diversifying Students in STEM
3:00 – 3:20 p.m.	Digital Equity and Instructional Quality: Transforming Teaching Through Technology
4:00 – 4:20 p.m.	Digital Equity: The Road Ahead

Schools and educators can also visit the Digital Learning Day website to sign up their event and find out more about what educators are doing across the country to celebrate DLDay. Here you will find contests, videos, and online resources.

Pepper Professional Development Courses and the Resource Library can help you create a more engaged and active classroom that includes digital learning - for you and for your students. We’re adding new courses and resources regularly, so be sure to check them out.