Digital Learning for All, Now

Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. is director of school and program services for the EDUCATION CONNECTION, a regional education service center in Litchfield, Connecticut. A former public and private school social studies teacher, educational consultant and businessman, Costa's current responsibilities include supervision of the highly regarded Center for 21st Century Skills and the delivery of all professional development and consulting interventions on behalf of the agency throughout the tri-state area. Through his 30 years of service, he has provided close support for strategic and technology planning in dozens of districts, guided all manner of instructional improvements, as well as consulted on the promotion, identification, definition, instruction and assessment of 21st century skills. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and his writings have appeared in publications as varied as Educational Leadership and Runner's World.

List of Tables and Illustrations Foreword by Kenneth R. Freeston Preface: Potential Within Reach Acknowledgments About the Author Part I: Why We Need Digital Learning for All, Now 1. Beyond a Doubt: Digital Is the Future of Teaching and Learning Starting With the End in Mind Truth 1: The Future of Learning and Work Is Digital Truth 2: Proper Preparation for the Digital Age Requires Digital Access Truth 3: Continued Investment in Print Is a Waste Chapter Summary Part II: Getting to 1:1 2. BYOD: Crowdsourcing Hardware and Closing the Equity Gap An Introduction to Bring Your Own Device Three Trends that Make BYOD Possible Implementation Challenges for BYOD Planning for the Issues and Adjustments Needed for BYOD Chapter Summary 3. Take the Open Path: The Browser and Open Source--Saving Money and Improving Learning Introduction to Open-Source Software How Much Can We Save? Open Source Productivity Software Resources Strategies for Supporting Open-Source Change Open Source and Online Instructional Materials Free, Engaging, and Rigorous 4. Overcoming Barriers to Success: Strategies for Defeating the Inertia of Print and Other Blocking Forces Unwavering Faith Barrier 1: It's All About Control--Part A: Curriculum and Instruction Barrier 1: It's All About Control--Part B: Access and Equipment Barrier 2: One Size Fits All Barrier 3: Risk Aversion Chapter Summary Part III: Building the System 5. Systems and Measurement: Aligning Instruction, Assessment, and Support Systems With 21st Century Outcomes Three Phases of Technology Integration Systems of School Improvement and Their Impact on 21st Century Learning Four Foundational Systems: Part 1--Focus, Focus, Focus Four Foundational Systems: Part 2--Instruction and Assessment The Next Level: Critical Support Systems--Curriculum and Communication The Next Level: Professional Support, Professional Evaluation, and Resource Deployment Chapter Summary: What Is Your Readiness for Realignment? 6. Leading the Change Process: Modeling the Skills and Behaviors We Expect From Our Students Staring Into the Abyss 21st Century Skills: Modeling the Change We Hope to See Skill 1: Communication Skill 2: Independence and Collaboration Skill 3: Innovation and Adaptability Skill 4: Critical Thinking Skill 5: Information Literacy Skill 6: Personal Responsibility Conclusion Glossary of Terms References Index

"A must-read for all who desire to make technology integration a priority in their school." -- Amie Brown, Gifted ELA Teacher "This book is for teachers and schools seeking to truly prepare students' for the future. It moves past the excuses and into a plan for legitimate and practical technology use. If you buy just one book this year, this is the one. It will change your school and the life of your students!" -- Renee Peoples, Third-Grade Teacher "Digital Learning addresses the importance of our ever-growing world of technology. It helps educators to stay abreast of the newest technologies and better assist their students." -- Tanna Nicely, Assistant Principal "This book supplies all of the tools necessary to make the leap off the cliff into the next evolution in education. Here you will find the support you need to overcome the risks, get through the mess, and make the best change for our students." -- J. Petrina McCarty-Puhl, Forensic Science Teacher "WOW! I wish I had this book several years ago. It sets an intellectual framework and then provides a pragmatic view that leads to implementation. This timely text should be read by all educators. It gives multiple on-ramps to the instruction, content, and context of this century." -- Dr. Rick Miller, Superintendent "This book is the answer to the question that everybody has been asking about the 21st century classroom. For those who have stated, 'Wait until we are ready,' this is the resource that will make it happen now!" -- Lyndon Oswald, Principal "Costa's blueprint is not just a theoretical exercise. He takes the reader step-by-thoughtful-step through teh process of making this drastic change in an affordable manner and with a plan." -- Beth E. Anderson