It’s all about the Kids – Bridging the New Digital Divide

[Guest blog by Jenifer Marquis, Instructional Technology Lead Teacher, Edgecombe County Public Schools.]

Let’s face it; everything we do in education should be about the kids. We know they are different these days. As Digital Natives, they have been immersed in Web 2.0 and other technologies since birth. Students today feel that technology is an integral part of their lives and they want it to be an integral part of their learning as well. Not only do students want to learn with new and innovative technologies, but they need access to teachers who are knowledgeable about e-learning, Web 2.0 tools, computer applications, handheld devices, and interactive technologies that can be used to engage them in learning. Today there is not only a need to bridge the Digital Divide as we once knew it, in the form of Internet access, but also the New Digital Divide which includes access to 21^st century teachers and innovative 21^st century tools. E-learning through NCVPS bridges the New Digital Divide in school districts across North Carolina by providing 21^st century learning opportunities using 21^st century tools.

As we provide e-learning opportunities for students in Edgecombe County through the North Carolina Virtual Public School, our focus is on developing lifelong learners who can use 21^st century technologies to access online learning throughout their lives. E-learning courses allow us to expand learning and teaching experiences beyond the Brick and Mortar walls of our schools. With our one-to-one laptop program, high school students in Edgecombe County have access to technology and curricular content through NCVPS, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. This is a winning combination for the students in Edgecombe County. And let’s face it; it’s all about the kids.

See our Edgecombe Kids in action as they talk about e-learning.