WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Digital Learning Now! (DLN) today released the second DLN Smart Series interactive paper, "Data Backpacks: Portable Records & Learner Profiles." The second paper in the series takes an in-depth look at the need to move away from traditional student records and transcripts to a mobile, digital solution that supports the shift to digital learning and Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
"Technology provides a wealth of information to give parents and teachers a comprehensive review of students' strengths and weaknesses over time. This will in turn equip and enable teachers to provide a more focused, personalized learning experience for each student from day one," said Jeb Bush, former Florida governor and chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
"Data Backpacks: Portable Records & Learner Profiles" paints a clear picture of the future of digital learning and digital data collection, and asks leaders and policymakers to consider Student Backpacks and expanded Learner Profiles as the two primary solutions to ensure that every teacher, parent and student has immediate access to this useful information while protecting the privacy of student records.
A Student Backpack is an electronic record of each student's academic history that includes official transcript data, comments from previous teachers and additional information, and follows the student from course to course, classroom to classroom, grade to grade and school to school. An enhanced Learner Profile goes beyond official transcript data to provide teachers with information about each student's learning preferences and potential, and offers teachers the ability to track ongoing student progress. The Learning Profile might include, for example, an online portfolio of "personal best" samples of work. Each component would incorporate enhanced privacy controls to protect sensitive information while allowing for easier sharing with parents and teachers.
DLN, in partnership with Getting Smart and the Foundation for Excellence in Education, plans to release the entire DLN Smart Series, which provides specific guidance regarding adoption of CCSS and the shift to digital learning, throughout fall 2012 and early 2013. The series includes topics on funding high-access learning environments, building comprehensive learner profiles, preparing for online assessments, moving to competency-based learning models, financing student achievement, building big data policies, improving the teaching profession with blended learning, and more.
SOURCE Digital Learning Now!