This podcast is an opportunity for us to share information and ideas about digital learning. We know that as learners we have preferred ways of assimilating information and learning. Some like to read a book, others like to listen to audiobooks. Others like to read the transcript of a video while others like to listen. We have discovered that the more ways we offer information, the more ways we get the learning out there. This podcast is one more way for the Digital Learning Unit to share information, learn and support educators. It is also a way for us to share our own stories of learning, our mistakes, and our celebrations. It is also another way for us to have connection.

The DESE Digital Learning Unit (formerly Team Digital) is a free resource provided through the Arkansas education cooperatives to provide guidance, support, and training for digital and blended learning. Assistance and training cover a wide variety of digital learning resources.

We support schools as they adopt online providers and design their own online content, to ensure the best digital learning experience for students. We educate stakeholders on best digital learning practices, and support districts in their creation and implementation of digital learning plans. We also partner with digital learning entities, such as Virtual Arkansas and the Office of Innovation for Education, to support the implementation of quality digital content and professional learning.

Additionally, the Digital Learning Unit can support how to evaluate effective online instruction and programs, and create effective Collaborative Team meetings with both in-person and virtual teachers. We support addressing the different levels of HRS and designing an effective guaranteed viable online curriculum.