LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Diane Doerch, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Director of Technology and DeWayne McClary, the Executive Director of the League of Digital Schools share the goals and actions being taken by The Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools to bridge the digital divide. The Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools is a national network that connects and supports the most forward-thinking leaders in education. In this podcast Diane and DeWayne discuss the innovative work being done in schools, the resources that have been created for all educators to promote equitable learning environments, and the future topics Digital Promise will be engaged in to close the digital divide. 

Background information on Digital Promise and the League of Innovative Schools: Millions of students nationwide lack the access to technology and the skills they need to succeed in the digital world. Since 2012, Verizon has been working to help solve this problem through a transformative program called Verizon Innovative Learning. Digital Promise collaborates with Verizon to equip every student and teacher at select middle and high schools across America with a device and up to a four-year data plan, and provide students without reliable home internet access with a mobile hotspot. In addition to free technology and access, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools receive extensive teacher training, support, and the opportunity to engage in a unique, immersive curriculum to leverage technology in their classrooms. The League of Innovative Schools was launched at the White House under President Barack Obama within the U.S. Department of Education. League members represent 114 districts in 34 states serving more than three million students. Their diverse experiences reflect the advancements, challenges, and vital work of public education in the United States. 

The sustainability toolkit for schools can be accessed at : https://verizon.digitalpromise.org/sustainability-toolkit/ and information on the equity tools are available at www.digitalpromise.org.

 Those looking for resources to connect students to the internet and access devices can find more opportunities at www.everyoneon.org. "https://verizon.digitalpromise.org/sustainability-toolkit/. 

Those looking for resources to connect students to the internet and access devices can find more opportunities at www.everyoneon.org.  

 Millions of students nationwide lack the access to technology and the skills they need to succeed in the digital world. Since 2012, Verizon has been working to help solve this problem through a transformative program called Verizon Innovative Learning. Digital Promise collaborates with Verizon to equip every student and teacher at select middle and high schools across America with a device and up to a four-year data plan, and provide students without reliable home internet access with a mobile hotspot. In addition to free technology and access, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools receive extensive teacher training, support, and the opportunity to engage in a unique, immersive curriculum to leverage technology in their classrooms. "