<![CDATA[ Latest from Next TV in Digital-learning ]]> https://www.nexttv.com/tag/digital-learning Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:19:14 +0000 en <![CDATA[ California Unites to Close Distance Learning Divide ]]> https://www.nexttv.com/news/california-unites-to-close-distance-learning-divide iRCr8wpW6LTrhPYycTeyz Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:19:14 +0000

California has brought together some cross-sector partners, including Verizon and T-Mobile, to help it deliver distance learning services and devices to over 70,000 students to help bridge the digital divide, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

Among the initiatives are a funding infusion of $30 million from the California Public Utilities Commission to provide internet access and computing devices. 

"It’s inspiring to see parents, teachers, businesses and philanthropy step up to meet this moment and provide tools to help bridge the digital divide and get more students connected," said the governor. 

According to Newsom, one in five students lack either high-sped internet or the appropriate device. In low-income neighborhoods, according to a survey of parents, half don't have the laptop or tablet to access distance learning from a hotspot. 

Newsom earlier in the month called for businesses to step up, and he said they did.  

Those include: 

1. "T-Mobile is donating 13,000 tablet devices, in addition to the previously-announced 100,000 hotspot devices (for which they partnered with Google.) 

2. "Amazon is donating 10,000 tablet devices. 

3. "Apple is actively working with 800 districts across the state, offering free coaching sessions to teachers to help them with the transition to remote learning. In addition, Apple is offering special pricing for iPads with cellular, and has given the equivalent of 9,000 iPads to ensure the most vulnerable in our state have access. 

4. "Verizon is partnering with the State of California to provide 250,000 students with unlimited Internet service at a discount." 

The FCC has been seeking distance learning funds in COVID-19 aid legislation. The first CARES Act aid bill was focused on telehealth funding, for obvious reasons since mitigating the spread of the pandemic is job number one.

]]> <![CDATA[ Discovery Education, Cox Deliver Seminar in Phoenix Area ]]> https://www.nexttv.com/news/discovery-education-cox-deliver-seminar-phoenix-area-388250 3noHMg5mYxRGhiHG8sLMRj Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Cox Communications and Discovery Education will shed new light on digital learning environments in the Valley of the Sun next month.

The two-part event, “Celebrating the Link Between Digital Learning Environments and Student Achievement,” is aimed at informing educators, students, families and community members on how digital applications, powered by broadband, can bolster learning.

 The March 4 seminar is slated for Mohave Middle School in Scottsdale, Ariz. in partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District, and Paradise Valley Unified School District. 

The day will begin with an immersive, no-cost professional development segment for teachers in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley area.  Through a series of interactive sessions led by Discovery Education’s team, participants will learn practical strategies and tactics for integrating educational technologies and rich digital content delivered via broadband into teaching and learning. In addition, educators will have the opportunity to network and idea-share throughout the event.

“We are thrilled to host this unique opportunity for Valley teachers, students and families to experience the way 21st Century teaching is evolving,” said Dr. David Peterson, Scottsdale Unified School District superintendent. “We appreciate the partnership we have with Cox and Discovery Education that makes this possible.”

"Discovery Communications is thrilled to bring Discovery Education resources to the Scottsdale area and support Cox Communications’ commitment to driving student achievement and improving digital teaching and learning through the power of broadband," said Courtney Menzel, senior vice president of domestic distribution at Discovery Communications.  “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cox and supporting their efforts to create robust learning initiatives that prepare students for college, careers and citizenship.”

After the workshop, Cox Communications will present a community night featuring Chris Jacobs, co-host of the Velocity’s Overhaulin’. Parents and members of the community are invited to experience how broadband can power digital learning initiatives through a variety of interactive demonstrations, including a student technology showcase, augmented reality technology presentation.

Additionally, parents will have the opportunity to take a stand against cyberbullying by signing Cox’s "Take Charge! pledge and get info on the MSO's participation in Connect2Compete, a broadband adoption program, which offers discounted high speed internet service to low-income families.

Cox has invested more than $150 million in Arizona communities through infrastructure upgrades over the past five years. With 15,000 miles of broadband network, 3,000 miles of fiber optics and planned 1 gig availability throughout the Valley in the coming years, Cox is helping to build Arizona’s educational future through various outlets.

“Connecting youth to technology is a core value of Cox, and has guided our community investments for decades,” said John Wolfe, senior vice president and Southwest region manager for Cox Communications.  “The Internet is a vital educational resource in classrooms today and we’re happy to help teachers feel comfortable with all of the digital tools that are available to them.  Cox is also committed to providing the market with the fastest speeds available in Arizona with our deployment of 1 Gig Internet speeds in Phoenix. ”

]]>