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**BOARD APPROVES DIGITAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM**
On May 9th, 2011, the Marengo Community High School Board of Education approved the Digital Learning Environment Program proposal. The goals of the program is for MCHS to become a Model Digital Learning Environment High School in which technology is an integral part of the delivery of the students curriculum and instruction.

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This program is supported by the U.S. Department of Education as demonstrated through its new [|Technology Plan]released in the fall of 2010. [|Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan addressed the State Technology Directors]at their national conference in October of 2010 and supported 1-1 computing initiatives.=====

Additionally, it supports the objectives of the __**[|Nationanl Technology Education Standards]**__for Teachers and Students.

**Goals **
 * To provide each student with a netbook computer so all students have computer access 24/7.
 * To continue to provide students with up-to-date technology to use as a learning tool.
 * To create a digital learning environment by using the netbook as an essential tool in the delivery of each student’s curriculum and instruction on a daily basis.
 * To improve student’s awareness and skill development in using web based resources to increase their achievement, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
 * To teach 21st century literacy skills and extend each student's learning opportunities.
 * To enhance school-home communication through the use of technology.

**Connection to the Districts Mission ** This initiative supports the District's mission, vision, values and beliefs. Our vision includes becoming a Model school and our belief statements reference to students being technologically literate and to be able to think critically and solve real world problems. **Vision ** We envision a school in which students are actively engaged in learning through the full integration of web based instructional tools and curriculum resources using a blended instructional approach in a fully integrated digital learning environment. Additionally, students will be engaged in more project and problem based learning in which they will be required to think critically and solve real world problems both predictable and unpredictable.

We are beginning to create a vision of possibilities related to this proposal by first piloting the usage of netbooks through the awarding of two netbook grants, initial staff training on Web 2.0 instruction, and by the administration and selected staff modeling the use of web based resources to support instruction.

**Why one to one computing? **

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) (Appendix B) believes that in an ever-increasing technology rich world our students should be able to:
 * demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology;
 * use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations;

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The previously mentioned goals can be summarized in the four reasons listed below. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. To enhance student learning <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. To develop critical thinking. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. To improve efficiency. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. To enhance communication.