We've reached a tipping point in education. Students have unique needs and require new models for learning that keep them engaged and allow them to learn at their own pace. Curriculum is becoming more personalized and can happen before, during and after school-anytime, anywhere. Adaptive assessments and curriculum make it possible to know where each student is on their path. We have an unprecedented opportunity to address their unique needs and connect them to the world beyond their traditional school or community.

An eSchool News special report highlights Mooresville Graded School District in North Carolina and McAllen Independent School District in Texas. Mooresville uses an all-digital curriculum to create more personalized, student-centric, data-driven approaches to teaching and learning. Former superintendent Mark Edwards states, "It's rare that you see whole-group instruction anymore. What you see is small-group collaborative work, where students are developing expertise working in teams."

McAllen has provided students with iPads, which has led to a rise in student engagement and a shift toward inquiry-driven, project-based learning. "Students are finding information without the teachers holding their hand," said Ann Vega, Director of Instructional Technology. As a result of these efforts, elementary reading scores are on the rise and McAllen's three comprehensive high schools are ranked among the best in the nation by Newsweek."

Get Started with a "Journey Map"

Beginning a digital transformation can be daunting. Before you start, you need to have a clear vision for what you hope to accomplish with technology and how it will transform teaching and learning. Technology investment must carry clear value over time. Future-proof technology can be supported by new sources of funding, lower costs, and can be leveraged in both the classroom and operations.

Cisco can help you begin your journey using a "Journey Map" approach. Our Cisco Education Team will partner with you to chart your school district's journey toward your desired future state. If you are interested in learning more about the Cisco Journey Map engagement process, contact us at [email protected].

Funding Your Digital Journey

There are many funding resources to help schools finance a digital upgrade. They include E-rate funding to close the Wi-Fi gap and provide access to high-speed broadband, Cisco Capital financing for Education, and Cisco's Public Funding Office to help you navigate the funding and grant process for digital learning initiatives.

There's never been a better time to reimagine education.