ilearnOhio

You might wonder, “What is Digital Learning?” According to Ohio Senate Bill 316, “Digital learning, means learning facilitated by technology that gives students some element of control over time, place, path or pace of learning.” Digital learning encompasses the effective use of technology to empower teachers and students. Digital Learning Day (DLD) allows schools a set time to discuss and share ways to provide every child the opportunity to learn in a robust digital environment every day, with the goal of success in college and a career. It is a day to celebrate and empower teachers, showcase innovative usages of technology and share resources.

My name is Brad Henry, I am the director of technology for eStudent Services.  You may be asking yourself, as others have, "What does that mean?" or "What do you do?"  As the director of technology, I do many things, which I will review.

I am a passionate advocate for empowering high-quality teachers. I believe that’s partly because I had a high-quality teacher who made a huge impact on my life. Helen Heller, my high school Latin teacher in Farmer, Ohio, believed in me and gave me a directive—backed by a cash gift—to go to college. I had lost my father that school year, and Mrs. Heller was just the kind of teacher I needed.

As the father of two boys and the spouse of a teacher, I always get a feeling of excitement and opportunity during the back-to-school season. It also brings nostalgia about my own school experience. It is something of a cliché, but it is often hard to resist comparing today’s educational opportunities to what it was like “when I was in school.”