digital learning guide
us department of education
Supporting families with continuity of education
Digital Version
Interactive, Web-based version of the USDOE Learning Guide
PDF Version
Downloadable PDF with hyperlinks to external resources.
Examples from the Guide
The Digital Learning Guide contains a tremendous collection of resources to support parents through the 20-21 school year. All of the links are active and take the user straight to the referenced document, resource, or web tool. It also features definitions and question sets to help families support and advocate for their learners.
Guiding Questions for Families
Defining Terms of the Times
Tips & Tricks
Recommended Digital Tools
Extension Activities
“Is technology the answer to all of these questions? No, of course not. Technology is a tool. Technology, when used appropriately, can empower learning, engage and motivate students, and help make learning interactive.”
“Your child masters content and develops skills at their own pace. Many children learn effectively when the support they receive is customized for each new skill. In a competency-based system, your child can be empowered to learn skills in a personalized manner and to take responsibility for and make more decisions in their own learning.”
“Students are more engaged when parents and families are involved in education.9 Using digital learning resources provides new opportunities for your family to develop a strong partnership with your school or education provider.”
notes from the us doe release
HOW CAN THE GUIDE SUPPORT YOUR FAMILIES?
The U.S. Department of Education released a new Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide, a resource to help parents and guardians understand how digital tools can provide tailored learning opportunities, engage students with course materials, encourage creative expression, and enrich the educational experience.
“As technology continues to iterate and benefit every part of our lives, all students need more opportunities to leverage the potential of technology in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “We hope families can use the information we release today as many of them are relying on technology more so than ever before and are navigating learning from home.”
Digital learning can help families and educators meet the specific needs of individual students, understand a child’s progress, and connect families and students with resources in their school community and beyond. As an increasing number of school systems implement digital learning both inside and outside of the traditional classroom, this guide demystifies digital learning for parents and empowers them to be effective advocates for high-quality digital learning.