Video courtesy Office of the Governor, Voice of Stephanie Salazar

Transcript

Wednesday was National Digital learning Day, and to mark the occasion Governor Neil Abercrombie went to Keaau Elementary School, where he commended students, faculty and staff for leading the state’s progress in the adoption of a common core digital curriculum.

This January, Keaau students in kindergarten through grade 8 began working under a digital curriculum that includes a digital device, such as a laptop or tablet, assigned for their personal use.

In his 2012 State of the State address, Gov. Abercrombie called for digital devices for students to access technology for learning. In this year’s State of the State address, the Governor further promoted the state Department of Education’s initiative to move to common curricular materials on digital devices within three years, statewide.

The Hawaii Electric Light Company is a lead partner, directing $325,000 of their Aloha United Way corporate contribution to the demonstration project, known as the Makana Connection, which include providing 975 digital devices to Keaau Elementary and Middle Schools. HELCO also provided training funds for teachers. HELCO president Jay Ignacio was also on hand Wednesday.

Digital Learning Day is a national effort coordinated by Alliance for Excellent Education involving more than 35 states to promote digital learning opportunities for students.

QUOTES from the MEDIA RELEASE:

Governor Neil Abercrombie: “Use of common core digital curricular materials and devices empowers our teachers and students with instructional innovations, engages our students in learning, and helps them to graduate with knowledge and preparation necessary to apply these technological tools in college and the workplace. Moving toward a digital curriculum also eliminates practical issues such as obsolete or an insufficient supply of textbooks, while providing opportunity for students to become familiar with technology and tools of college and the workplace so they are college and career ready.”

Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi: “Keaau Elementary is able to pilot digital learning because of the public-private partnership by those who saw the need and understood the investment. Digital learning is critical in preparing our students for their future in this 21st Century.”

Principal Chad Keone Farias: “We’re very grateful for the devices but also the training for our teachers. The training for the teachers was imperative for structuring productive learning assignments as well as empowering students.”

Jay Ignacio, president of Hawaii Electric Light Company: “More than a donation of digital learning devices, the Makana Connection is a public-private partnership that aims to prepare Hawaii’s diverse student population to thrive and excel in a 21st Century learning environment. We encourage more companies and businesses to support this innovative education initiative. It’s an investment in our children, the educators, our community and the future of our state.”