Digital Innovation

Digital Innovation enhances in-person learning by providing each student educational access to digital and online resources.  

• In Duluth Public Schools, that access is provided through use of a district Chromebook, approved software and online services.
• The district provides a Chromebook for each student in our schools.
• Teachers and younger students (grades K - 5) use the Chromebooks to enhance in-person classroom activities.
  • Students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 will have access to Chromebook tablets in the classroom and media center. 
  • Grades 3, 4 and 5 will have Chromebooks issued to them for use in the classroom and media center.
  • Grades 3 and 4 will not take them home, Grade 5 are expected to begin taking them home second semester.  
• Teachers and older students (grades 6 - 12) use the Chromebook for in-person classroom activities and students may also take the devices home for schoolwork.

Digital innovation is not distance learning.  Educational activities are primarily in-person, utilizing the Chromebook to access information, create classroom work and projects and to collaborate with other students and with the teacher.

Digital Innovation is more than "1 Device Per Student."  Digital Innovation is when each student has a device AND there is a clear vision for how teaching and learning will fundamentally evolve due to district-wide standardized digital access, and a strategic plan to build capacity and sustainability. This strategic plan must address two core areas of need, District Operations and Classroom Transformation.

Providing access to educational technology resources supports student learning and engagement; teaches students how to effectively use and navigate digital resources; and helps develop digital citizenship.   

Digital innovation activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Collaboration with the teacher and other students in the classroom
• Original creation and presentation of academic work
• Research on topics being studied in school
• Research for opportunities outside of school related to community service, employment or further education

Through digital innovation activities, students also acquire technological and digital skills they may someday use in the workplace. 

Families are asked to complete the Blended Learning 1 to 1 Agreement Form at the beginning of the school year.   It's extremely important to fill out this form as soon as possible before the school year begins.

• If you are a parent/guardian of a child age 18 years and younger, this form provides consent for your child to use district approved online resources for instructional purposes.  To continue to provide your student with the most effective tools to enhance their learning, teachers and librarians may use educational web-based programs and applications. Many of the educational web-based programs and applications require parent permission for children age 18 and under.

• If you are the parent/guardian of a child entering Grades 3 through 12, this form is an agreement to loan your family/child a Chromebook for the school year.  The device will be used as part of our Blended Learning Initiative. Blended learning is an educational classroom tool.  It enhances in-person learning by providing each student access to digital and online resources

• Our schools have a responsibility to protect our students' data and closely follow laws to protect students: FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), and CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act). 

Fill Out the Online Form

Or, download and print this PDF hard copy, complete and return to your school.