As some of you know, I started something this year which has really had an impact on me, as well as the district I work in: The Digital Learning Center (DLC) at Westfield High School. The DLC opened its doors in the fall of 2014 and we have not looked back since. The center is a learning lab that focuses on innovative ways to bridge the gap between technology and education. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the center is who helps run it: Student Digital Ambassadors.
While many may think this is your typical student run genius bar, it so much more than that. The center has truly become a hub of innovation, marketing and public relations, pedagogical brainstorming and design, and instructional technology all wrapped up into one. In the end, we are looking to build and inspire an active learning environment where the students are empowered to create, collaborate, and ultimately construct their own learning. So what does this all look like? What are my Digital Ambassadors doing on a daily basis?
While it certainly runs the gamut and varies from day to day, here is a quick snapshot of our daily activities and accomplishments:
*Run and maintain an active Twitter Feed & Website
*Train teachers and students on the latest digital learning platforms
*Build authentic digital learning models and samples for classroom use
*Produce podcasts and vodcasts centered around innovative learning practices and the latest trends and developments in Instructional Technology
*Presented at NJECC
*Received press coverage in local and regional papers
Ultimately, I see the center serving the teachers and students of Westfield, as well as providing an authentic learning experience for our Digital Ambassadors. They are getting a chance to work and collaborate with adults (and their peers), learn about instructional technology, as well as the ins and outs of social media, publishing, marketing, and making formal presentations. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished thus far and look forward to what lies ahead.
For more information on our center go to the following resources:
twitter: @whsdigital
Website: whsdigitallearningcenter.weebly.com