The Association of Alaska School Boards’ Consortium for Digital Learning initiative (AASB-CDL) was launched to further expand AASB’s efforts to improve statewide student achievement.

In a digital learning environment, each student is provided with a laptop with wireless capability, enabling communication and collaboration among peers and teachers, extending the learning day, and more closely connecting parents to the educational process.

AASB is committed to the idea that creating digital learning environments in our schools will help all students reach their potential and raise their achievement levels, allowing them to take advantage of economic development opportunities in all regions of our state and lead successful lives in an increasingly global economy. AASB worked closely with industry leader Apple, Inc. to articulate an Alaska digital learning vision designed to secure state funding to assist districts statewide in establishing 1 to 1 learning environments.

In spring of 2006, the 24th Alaska Legislature awarded $5 million in capital funds to the AASB Consortium for Digital Learning (AASB-CDL). These funds allowed the Consortium to support 18 school district projects, providing two-thirds of the initial costs, including initial technology hardware, ongoing staff training, and technical assistance over the 4-year project.

Providing students with access to a laptop on a consistent 24-hour basis extends their learning process outside the classroom and into the home. Sharing lessons, homework, and projects stored on the laptop with family creates connections and allows parents to assume a more active role in their child’s academic learning. In the process, students gain familiarity with technology tools they’ll need as adults, while building skills such as communication, problem solving, and critical thinking necessary to succeed in their work and life.

AASB-CDL continues to seek funding from state, federal, foundation and corporate sponsors for expansion of this statewide initiative to better prepare all of Alaska’s students for the challenges they will face in the 21st century.