Proclaim Digital Learning Day

Senate Resolution No. 3569 BY: Senator COMRIE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 22, 2018, as Digital Learning Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student's learning experience; it emphasizes high-quality instruction and provides access to challenging content, feedback through formative assessment, opportunities for learning anytime and anywhere, and individualized instruction to ensure all students reach their full potential to succeed in college and a career; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 22, 2018, as Digital Learning Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Digital Learning Day; and WHEREAS, Created by the Alliance for Excellent Education in 2012, Digital Learning Day (DLDay) is a nationwide celebration which highlights great teaching and demonstrates how technology can improve student outcomes; and WHEREAS, With so many new types of digital devices, educational software and mobile apps continuously developed, it is hard to keep up with the latest and greatest advancements in educational technology; in some classrooms and out-of-school programs across the country, educators are doing some pretty amazing things with technology, yet, these pockets of innovation are confined to a small number of schools and communities; and WHEREAS, DLDay was started as a way to actively spread innovative practices and ensure that all youth have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities no matter where they live; and WHEREAS, Started in 2012, DLDay has provided a powerful venue for education leaders to highlight great teaching practice and showcase innovative teachers, leaders, and instructional technology programs which are improving student outcomes; and WHEREAS, This grassroots effort blossomed into a massive nationwide celebration as teachers realized that DLDay is not about technology, it is about learning, and it is not about laying off teachers for laptops, it is about enhancing the role of the teacher in America's classrooms; and WHEREAS, Digital learning encompasses many different facets, tools, and applications to support and empower teachers and students, including online courses, blended or hybrid learning, or digital content and resources; digital learning can also be used for professional learning opportunities for teachers and to provide personalized learning experiences for students; and WHEREAS, Digital learning advances school reform by increasing equity and access to educational opportunities, improving effectiveness and productivity of teachers and administrators, providing student-centered learning to ensure college and career readiness for all students, and recognizing teachers as education designers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 22, 2018, as Digital Learning Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.