Digital devices are replacing the textbook in Tyrrell County Schools, Allen Lee, the system’s technology director, told the board of education in November.

Lee pointed out seven reasons why this is happening:

— New standards. Common Core State Standards, the transition to digital textbooks/next generation curriculum products.

— 21st Century Readiness. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics biennial update, “By 2020, employment in all computer occupations is expected to increase by 22 percent.”

— Educational technology motivates students and offers them the means to take ownership of and responsibility for their learning progress.

— Data. Students, teachers, and administrators have access to powerful disgnostic tools as a result of digital learning and drives decision-making. These powerful tools give a detailed picture of how students perform and allow for more efficient remediation.

— Customization. Allows for access to learning materials any place/any time, differentiation, tracks individual progress.

— Equity. Levels the playing field, expanding access to far more diverse curriculum choices.

— Collaboration. Teachers and students can share their work with each other in real time using applications like Google Docs.

Lee also reported that the N.C. Digital Learning Plan is well advanced — the transition has begun. He stated:

–Legislative actions during the past two years address preparing educators for digital learning, providing digital resources, and ensuring technology access in all schools.

— The School Connectivity, Home Base, and K-12 Cloud Computing initiatives have advanced North Carolina in providing the necessary broadband access, software systems, and digital resources.

–The North Carolina Virtual Public School has expanded curriculum offerings through virtual learning for students throughout the state.

–Many of the state’s educators have already gained first-hand experience a digital age learners in virtual and blended professional development programs.

— Most importantly, districts and schools throughout the state are already deeply engaged in innovative digital learning initiatives.

Dr. Will Hoffman, Tyrrell Schools’ superintendent, stated on November 13 that representative committees from each of Tyrrell’s three schools completed the NC Digital Learning Progress Rubric self-assessment last May. The results were compiled to create a district consensus version submitted to the state Department of Public Instruction in June.

“The state results were recently released,” Dr. Hoffman continued, “and we have received a report showing how Tyrrell County Schools compares (1) with all local schools statewide, we ranked 17th out of 115, (2) with districts in our region, we ranked second out of 19, (3) with districts of a similar size, we ranked third out of 15, and (4) with districts with similar proportion of needy students (based on free and reduced lunch percentages), we ranked second out of 29.

“We are excited to see that we compare favorably with the state as a whole and very well with districts in our region and districts that face similar challenges. The report includes more detailed comparisons and will serve as a valuable guide as we plan our digital learning program.”

In a separate statement, Dr. Hoffman commented, “Our students are growing up in a world with the Google Car, Google Glasses, and projection keyboards. Currently, according to research, 74 percent of students use technology nine hours per day. They search using Google Images as a first tool for any subject and they focus on a topic for 2-3 minutes at most. The latest brain research shows that GenXers and GenYers are 94-98 percent visual and use images to construct meaning. We have to continually challenge ourselves to adjust our pedagogy to our ‘clients’ who are graphics first versus text first students. Instead of Learning to DO, today’s students DO to learn.”