The term “digital learning environment” is new to me. I think it refers to the tools, attitudes, and practices typically used and taught in any given environment. From my point of view right now an ideal digital learning environment would include:

• appropriate digital technology that meets the needs of the learners
• clear guidelines for the use of digital technology and consequences for misuse
• continuous embedded education around the ethical, effective use of technology for students, teachers, and families
• an accessible and universally used learning management system that meets the needs of the community (including students, teachers, and families)

Measuring my current school against these descriptors indicates a digital learning environment with room for improvement:

• In the elementary school each classroom has a set of Chromebooks which do not meet the needs of our lower elementary students. Smartboards are installed in every classroom but rarely used; document cameras are rare but much needed. We are piloting the use of a shared iPad cart.
• There are acceptable use guidelines but teachers are not necessarily aware of what they are. Digital technology is often misused, probably due to a lack of digital citizenship education.
• As an IB continuum school we use ManageBac as the learning management system, and although there are expectations for universal use by teachers I do not think ManageBac fully meets the needs of the learning community.

I hope my learning in this subject will help me to contribute to building a more empowering, safe, and positive digital learning environment at my school.