Digital Learning Day

From e-books to robots, some of the latest technology that is transforming education was featured during Digital Learning Day on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Barber National Institute. Ten hands-on, interactive stations provided students, staff and visitors with opportunities to try out a variety of devices, apps and other technologies.

Activities included large screen interactive TapIt boards, innovative communication devices and a program that uses voice output technology to create birthday cards.

Students from Penn State Behrend special education and math departments presented options for creating and using e-books, and the Fort LeBoeuf Robotics Team demonstrated interactive robots.

Digital Learning Day began as a national grassroots effort in 2012 to provide a venue to highlight innovative educators and great teaching practices that are improving students’ outcomes with technology.

Students ranging in age from preschool through high school classes in the Elizabeth Lee Black School participated in the activities. All 24 classrooms are equipped with iPads to assist faculty, including teachers and speech and occupational therapists. Faculty also utilize a wide variety of apps to help students learn a variety of skills ranging from handwriting, socialization and everyday living skills such as dressing and tooth brushing.

Much of the new technology has been funded by donations to the Barber Foundation, and is especially important for students with autism and intellectual or physical disabilities.