1000 Featured ED: Aspen Task Force

Organizer: Devin Parsons, Rachel Pohl
Participants: Steve Bowen, Jennie Magiera, Arthi Krishnaswami, Danica Petroshius
Moderator: Cathy Casserly

The Aspen Task Force on Learning and the Internet released a report in June 2014 entitled Learner at the Center of a Networked World. Aligned with the goals of Connected Learning and personalized learning, the report calls for action steps that recognize and forward a broad vision of empowering all students to learn any time, any place, and at any pace, both in-school and beyond. In order to reach this vision, all learners must have equitable access to trusted environments for networked learning, which means learning environments in the digital age where thoughtful student data protection policies and practices allow for learning opportunities that are not inhibited by privacy fears.

Aspen Task Force members believe now is the time for a new vision of learning that captures the transformation the Internet presents. To maximize new learning opportunities, students must have access to learning networks that allow them to be fully connected with others who can support their learning and with platforms to share their ideas and skills widely and safely. A key element of new learning networks are digital environments that use student data, such as social networks, mobile apps, online games, and participatory websites. These resources need to be trusted if they are to be used for effective models of learning – meaning trust in relationships among teachers, mentors, parents, and students and trust in the medium itself. Trust is a foundational need to ensure the ultimate success of all learners in the modern era.

Practices with respect to any one student’s data are governed by policies on local, state, and federal levels. This panel seeks to connect the Aspen Task Force vision and Connected Learning to the federal, state, and local policy contexts. Privacy policies at all levels can help or hinder progress toward the goals of Connected Learning, and we hope to ignite attendee interest in becoming advocates for policies that will support the creation of and equitable access to trusted learning environments. A moderator from the Aspen Task Force will provide background on this broader vision and guide a conversation among panelists with federal, state, and local privacy policy expertise around how best to advance equitable DML learning opportunities. Panelists will also host a question-and-answer session to connect their expertise with experiences of people in the field.

· Cathy Casserly, Fellow, The Aspen Institute, Communications & Society Program
· Steve Bowen, Director of Innovation, Council of Chief State School Officers
· Jennie Magiera, Digital-Learning Coordinator, Academy for Urban School Leadership
· Arthi Krishnaswami, Founder and CEO, Ryecatcher
· Danica Petroshius, Principal, Penn Hill Group