RIDE Office of Multiple Pathways

Office of Multiple Pathways

Virtual Learning and Instructional Technology

Holly Walsh, E-Learning and Instructional Technology Specialist

What is Virtual Learning in Rhode Island?
Technology integration occurs in a variety of ways providing individualized learning opportunities in Rhode Island schools.

Digital Learning - Any instructional practice that is effectively using technology to strengthen the student learning experience.

Blended Learning - Any time a student learns, at least in part, at a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home and, at least in part, through online delivery with some element of student control over time, place, path and/or pace.

Online / Distance Learning - Education in which instruction and content are delivered primarily over the Internet.

Digital and blended learning are more than just providing students with a laptop. Blended learning requires a combination of technology, digital content and instruction.

Technology: Technology is the mechanism that delivers the content. It facilitates how students receive content. It includes Internet access and hardware, which can be any Internet device - from a desktop to a laptop to an iPad to a tablet to a smartphone. Technology is the tool, not the instruction.
Digital Content: Digital content is the high quality academic material which is delivered through technology. It is what students learn. It ranges from new engaging, interactive and adaptive software to classic literature to video lectures to games. It isn't simply a PDF or text or a PowerPoint presentation.
Instruction: Educators are essential to digital learning. Technology may change the role of the teacher but it will never eliminate the need for a teacher. With digital learning, teachers will be able to provide the personalized guidance and assistance to ensure students learn and stay on track - throughout the year and year after year - to graduate from high school. Teachers may be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage.

State of Virtual Learning in RI
50% of our schools report supplementing content with digital resources. They report utilizing resources such as United Streaming, Encarta, World Book Online, etc.

20% of our schools report providing access to whole courses online for remediation and/or accredited course offerings that otherwise would not be available. They report utilizing resources such as Virtual High School, Apex Learning, etc.

One student earned a high school diploma totally online in 2011.

Student Access to Technology
There are approximately 140,000 students in Rhode Island with access to approximately 40,000 computing devices connected to the internet access. These devices are available in a variety of different locations including within classrooms, in computer labs, in libraries and on mobile carts. 64% of our elementary schools report that the majority of the computing devices are available in the classroom. 46% of our middle schools report the majority of the computing devices are available in the classroom. 36% of our high schools report that the majority of the computing devices are available in the classroom.
The average number of computing devices per classroom at all levels is 2.

Statewide Efforts
Stakeholder Engagement - Innovation Powered by Technology Conference and Resources
Content Specific Blended Learning Opportunity - Virtual Learning Math Modules
Whole School Blended Learning Opportunity - Technology Model School Grant
Access - Technology Bond and All-Inclusive Device Solution

Virtual Learning Policy
RIDE is committed to working closely with various stakeholders and agencies to create policy supporting all learners ensuring access to technology; rigorous and engaging online content; customized learning; quality content, instruction and choices; articulation agreements; and resourcing.

RIDE Virtual Learning Policy Work

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