(Juneau) – The Consortium for Digital Learning, an AASB plan to give laptop computers to public school students, has received a warm welcome from a key legislative committee. The next step is to plant seed money in the state and federal budgets, says Executive Director Carl Rose.

"Computers and the Internet have changed the way we work, communicate and collaborate," Rose told the House Special Committee on Education on March 21. "Access to a digital learning environment will help prepare Alaska's students to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy."

AASB, a private, non-profit organization representing Alaska’s school districts, is pursing $5 million in federal funding to create the consortium as a means to implement the digital learning initiative in schools and entire districts. AASB envisions an investment of $5 million in federal funds, matched with state and local funds, to bring $15 million to the initiative.

In his briefing to the House committee, Rose said membership in the consortium would be available to all K-12 schools and districts in Alaska, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School and the ChalleNGe Program. AASB will administer all facets of the consortium and broker technology-related services and equipment to members. An advisory council to offer technical expertise and review funding requests will be established.

Rep. Mark Neuman, chair of the House Special Committee on Education, said during the hearing that the creation of a digital learning environment in K-12 classrooms would represent a significant step in improvement public education. Other committee members expressed similar sentiments.

"A growing body of evidence suggests that many jobs are migrating out of the U.S. due to the technology proficiency in other countries," Rose said. "The creation of digital learning environments in Alaska schools will help our students unleash their tremendous potential, raise their achievement levels and prepare them to arrive in the workplace well-versed in relevant employment skills."

For more information, contact Carl Rose at 586-1083 or crose '' @ '' aasb.org

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