E-curriculum could spell end to 'snow days'

About 100 Iowa educators are meeting in Coralville this week to discuss ways to further implement computer learning into classrooms without abandoning the traditional methods teaching.  The blended curriculum is known as "e-curriculum," and it could someday bring an end to snow days, but that's not the only reason educators are excited about it.

"(Students) are so used to having a computer in their pocket with their cell phones, so utilizing the tools that they're used to helps them gain the skills that they'll need," said BCLUW High School English teacher Shaelynn Farnsworth.

Educators from 93 school districts across the state packed into the basement of the Coralville Public Library to discuss ideas.  The English, math, science, and social studies teachers were chosen to be part of a pilot group known as "Iowa Communities of Practice and Innovation" (CoPi).  At their meeting in Coralville, educators focused on Project Based Learning, something they'll implement into the new blended environment.

"It's a way to have our students meet with other students who are not in our classroom," said high school teacher Shawn Hyer, of Van Meter. "It's breaking down the walls of the classroom."

The project is being funded by a $2.7 million grant provided to the state for expansion of digital use in classrooms.  Grant specialist Nancy Movall said the classroom environment isn't going to diminish through digital expansion, but that more opportunity would be made available outside of school.

"Students can go on working towards a project," Movall said.  "It's going to open up the world."

Educators from the 93 districts will begin implementing the program into the classroom this fall.