District highlights shift to coaching model, micro-credentials and ClassLink integration in digital learning update

Christine Hearn, the district's director of digital learning, summarized a decade-long shift in Anderson School District One's digital learning work, telling trustees the early years were focused on device choices and modeling lessons while the current approach emphasizes coaching, micro-credentials and curated resources.

Hearn described three early program priorities—teaching lessons using technology, professional learning, and curating materials—and said the district now uses digital learning coaches who co-teach with classroom teachers and support job-embedded professional learning. "We changed and just kind of started calling them digital learning coaches because it focused on the learning piece instead," Hearn said in the presentation.

She described micro-credentials the district created and hosts in Google Classroom (modeled on offerings from USC) and noted the district integrated the state's instructional hub into its ClassLink launchpad so teachers and students can access vetted state materials easily. Hearn said the district uses a playbook website with templates and videos for professional learning communities.

On devices and management, staff said primary-grade devices generally stay at school and that the district does not currently enforce automatic shutoffs by time for younger students; the Chromebook management console was identified as a tool that could, in the future, be used to set internet cut-off times.

Board members thanked Hearn for the update and asked operational questions about micro-credential crediting and device management; Hearn said the district's micro-credentials are not college certified but were based on USC models and are housed in Google Classroom, and that staff hope to pursue formal crediting in the future.