Digital Learning Tab: This current tab provides information and links related to digital learning plans and standards, the adoption of computer science standards and state definitions for personalized learning. Visit the Instructional Materials, Procurement and Professional Learning Tabs for more information on this state.
Montana does not require district level educational technology plans, but strongly encourages technology planning.
Montana has Technology Content Standards for students.
Montana’s Office of Public Instruction reviews Content Standards on a cyclical basis. Each district is responsible for establishing curriculum and assessment development processes. Curricula should be reviewed at least every five years or consistent with the state’s standards revision schedule.
Montana Code Annotated definition: (30) Textbook means a book or manual used as a principal source of study material for a given class or group of students.
(45) Technology-delivered learning means instruction and content delivered via digital technologies (e.g., online, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or learning experiences that involve primarily the use of computers).
University of Montana Rural Institute (RI) is committed to creating better lives for rural people with disabilities and their families. With innovative services, training and research, RI strives to improve independence and participation of people with disabilities in everyday activities and all aspects of the community. Education and Training include Living Well with a Disability, a health promotion program that helps participants reach the quality of life goals through healthy lifestyles. Our community services include assistive technology demonstration and equipment loan to enable independence at home, school, work, and in the community throughout Montana. Research areas include rural transportation and employment options to support economic independence. The 40+ RIIC projects focus on employment, independent and healthy living, education, accessible housing, and transportation to enable rural Americans to be fully included in their communities.
Districts fund the purchase of digital instructional materials with general state funds and/or local initiatives.
Montana does not procure resources for schools or districts on a statewide level. Each school district has the constitutional authority, from state and/or local resources, to procure and use digital resources and innovative educational technologies as they deem appropriate to meet educational goals and requirements.
Montana has several regional Cooperatives where school districts can be members. Each Cooperative offers different services to the region. Some Cooperatives may offer purchasing options for curricula for a group of school districts. Other Cooperatives offer human resources in terms of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, and Speech and Language Pathologists.
In addition to the various in-person professional development opportunities that are offered by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, our foundation for statewide PD is the Teacher Learning Hub.In July 2013, Montana was awarded an American Federation ofTeachers (AFT) Innovation Grant to create the Montana Digital Professional Learning Network (MDPLN).
MEA-MFT (now MFPE) and the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) partnered with the Office of Public Instaruction (OPI) to design professional development delivery vehicle with the primary goal of addressing the challenges of distance, time, access, and equity for Montana educators. At the conclusion of the AFT Innovation Grant in August 2015, the MDPLN partners decided to transition the program to OPI to ensure continued success and sustainability.
In November 2015, MDPLN was transformed into the OPI Teacher Learning Hub. In its home at the OPI, the Hub is committed to offering quality online learning that is engaging, relevant, accessible, and free of cost. The Hub is administered and staffed in the OPI Content Standards and Instruction division with support from: Montana’s GEAR UP program at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education; OPI Educational Opportunity and Equity division; OPI Special Education Division; and, the Montana educators who create and facilitate courses. This support allows for the diversification of course offerings, including 4 types of courses, and an expanded catalog of more than 100 courses.
With users increasing to nearly 9,000 in 2017, the Hub added a second full-time specialist in January 2018, with support from the Montana Comprehensive Literacy Program Grant. Throughout the courses offered through the Hub, digital learning and instructional materials are embedded.
As set out in the Montana ESSA plan, schools that are identified for comprehensive or targeted support can access in-person and online learning that may include support for implementation of high-quality digital instructional materials.
The OPI provides basic web accessibility guidance on our website. The OPI offers a Digital Accessibility Fundamentals course on the Teacher Learning Hub: This course covers the basics on how to make digital content accessible and how to check and fix accessibility issues in Microsoft Office and Adobe Pro. Sub-topics include headings, lists, formatting text, hyperlinks, videos, and pictures. Perfect for anyone just getting started with digital accessibility or needing a review!
University of Montana Rural Institute. Rural Institute (RI) is committed to creating better lives for rural people with disabilities and their families. With innovative services, training and research, RI strives to improve independence and participation of people with disabilities in everyday activities and all aspects of the community. Education and Training include Living Well with a Disability, a health promotion program that helps participants reach the quality of life goals through healthy lifestyles. Our community services include assistive technology demonstration and equipment loan to enable independence at home, school, work, and in the community throughout Montana. Research areas include rural transportation and employment options to support economic independence. The 40+ RIIC projects focus on employment, independent and healthy living, education, accessible housing, and transportation to enable rural Americans to be fully included in their communities.
