The Digital Learning & Media Programs Department at Chatham County Schools is excited to announce that we have been selected as one of seven districts to receive a $265,000 Digital Learning Impact Grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This grant will be used over the next three years (2024-2027) to develop innovative pedagogical approaches to modeling the usage of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI literacy. The funds will support teacher professional development and the purchase of online platforms that incorporate ethical AI skills into everyday instruction in a safe manner.

The Digital Learning & Media Programs Department at Chatham County Schools is dedicated to connecting teachers and learners with the tools and information to be successful in school and life.

Chatham County Schools was one of the first districts in North Carolina to begin a digital learning transition featuring a 1-to-1 Student Laptop Program in 2008. Since then, Chatham County Schools has continued to be a leader in 1-to-1 programming in North Carolina by not requiring families to pay a technology fee to participate in the program as other districts do. We believe that the 1-to-1 Student Laptop Program is an integral part of the instructional resources provided to help students become 21st Century leaders. We continue to develop and grow our sustainability plan so all students have equitable access to technology and digital resources.

Digital Learning Initiative Grant 2018

Digital teaching and learning in Chatham County Schools was strengthened even further with a $200,000 grant from the North Carolina State Board of Education for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. The money came from a second round of grant funding under the state’s Digital Learning Initiative. The heart of the Digital Learning Initiative Implementation Grant for Chatham County Schools was about professional development for our district’s leaders and teachers. The funds supported the design and implementation of blended, personalized learning for students. This approach to teaching and learning ultimately better meets the needs of all learners. Chatham County Schools staff participated in a variety of workshops, job-embedded opportunities, book studies and special events to provide teachers and district leaders with ongoing professional development that shifts instructional practices.