The Governor’s Office of 21st Century Education has nominated State Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima) to serve as a member of Ohio’s Digital Learning Task Force.

As a member of the task force, Rep. Huffman will work with other members of the task force to participate in a variety of duties, including:
• Requesting information from textbook publishers about the development of digital textbooks and other new digital content distribution methods for use by primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools and institutions, and examining that information
• Examining potential cost savings and efficiency of utilizing digital textbooks and other new digital content distribution methods in primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools and institutions
• Examining potential academic benefits of utilizing digital textbooks and other new digital content distribution methods, including the ability to individualize content to specific student learning styles, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the integration of formative and other online assessments
• Examining digital content pilot programs and initiatives currently operating at primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools and institutions in Ohio, including those financed in part with federal funds
• Examining any state-level initiatives to provide or facilitate use of digital content in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools and institutions in Ohio

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on this task force and explore the use of digital technology in the classroom,” Rep. Huffman said.

A report of recommendations—which will include a wide variety of issues related to digital learning strategies and program efficiency—must be submitted to the Legislature by March 1, 2012.