At Cox Communications, we believe that by opening doors of opportunity and learning for students in our communities, we’re both investing in their futures and cultivating the next generation of our workforce.
We also believe that strategic partnerships with non-profits and corporations work best when we share like-minded goals and missions. Often that can take the form of us tapping into their core competencies so that we can extend our impact and deliver innovative education initiatives available at no cost to the community. We are always looking to support initiatives that benefit the communities in which we serve.
One key area of focus for us is education. We understand that today’s educators don’t always have the resources and support they need to engage their 21st century learners.
That’s why last month we partnered with Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, to deliver an afternoon of professional development to more than 100 Phoenix-area educators focused on how modern digital learning environments, powered by broadband, can improve student achievement.
The event was held in partnership with Arizona’s Scottsdale Unified School District and Paradise Valley Unified School District and open to Phoenix-area educators, students, families and community members.
The day began with an immersive, professional development opportunity for the local educators. Through a series of interactive sessions led by Discovery Education’s expert team, participants learned practical strategies and tactics to engage students and how to integrate educational technologies and rich digital content into teaching and learning. The educator engagement and enthusiasm was palpable — Dr. Dean Shareski had the audience jumping for joy — and the importance of broadband in today’s classrooms was ubiquitous.
Following the workshop, we hosted an engaging community night featuring Chris Jacobs, co-host of Velocity’s Overhaulin’. During the event, parents and members of the community experienced how broadband can power digital learning initiatives through a variety of interactive demonstrations including a student technology showcase that featured middle school girls who designed and printed prototypes in 3D as well as three student robotics teams who will compete in the world championship next month, an augmented reality technology presentation and more.
Parents also had the opportunity to take a stand against cyberbullying by signing our “Take Charge!” pledge, and got information on our participation in Connect2Compete, a broadband adoption program that offers discounted high-speed Internet service to low-income families.
Through our partnership with Discovery Education, we’re proud to support educators and their work to build modern digital learning environments, powered by broadband, to drive student achievement inside and outside of the classroom.
Susan Anable is vice president of public & government affairs for Cox Communications’s Southwest Region.
