The explosion of digital technology over the past few decades has redefined the way we live, work and play. Imagine if its potential were fully unleashed in schools.

More than 14 years ago, Florida recognized the value of using technology to bring quality, customized education and established the nation’s first online school. The Sunshine State pioneered the digital-learning movement and has made strides using these valuable new tools to provide students with a personalized high-quality education. Currently, Florida Virtual School serves more than 150,000 full- and part-time students, and last year, lawmakers passed a law allowing virtual charter schools.

But implementing technology into public education can’t end there. As digital tools continue to advance, Florida has even more opportunities to enhance student learning, extend the reach of great teachers and promote accountability. We need to transform current education models and use available technology to maximize our teachers’ skills and capitalize on our students’ interests and capabilities.

Digital learning can transform education from a factory-style system into a personalized, achievement-based system. Its three basic components emphasize how these revolutionary tools can bring education into the digital age where learning is customized to prepare every student with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and challenging careers.

First, digital learning transforms the delivery system. Digital learning does not change what students learn; it changes how they learn. Content remains the same, but how the material is presented, the pace at which students advance, and how understanding is assessed changes. Through today’s innovative tools, we can use interactive and adaptive software to capture student learning data in real-time, equipping teachers to immediately identify where students are excelling and struggling.

For the rest of the article, go to Former FL Gov. Jeb Bush: Fully uanleashed, virtual education can transform