K-12 Computing Blueprint News - April 2009

Welcome to the March issue of the K-12 Computing Blueprint newsletter. This newsletter and the K-12 Computing Blueprint site are brought to you by Intel and Tech & Learning magazine. If, for any reason, you do not want to receive this monthly eNewsletter, please visit your custom subscription management page (the link is at the bottom of this email), and feel free to unsubscribe to this mailing.

Editor's Note

In Kent, Washington, students at the Kent Technology Academies are involved in project-based learning that is engaging, meaningful and helping them develop 21st century skills. In Vail, Arizona, the district has jettisoned textbooks entirely and moved to a web-based multimedia curriculum system that teachers contribute to and use on a daily basis. In rural Floydada, Texas, students who never dreamed of going to college or having 24/7 access to technology are now taking college-level classes on their laptops and viewing their school as an after-hours hotspot for online learning. 
These are just a few examples, from our upcoming webinar, of the ways in which teaching and learning can be transformed when technology is readily available to students. If your school or district is transitioning to a one-to-one environment – or even if you’re expanding access more gradually through mobile labs and other hardware additions – concerns about funding, infrastructure and logistics are likely to occupy much of your time. But none of that makes any difference unless we keep our eyes on the goal: preparing students for healthy, happy and productive lives in the 21st century. Technology alone will not transform education; but combined with a serious reevaluation of what and how students should learn, it can make all the difference in the world.

Judy Salpeter, Editor

CURRICULUM WEBINAR: Tuesday, April 28
We invite you to join us on Tuesday, April 28, at 4 pm ET for a free webinar on “Transforming Curriculum in the Technology-Rich Classroom.”  Hear from a high powered team of presenters – a school administrator, two technology directors, a curriculum director and a district superintendent – about the changes in the ways students learn and teachers teach when technology is readily available and educators are committed to 21st century learning.

QUICK POLL: Where are you with online learning?
Do your students take classes online? If so, are such virtual courses an integral part of your district’s lineup or something that is offered in unusual situations – such as a subject that serves a limited population?  Take the poll (and elaborate in the comments field) to let us know where your school/district stands on virtual learning.

Looking for Updates on Stimulus Funding?
Did you know that:

  • Nearly half the ARRA money for K-12 education has already been released to states with the other half (including $650 million in Enhancing Education Through Technology funds) to be made available before the end of 2009?
  • Most of the remaining funds will be awarded competitively under “Race to the Top” and “Investing in What Works and Innovation” programs?
  • Recovery funds will be limited to 2 or 3 years, after which districts and states will need to be able to sustain the funding for those same programs themselves?
  • Your state has its own website with information on stimulus money and how to tap into it?

Stay up to date on what’s happening with ARRA funding by visiting K12 Computing Blueprint’s new Stimulus Center.

Headlines
Palm Springs Sees Success
According to a new report, students in Palm Springs California's 24/7 laptop program have higher attendance and test scores than those who don't have constant computer access.
Laptops for Engagement
Improving academics and bridging the technology gap is the primary goal of one Canadian school's new "One on One" laptop project.
Alabama School Speeds Up Laptop Program
With teachers enthusiastic about an existing laptop pilot and grant funding becoming available, the Cullman, Alabama, School Board approves a faster phase-in to grades 11 and 12.

Wisconsin Foundation Requests Laptop Proposal
The Stevens Point Area School District plans to get laptops into every ninth-grade classroom and will ask a local foundation to help it meet that goal.

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About K-12 Computing Blueprint
K-12 Computing Blueprint, brought to you by Intel and Technology & Learning, is your resource for one-to-one computing. Whether you're already involved with one-to-one computing, considering moving in that direction, or simply interested in the impact of widespread technology use on students and classrooms, Intel's K-12 Computing Blueprint site offers a variety of valuable resources. Visit us to read case studies, learn about research reports, and keep up on recent news about laptop learning, other forms of ubiquitous computing, and K-12 ed tech issues including funding, curriculum, leadership and professional development.

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