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K-12 Computing Blueprint News - March 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
For many educators, the first few months of 2009 have been a time of soul searching. With drastic cuts threatened and uncertainty about how the stimulus money will be distributed, we are being forced to examine our priorities. As we ask in this month’s Quick Poll, “What’s important? Where does technology fit in the bigger picture?”
While the passage of NCLB might have launched the era of “accountability,” the term takes on new meaning today as we debate how to spend limited resources and consider the ways in which technology is or is not helping schools prepare students for their future. Never has it been more important to be vigilant about these questions – to look closely at what’s working and jettison what’s not. Which is one of the reasons we have added a new feature to this web site: the Research Watch page with summaries of evaluations, studies and other reports on the impact of technology on students and schools.
As you will see when you review this research, there is mounting evidence that one-to-one computing and other technology-rich solutions really do help schools meet ambitious educational goals. At the same time, as the news articles below show, some districts are considering more modest approaches – including scaled-down “netbook” computers and shared laptop carts – as an alternative when budgets don’t permit a full one-to-one implementation. Either way, what matters is that we’re asking the questions and learning from the answers as we attempt to balance the complex array of variables that affect K-12 schools today.
Judy Salpeter, Editor
QUICK POLL: How Should the Stimulus $$ Be Spent?
When it comes to government funds heading to school districts as a result of the stimulus package (AARA), most would agree that preventing school closures and teacher layoffs are near the top of the priority list. But after that, what's most important? Where does ed tech rank? How much of the stimulus money for education should go to shoring up technology infrastructure and programs? Take the poll (and elaborate on your thinking in the comments field) to let us know!
Good News From Another One-to-One District
A recent publication from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) offers evaluative findings from a middle and high school laptop initiative in the Stillwater Area Public Schools. Based on data gathered during year four of the program, the researchers offer good news about:
1) Higher order thinking skills: 84% of teachers said that the laptops contributed to an increase in students’ higher-order thinking skills, and researchers reached similar conclusions based on classroom observation.
2) Differentiated learning: 90% of the high school teachers and 81% of the junior high teachers said that the computers helped them to individualize learning.
3) Relevance to the curriculum: Researchers found that a high proportion of the students were focused on intended curriculum objectives when using the laptops and that they frequently were involved in learning activities that could not otherwise be easily done.
4) Student engagement: Information from several sources suggested that student engagement was higher when students had access to computers or laptops, with the vast majority of students at both schools indicating that using a computer at school or home makes schoolwork more enjoyable.
5) Communication: Access to the computers from home significantly increased curriculum-related communication between students and their teachers and peers. It also increased parental involvement in their children’s work.
To read more, see “Evaluating Stillwater Minnesota’s Laptop Program.” Or check out our new RESEARCH WATCH page with data and results from one-to-one programs and other technology implementations around the country and the world.
Headlines
Alvarado, Texas, School Opens with One-to-One
Fifth and sixth grade students at Alvarado Intermediate School started 2009 with a new, one-to-one campus.
Sustaining Laptop Success in Minnesota
With positive research results but hardware challenges, the Stillwater Area Public Schools are considering the future of 1:1 for the district.
Laptops Arrive in Edgecombe County High Schools
With 24-hour laptop access and community hot-spots for students lacking Internet at home, the North Carolina district has ambitious goals.
Jumping in with Uncertain Funding
South Dakota’s funding for laptop initiatives has involved much debate over the years between the pro-technology governor and the legislature. The Elkton school board is voting on the governor’s approach.
Smaller, Less Expensive Computers Accelerate One Michigan Program
The Pennfield Schools are expanding their high school laptop program more rapidly than anticipated, thanks in part to IdeaPad computers.
Become Part of the K-12 Computing Blueprint Community
Complete the Blueprint Questionnaire to tell us about your experiences with one-to-one computing. We will be selecting responses to share online at the K-12 Computing Blueprint site in the coming months as part of a new "Tips from the Field" feature.
Email us today if you have suggestions, feedback, ideas or an interest in blogging for us.
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