Trying a Hybrid?

For the 2010-2011 school year I'd have to say that ECSD is going to try a "hybrid" of the 1 to 1 program. By leasing 60 machines for use by our HS students, and 30 machines to be used by our MS and HS staff we are providing a level of access that the district has not seen, ever. With current lab computers and these new 60 machines, we have a ratio of 2 students for every 1 student computer. The majority of these machines, 80 will be mobile computers and accessible to the students throughout the High School building. We are also exploring the potential of having machines configured for students to check out for use outside of the school day. I'm not sure where this might end up, but the potential is there.

I am optimistic through Professional Development, and experiences this year that during the 2011-2012 school year the Earlham Schools will move to a 1 to 1 program at the high school. Keep checking in and if you can, talk to your school board. Let them know this is something you would like to see, from a parent, student, community perspective. Hopefully we can make this exciting move!

One to One Thoughts

Thanks to those of you who got out and voted for the adjustment of the Revenue Purpose Statement for our SAVE (Secure and Advanced Vision for Education)! This change doesn't mean that we are headed to a 1 to 1 situation, but it does allow us to continue the discussion with the technology committee of the proper steps toward a more technology rich environment.

One has to wonder what the future of technology in education brings. I think though, that we can't get caught up in the gadgets because teaching and learning have the same basic parts. Teachers have to know content and strategies for effective instruction, they have to work to build relationships with their students, and they have to plan for successful classroom experiences. All things that are helped by technology, but the human element is the key!

1 to 1 Initiative Progress?

There really isn't a lot to report as far as progress toward 1 to 1. Funding is still a major tripping point, but that isn't stopping me from thinking about professional development and other options for implementing a phased technology initiative.

In January the Middle School and High School staff members spent time during professional development learning about Google Apps. During the Christmas Break a Google Apps domain was set up for the Earlham Community School District. What does this mean? Most folks are familiar with Gmail and Google Docs this is one portion of the Google "suite". Google Apps has all the parts of the Google Docs, but allows us to log in using a consistent login name for all users. Teachers and students login with a username@ecsdcards.com.

This allows students access to share work with their teachers and other classmates. Rather than being platform specific, Google Apps is available anywhere students can access the internet, so whether a student uses an Apple or a PC they can work on a common platform. I think this is an exciting process and a great step forward as we look at ways to implement our current technology in a more effective manner. Teachers were charged with preparing a lesson using Google Apps and sharing it with Mr. Fletcher, so he could see how the teachers were using this tool in their classrooms.

While this isn't a direct step toward a 1 to 1, it certainly is a step in the right direction!

11/13 Progress Update

1 to 1 Initiative Losing out to the Economic Times

Since beginning my posts on this subject in June, we've tried to move forward each time and work towards a goal of having a 1 to 1 computer environment for the HS in the 2010 - 2011 school year. Hate to say it, but our timing is looking to be really LOUSY!

The technology team has done a great job of meeting to hash things out and has put together a plan that benefits all students K-12 through interactive technologies including LCD projectors, white boards, wireless slates, sound assist systems, and student response systems. But...to do this there is a price involved and on the heels of the Governor's 10% budget cut, it will be difficult for us to fund such a program without seeking community help through the implementation of an Instructional Support Levy.

Earlham is one of a handful of schools in Iowa that do not have this levy. The levy is a way to augment the district's funds, through an additional levy on property taxes or income surtax (for more information on this read this document). A Google search of Instructional Support Levy Iowa gives you some more reading info about this as it relates to Iowa schools. When I first arrived in Earlham in 1999, the district had this in place, but the levy was allowed to "sunset" when it came time to vote for the new building. The levy at that time was generating close to $200,000 for the district that was used primarily for technology and transportation purposes.

When the levy was allowed to sunset, another funding stream came available for schools called Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP). This was a federally funded stream of dollars that gave the district an average of $40,000 per year to use for technology. The dollars allotted are based on enrollment, and once a district reaches an average daily attendance of 600+ they no longer qualify for the funds. We started receiving these funds in 2004 and were able to begin our current practice of lease renewal through this program. The problem is, we have been a growing district and in 2008 we went over the 600+ number for average daily attendance and now no longer receive the funds.

The technology team will continue to meet to discuss other options for supporting our teachers with the tools they need to infuse technology in their teaching daily, but at this point we may have to shift our focus. Here's the plan for a 1 to 1 initiative that the group developed, hopefully the dates can just be changed when the vision becomes a reality!

Tech Committee Proposal to the Board tonight

Hi out there 1 to 1 followers. This evening will be an important step forward for a 1 to 1 initiative. The Technology Committee will be speaking to the board tonight about their work over the summer and recommending that we proceed with this program to either vote on an Instructional Support Levy or to change the revenue purpose statement. Should be an interesting discussion!

Tech Committee Gets Rolling

The Technology Committee met for the first time Tuesday, May 19. Don't forget to check the Earlham Tech Spot for details on this committee and their progress.

http://www.earlhamtech.blogspot.com/

Check out the Earlham Tech Blog

I will keep things updated specifically as to the 1 to 1 project in this blog, but would like to direct you to my Tech Blog at http://earlhamtech.blogspot.com . This site will have current information about the Technolgy Committee and progress this group makes through out the coming months.