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!