The Commodore 64, a blast from the past

A blog post on eduweek caught my eye. It included some commercials that brought a smile to my face, as well as some important points about how much technology has evolved since the 1980s. The author makes an interesting argument about what is going on in schools. I took his commentary to be an argument for moving from a "jewelry store model" (infrequent use requiring a lot of resources) to a "grocery store model" (regular use, part of a culture) in our schools.

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/leading_from_the_classroom/2010/11/as_black_friday_and_cybermonday.html

Real integration will promote professional dialogue between teachers, as well as expanded use of technology for students in their classrooms.

Handheld devices, their impact on classrooms.

Tablets and hand-held devices are our topic of the day. A look at how iPads and cell phones are being used, as well as the “great tablet debate.”

The impact of iPads on an elementary classroom in Kentucky:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20101208/ZONE09/312080037/1060/NEWS0105/Centerfield+fourth-grade+class+learns+using+iPads

A similar look at handheld technology from Wisconsin:

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20101208/GPG0101/12080815/Area-schools-go-for-high-tech-ed

Tab or iPad? The Free Press offers a viewpoint:

http://www.freep.com/article/20101116/NEWS09/11160311/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-vs.-Apple-iPad

Signs of the times

3 articles I read recently strongly made the point that technology is changing the business climate.

High tech jobs on the way to Oakland County, compliments of Chrysler.
http://detnews.com/article/20101201/AUTO01/12010354/GM--Chrysler-to-fill-2-000-engineer-spots

What would your desk look like without a bulky PC computer?
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/11/15/cisco-aims-to-replace-your-pc/?mod=dist_smartbrief

The fourth largest online retailer is, Domino's Pizza?
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/16/683900/dominos-pizza-on-a-roll-online.html

A Round Table Discussion

In early November, T.H.E. Journal published a conversation between past and present Directors of the federal Office of Technology. They had quite a few interesting thoughts, among them:

"We are now on the verge of seeing new technologies and innovations enabled by the data that has been collected by schools, teachers, and state systems." John Bailey, former director, Office of Technology

 

"Across all other industries, professionals have gotten used to having their own computer where they can keep their connections, the entire portfolio of all of their projects, and their presentations. We have not gotten to the level of personalization that we need to. Given that education is a knowledge industry, we need to figure out how we get every student his or her own personal device." Karen Cator, current director, Office of Technology.

 

"I think over the next 18 months or so we’re going to see a transition from a predominantly print-based classroom to a digital classroom in which students have devices and the content is provided for them online in a much more flexible and customizable manner." Karen Cator

 

"We’re social animals. We like to learn with each other. We like to learn by talking and expressing. These platforms offer an amazing opportunity to push the envelope on personalized learning and work with others in the classroom to combine thoughts and share notes." Karen Cator

 

The article is full of tremendous insight. If you're interested in more, it can be found at:

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/11/01/Talkin-about-a-Revolution.aspx?Page=1

8 Ways Technology is Improving Education

Teachers moving beyond text-based teaching is a strong way to increase student motivation and engagement. In this article, the author explores 8 ways this is happening, and how it benefits students.


http://mashable.com/2010/11/22/technology-in-education/

The National Technology Plan

The US Department of Education has published a technology plan worth taking a look at. The plan, which is titled "Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology" identifies 5 major components students will need to succeed in the 21st century.  These include:

Learning - A process to meet the needs and interests of students.
Assessment - A process to monitor student achievements, ensuring they are meeting important benchmarks.
Teaching - A process to get teachers the tools
Infrastructure - A process to get schools connected to technology, everywhere.
Productivity - A process to use technology to accelerate student achievement.

To read more about this, go to http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010, and download the report.