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K-12 Computing Blueprint News - May 2008
Welcome to the May issue of the K-12 Computing Blueprint newsletter. This newsletter and the K-12 Computing Blueprint site are brought to you by Intel and Technology & Learning. If, for any reason, you do not want to receive this periodic eNewsletter, please visit your custom subscription management page, and feel free to *** to this mailing.
Editor's Note
It’s that time of year again. As one school year winds down and plans are being finalized for a new one, it’s time to take stock -- to look back at what went well and think about what we want to do differently going forward. This month’s news items include several stories about one-to-one programs that are revamping, expanding or seeking renewed funding for another school year. We also point you to some exemplary schools that are being honored for their work with students during the past year. And we ask you to weigh in on this whole summer vacation thing -- does it make sense or would it be better to have more frequent but shorter vacations as part of a year-round calendar? Happy spring (or is it summer already?) But don’t go away. We’ll be back in June, July and August with some exciting new features!
Judy Salpeter, Editor
Read About Intel Schools of Distinction Finalists
Eighteen schools have been named as finalists for the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards, an annual program honoring schools for implementing innovative and replicable math and science programs that produce positive educational results. Learn more about the program, this year’s finalists and previous winners.
Textbooks vs. Technology: Your Take
In last month’s Quick Poll we asked, “Would you be willing to postpone the adoption of new textbooks in order to preserve instructional technology funding?” The results:
76% said that technology is more important than new textbooks
24% disagreed, saying that “we need updated textbooks and they should take priority”
Your comments included:
* Yes, Technology is great, I am the technology coordinator for a district and we have gone with laptops (technology), but what happens when the school runs out of money because laptops need to be repaired and there are no others to replace them with? Textbooks last a lifetime. [Luz Gonzales]
* With so much content being available online, shifting to digital resources not only allows students to have access to so much more information but also maximizes a school district's technology investment. Computers won't replace books, particularly for reading, but most textbooks? Yes! [Jeff Johnson]
* Textbooks are as essential as technology in order to address differing learning styles. One should complement, not replace, the other. [Julia Jackson]
* Technology is absolutely more important. Innovative teachers are writing their own curricula for free from the Internet - today's kids don't want to be forced to read out of boring, outdated textbooks. They want to collaborate and learn using web 2.0 tools. Everything you need is on the Internet, it's reliable, and it's FREE. [Tracy]
* Our K-3 teachers decided last year to use funds designated for social studies text books to purchase SmartBoards for each of their classrooms. The ability to access current resources and first-person documents was deemed more valuable to delivering a quality curriculum than purchasing books that would quickly become outdated. [A. Dudley]
Weigh in on Year-Round Schooling
With summer nearly upon us, thoughts turn to vacation schedules. Which brings us to this month's Quick Poll. Compelling research indicates that students benefit from a year-round school schedule, with more frequent but shorter vacations. What experiences have you had with year-round schooling and are you in favor, opposed or ambivalent?
Take this month’s quick poll and let us know what you think.
Headlines
South Dakota Governor Seeks to Restore Laptop Budget
Governor Mike Rounds believes that cutting funding in year three of the state’s laptop program would be a serious mistake.
Expanding on Success in Chelsea, Michigan
Positive reception to Chelsea School District's sixth grade laptop program has administrators hoping for expansion to grades seven and beyond.
Arizona's First One-to-One Elementary
When Scales Elementary School in Tempe, Arizona, reopens as Scales Technology Academy in the fall, it will be the first one-to-one elementary school in the state.
Seeking Laptops in Spite of a Tight Budget
Funds might be tight in Edgecombe County, NC, but district leaders feel that an investment in one-to-one technology is worth it.
Cody Accelerates Laptop Program
A two-year-old program in this Wyoming district is doubling in size, and finding economies of scale as it does so.
An Iowa District Offers Laptops to Eight Grade Levels at Once
The Central City Schools will provide laptops for all students in grades 5-12 and mobile computer labs for grades K-4
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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