Results reveal that one-to-one computing programs can have a big impact on achievement if properly implemented
Schools with one-to-one computing programs have fewer discipline problems, lower dropout rates, and higher rates of college attendance than schools with a higher ratio of students to computers, according to the results of a major new study. But for one-to-one programs to boost student achievement as well, they must be properly implemented, the study found.
Sixty-nine percent of the schools in the study reported that their students’ achievement scores on high-stakes tests were on the rise. Among schools with 1-to-1 computing programs, that figure was 70 percent. But it was 85 percent for schools with 1-to-1 computing programs that employed certain strategies for success, including electronic formative assessments on a regular basis and frequent collaboration of teachers in professional learning communities.
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Among the findings: New teachers aren’t more likely than veteran teachers to use technology
Contrary to popular opinion, newer teachers aren’t any more likely to use technology in their lessons than veteran teachers, and a lack of access to technology does not appear to be the main reason why teachers do not use it: These are among the common perceptions about education technology that new research from Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership appears to dispel.
Prepared by Grunwald Associates based on a 2009 survey of more than 1,000 teachers and administrators conducted by Eduventures Inc., the study argues that the more K-12 teachers use technology, the more they recognize its potential to help boost student learning and engagement and its connection to developing key 21st century skills.
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WoW, here is some real food for thought for Weekly Standard.com by BY P. J. O’Rourke.
The school year is drawing to a close. Time to balance the educational accounts and see what’s been learned. Though not by my kids. I don’t worry about them. They’re geniuses like your kids and soak up knowledge the way a sponge (or a SpongeBob) does. Muffin, in sixth grade, has learned that Justin Bieber is very talented and doesn’t—really, Dad—sing like a girl. Poppet, third grade, has learned how the Plains Indians made tepees. (They waited until after dinner to announce that their “Lifestyles of the Cheyenne” project was due tomorrow so that all the Cheyenne dads were up until one in the morning gluing dowels and brown wrapping paper to a piece of AstroTurf.) And Buster, kindergarten, has learned he can make himself giggle hysterically by adding “poop” to any phrase. The Little Engine That Could Poop.
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Steve Dembo of Teach42 Blog has a great post on Accessorizing the iPad.
I’ve been resisting buying every case, stand and accessory that has come out for the iPad, although the temptation has been great. However, I thought I’d share a quick post about the things that I have picked up so far and my thoughts about them. For the most part, they fall under two categories: Displaying the iPad and displaying what’s ON the iPad. Oh yeah, and one other miscellaneous accessory thrown in at the end.
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Like Steve, the case thing has been a challenge. I too bought a cheap one off the Interent, it worked, but them found a nicer portfolio case I thought I would like, but have decided it is too fat. So now, I have purchased my 3rd case, the Apple one. Don’t love it, but it is THIN, which I do like. I have finally broken down and purchased the Bluetooth Keyboard, and doc, but that is it so far. Although, I am pretty sure I am gonna get the camera connection kit next.
Late in the post Steve discusses little iPevo Point 2 View doc camera. I have one, it is great and worth the $70 dollars. Very useful, small, packs well.
I have to thank Wesley Fryer for sharing this video from TEDxNYED. I have watched a slew of the presentations from TEDxNYED. I even had applied to attend and received the invitation to go (Attendance was limited to a couple hundred), but, could not secure any funds to go. BUMMER!!
I have to admit that I originally skipped this one because it was about Math. I know I need to get over that. And had I had a teacher that taught Math this way, I probably would have been a better Math student and maybe even enjoyed Math. I do love that TV Show Numb3rs, basically solving crime using Math. It is pretty darn interesting.
Dan Meyer teaches high school math outside of Santa Cruz, CA, and explores the intersection of math instruction, multimedia, and inquiry-based learning. He received his Masters of Arts from the University of California at Davis in 2005 and Cable in the Classroom’s Leader in Learning award in 2008. He currently works for Google as a curriculum fellow and lives with his wife in Santa Cruz, CA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlvKWEvKSi8
Here is another presentation by Dan Meyer: Dan Meyer at NCSM Ignite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5IKIrIQ1kc
Dan’s Blog: http://blog.mrmeyer.com/
Dan’s Vita: (Interesting Format) http://mrmeyer.com
By the way, Michael Wesch of Kansas State University also spoke at the conference.
Mike Wesch, dubbed “the explainer” by Wired magazine, Michael Wesch is a cultural anthropologist exploring the effects of new media on society and culture. After two years studying the implications of writing on a remote indigenous culture in the rain forest of Papua New Guinea, he has turned his attention to the effects of social media and digital technology on global society.
