E-School News Link
"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."
"In fact, a strong principal and strong district leadership are among the most important variables when it comes to implementing education technology and transforming schools, which suggests that change management training is especially important for principals involved in large-scale technology implementations."Then we get down into the PC vs. Mac(or even chrome book) debate which I'm sure we all have thoughts on. I found this really neat website that has some very interesting points for both sides as well as a little bit of humor.
Here is the link to that site
Just to leave you with an interesting quote from another article on the debate.
"Honestly, I think a mix of machines is good because many don’t have the choice of what they work with in the workplace. If we are are really worried about preparing students for the “real world,” then they need to learn how to use both Mac’s and PC’s. Sometimes, school administrators, tech guys, and teachers let their personal preference and prejudice get in the way of what is best for the students.The student that knows how to use both Mac’s and PC’s is going to be ready to work in the world of computer craziness."
I liked the list of pros and cons. I was also wondering about what would happen to our existing labs and teacher computers if we decide to go Mac...would we change out those as well? It would be tricky to demo something for students on a PC and have them do it on a Mac. Would the labs simply be removed because they are not longer needed?
ReplyDeleteJust a thought...
ReplyDeleteWhat is the possibility of having tech-savyness declared a "World Language" and killing two birds with one stone? :o)
Interesting article. I know that I am completely Apple-Stupid and am having to play catch-up. I haven't used Apples since the IIe in high school! Being competent in multiple formats would definitely be a plus. Perhaps by department or MS/HS for easing the problem Jill discusses?
I wonder if that creates unnecessary hassles and confusion for teachers and tech staff. I don't feel that the differences are so great between the two platforms that students need to be specifically trained on each one. When they are using a computer/technology on an hourly basis, they will become quite savvy quickly and be able to adapt to something new without much difficulty.
DeleteI think Dani has a great point!
ReplyDeleteWhat if we could devise a plan that would include both mac and windows operating systems?
I think it may just be more of a plus!
I thought this was a very interesting passage from the article...We talk a LOT about numbers so it would be a bit scary to see those scores drop!
ReplyDelete"Does it work? On page 18 the report states, “When large numbers of schools with one-to-one computing programs have been matched with similar schools using traditional methods, outcomes have not been clear-cut … A decline in student performance during the first year is entirely possible. The key indicators are teacher commitment and central office support. If teachers buy into the vision offered by program advocates and determine that their efforts have support in the central they will report the belief that their difficulties were justified. Under these conditions, second year performance should begin to climb back, with anecdotal evidence of real student improvement. In subsequent years, always assuming committed staffs and supportive districts, school improvement should be clearly demonstrated in test scores.”