K-12 Computing Blueprint News - February 2009

Welcome to the February issue of the K-12 Computing Blueprint newsletter. This newsletter and the K-12 Computing Blueprint site are brought to you by Intel and Tech & Learning. If, for any reason, you do not want to receive this monthly eNewsletter, please visit your custom subscription management page (the link is at the bottom of this email), and feel free to unsubscribe to this mailing.

“Give yourself plenty of time. And don’t give up!” Those are words of advice from Cassandra Barnes of Sojourner School, last year’s Star Innovator, on entering the Intel Schools of Distinction competition. Ok, so you might not be able to heed the first part of her advice – the deadline is just six days away – but like Cassandra says, don’t give up. Because if your school nurtures 21st century teaching and learning environments and innovative programs that inspire students to excel in math or science, Intel wants to honor you through its 2009 Schools of Distinction program.
“Don’t give up!” could be a mantra for many things these days – from the wait for the end of winter in some frozen parts of this country to fears about the economy and the impact the recession will have on teaching and learning. But that’s all the more reason why we need to celebrate our successes, lobby for our needs (in Washington and elsewhere) and encourage one another to keep going. Because, trite as it may sound, our kids’ future does depend on it!

-- Judy Salpeter, Editor

Last Chance to Enter the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards

Does $25,000 in cash, $100,000 in goods and services, and recognition as one of the best schools in the country sound like something your school might benefit from? If so, we want you to know that it’s not too late to apply to be a 2009 Intel School of Distinction.
The deadline for this year’s competition is Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Eighteen finalists will be selected in April – three from each grade range (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) in each of the two categories of math and science – with six winners and one star innovator to be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C.
And remember: The Intel Schools of Distinction Awards program is open to ALL schools - public and private. So don't wait, submit your application now!

Take This Month’s Quick Poll: Who Does the Work?

While many districts have instructional technology specialists who provide professional development and support to teachers on site, others rely more heavily on experienced teachers mentoring their peers. Whether you think such an approach is shortsighted or brilliant, budget woes will undoubtedly increase the number of schools calling on teachers to double as computer coordinators and mentors “in their spare time.” Is this what's happening in your district? If so, are those mentors being adequately rewarded? Take the poll (and elaborate on your thinking in the comments field) to let us know!

Don’t Miss These Archives

Check out:
* Our recent eBook: "But Does it Work? Evaluating Our Nation's One-to-One Initiatives." What impact is 1:1 having on schools? And how do we know?
* The free, archived webinar on “Data, Metrics and Results.”
* Archives of Intel's edIT conference, which focused on topics of particular interest to IT leaders – including virtualization, thin client and alternative computing models, knowledge communities and bandwidth.
* Information about the 2008 Schools of Distinction winners – to inspire those of you applying to this year’s program.

Headlines

Science Magazine Looks at Laptop Programs and Results
Reporting on 1:1 programs in countries all over the world, the authors conclude that balanced, comprehensive initiatives stand a strong chance of success.
Bond Brings Laptops to Texas District
A successful bond election and months of planning brings laptops to every student at Decatur High School in Decatur, TX.
$1.30 Per Day, Per Student for Leased Laptops
An Iowa district enters into a four-year lease to supply secondary grade students with laptops for 24/7 access.
Michigan District Saves Money and Energy With Remote Maintenance
With budgets shrinking and environmental awareness growing, many districts are looking for more cost-effective and energy-efficient ways of maintaining large computer installations.
Academy Faculty Happy With Tablet PCs and Management Software
A DyKnow case study highlights ways in which Duchesne Academy students are learning with tablet PCs and DyKnow management software.
Students Communicate with Astronauts Aboard the International Space Station
Lake Bay, Washington, Schools of Distinction winners participate in historic event.

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About K-12 Computing Blueprint
About K-12 Computing Blueprint K-12 Computing Blueprint, brought to you by Intel and Technology & Learning, is your resource for one-to-one computing. Whether you're already involved with one-to-one computing, considering moving in that direction, or simply interested in the impact of widespread technology use on students and classrooms, Intel's K-12 Computing Blueprint site offers a variety of valuable resources. Visit us to read case studies, learn about research reports, and keep up on recent news about laptop learning, other forms of ubiquitous computing, and K-12 ed tech issues including funding, curriculum, leadership and professional development.

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