K-12 Computing Blueprint News - January 2009

Welcome to the January 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.

Editor's Note

This month we continue the focus on results that began in November with the webinar, “One-to-One Computing: Data, Metrics and Results.” In addition to accessing an archived version of that webinar (which featured Tom Greaves, co-author of America’s Digital Schools, Fred Morton, superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, and Dr. Kelly Shapley, evaluator of the Texas TIP program), you can now read an eBook with extensive information on the same general topic.

“But Does it Work? Evaluating Our Nation’s One-to-One Initiatives” takes a look at several different research studies and evaluation reports – national, state and local – to determine what we are learning from 1:1 pioneers about the impact of ubiquitous computing on students, teachers, schools and communities. The findings in these reports, reinforced by anecdotal evidence from sites all over the country and the world, confirm what most of us already know: that technology does not offer a magical cure for whatever ails our nation’s schools and economy but that, used consistently and well to support innovative and well-prepared educators, it can have a tremendously positive impact on learning, motivation and communication.

-- Judy Salpeter, Editor

Read the E-Book

Did you know that:
Nearly 80% of 1:1 districts surveyed for America’s Digital Schools 2008 reported “moderate to significant improvement” in student achievement.
Students at 1:1 schools participating in Michigan’s FTL program outperformed control students on reading, English, math and writing tests.
Students in Henrico County, VA, believe that laptops have helped them learn more, get better grades and take more responsibility for learning.
Observers report a significant increase in student engagement and teacher collaboration as a result of 1:1 in Auburn, AL.
Students at immersion schools participating in the Texas TIP program had significantly fewer disciplinary actions than those at control schools.
To learn more about these findings – and the approaches used to monitor progress and identify challenges in one-to-one programs around the country – check out K12 Computing Blueprint’s new eBook, “But Does it Work? Evaluating Our Nation’s One-to-One Initiatives."

 

Just One More Month to Enter the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards

The deadline for this year’s competition, which honors schools that promote excellence in math and science through 21st century teaching and learning environments, is February 17, 2009. Apply to be a 2009 Intel School of Distinction and you could win $10,000 from the Intel Foundation and more than $100,000 in products and services from program award sponsors.

 

Take This Month’s Quick Poll: Do You Have Inauguration Fever?

Next week’s inauguration is a high-profile event nationally – viewed by many as history in the making. Is that the way it's being treated in your school/district? Are students and teachers tuning in? Is it being incorporated into the curriculum? Let us know what (if anything) teachers in your district are doing about the inauguration.

 

Don’t Miss These Archives

It’s not too late to check out:
* 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

Business Week Reports on Computers in the Classroom
BusinessWeek.com examines the promises and challenges faced by President Obama as he aims to bring more technology into the classroom.
Canadian School Wins Annual One-to-One Award
Nashwaaksis Middle School in New Brunswick receives the Laptop Institute 2009 School Spotlight Award for its one-to-one program.
Planning for Laptops in Warren, PA
The Warren County School Board was recently introduced to a multi-million-dollar initiative that could put a laptop computer in the hands of every student in the district.
Laptops Replace Textbooks in Lorain City, Ohio
A new year brings a new approach to textbook learning for ninth grade students in the Lorain City Schools.

Remote PC Management Helps one Michigan District Lower Costs and "Go Green"
A look at how Intel's vPro technology is being used in Livonia Public Schools

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.

Become Part of the K-12 Computing Blueprint Community

Email us today if you have suggestions, feedback, ideas or an interest in blogging for us.

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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