K-12 Computing Blueprint News - May 2009

Welcome to the Mayl 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 magazine. 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

For many state and district leaders, the impetus is financial: textbooks are expensive and, with budgets tight, they’re looking at how those funds might be spent elsewhere. But for many others it’s pedagogical. As Matt Federoff, director of technology for the Vail School District puts it, “The textbook delivery model is out of gas. No job in the world says read the chapter and answer the questions at the end of the book.”

Whether or not you agree (let us know by taking the Quick Poll), flexibility is the name of the game these days. Sometimes it takes a shock, an emergency like the financial crisis we are now facing, to get us to stop and reevaluate. Is there a better way to do things? A way to save money and still move forward with the tools and approaches that are important to educating our nation’s future leaders?

The short-sighted approach is to cut, slash, burn – we can’t afford it so let’s give up. We’re glad to see how many districts (including those featured in the webinar, profiled at Intel’s Visionary conference, and honored as Intel Schools of Distinction finalists) are continuing to look ahead and think creatively about the possibilities. We’re behind you all the way!

QUICK POLL: Ready to Throw out Those Textbooks?

Many states and districts these days are rethinking the value -- and cost -- of print textbooks. Are you ready to jettison the books in favor of digital content? Take this month’s poll to let us know.

You Didn’t Have to Be There to Benefit From …

Even if you missed the live Blueprint webinar on April 28 or Intel’s Visionary conference on April 22-24, you can access content from both events right now. Check out:

• Transforming Curriculum in the Technology-Rich Classroom:  This webinar, featuring education leaders from three pioneering districts, is now available on demand.

• Visionary Conference: Hear, see and download presentations from this three-day conference, which covered a variety of K-12 leadership issues.

Intel Announces Schools of Distinction Finalists

On April 15, eighteen schools were named as finalists in the Intel Schools of Distinction program, which honors U.S. schools that implement innovative, 21st century programs that inspire their students to excel in the areas of math and science. You can read about the finalists and learn more about the program at the K12 Blueprint site.

Keep up with news on the Stimulus

Check out K12 Computing Blueprint’s new Stimulus Center for the headlines and updates on ARRA and how your district might be impacted by the Stimulus package.

Headlines

Maine Expands Laptops to High Schools
The first state to provide laptops to every seventh- and eighth-grader, Maine is now extending the program to all its public high school students.

Laptops for Instruction: What Are They Using and Why?
Based on interviews with five laptop-using districts, Tech & Learning magazine shares information about how district leaders feel about the laptop models they’ve chosen.

Edina’s Laptop Pilot Moves Ahead Despite Budget Cuts
As part of a new one-to-one program, all the eighth graders at a middle school in this Minnesota district will receive a laptop at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

Eleven Tips for Better Laptop Learning
Tech & Learning author and blogger, Jon Orech, shares tips for laptop programs.

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.