Educational Technology Research Sites

After having looked over these educational technology research sites, go to your blog and respond to the following questions:
• Give a brief review of the research you found on these sites.
• What are your reactions to this research?
• Is this information helpful in justifying the use and expense of technology in our schools?
I thought the research/readings were very enlightening.  I believe the research can be helpful in supporting the educational paradigm shift.  I believe the information is very helpful in justifying use and expense of technolgy in our schools.  It is good research based information to help educate skeptical stakeholders.  I really enjoyed the Apple article as I think this really aligns with some of the concepts we are striving for as a school district and the book Inevitable. 

1:1 Initiative

1. What are the benefits to implementing a one-to-one initiative?

There are many benefits to implementing a 1:1 initiative in providing your students to technology all the time, opportunities to further develop 21st century skills, providing them with opportunities outside the walls of your school e.g. distance education, skills to prepare them for the future workforce.

2.  What are some potential barriers to implementing a one-to-one initiative? 
It is a large long-term financial committment e.g. hardware, software, professional development, bandwidth, maintenance, upgrades.  Getting the culture to change to a 21st century environment getting all students and faculty to embrace the use of technology. 

3. How does the teaching and learning process change when every student has a laptop computer, or mobile device?
The process doesn't necessarily change unless you force/create buyin for the change.  It should open up avenues for greater use of technology, personalizing education, problem based learning, 21st century skills

4. At this point in time, how would you respond if a school board member asked if your school should implement a one-to-one initiative?
I would definitely say yes.  Having been involved in a 1:1 school for some time, I don't see any other way at this time in education.  However, I would make sure they understood the compexities of this endeavor to gain full support of this decision.

Copyright Policies

• Does your school district have a Copyright Policy?

Yes.

• Does that Copyright Policy need to be updated to reflect technology issues?

It needs to be reviewed regularly and updated as new technologies surface.  Our current policy has been reviewed and adopted within the last two years.

• Does your school district follow copyright laws?

I believe our school district does a good job following copyright laws and adhering to copyright policies. 

• What are your feelings about copyright laws?

I believe them to be necessary.  I believe if district personnel are made aware of them and the importance of them, that they will do the right thing when presented with a copyright scenario.  District administration is going to address violations in a quick and orderly manner.  However, I don't believe it is a high priority in our day to day responsibilities.

Cellphones in the Classroom

After having looked at these articles on cell phones, go to your blog and explain your thoughts about cell phone use in schools.

I believe that cellphones need to be embraced in the classroom.  Most of our teachers, have the students place them on their work areas and they have to manage them as young adults.  They should be placed on silent and not disrupt the work flow of the class.  This has changed dramatically over the last couple of years.  Cellphones have really become a non issue in our school. Some of our faculty are using them as interactive learning tools in the classroom as well.  I think we need to treat them as a learning tool and manage their use within our classroom environment.