In twenty years of working with technology in schools, the same arguments always appear in posts about computers in school.  I was following this thread on a recent PBS article and sure enough, there were several posts which: Equated technology with bad teaching Described computers as a luxury and complained about the expense Waxed nostalgic… Continue reading Same old arguments

One of Mark Prensky’s “Principles for Principals reads:  ” Make it your business to eliminate boredom from your school—make 100 percent engagement the goal. Poll students as to which of their teachers and classes are engaging and which are boring and why. Investigate and take action.” I felt this needed some clarification: We can make school… Continue reading Prensky says make school less boring

I agree that we need to change teaching and learning, and that this involves proper use of technology in education, and teachers need to be aware of and fluent in new technologies. But…A strong self image is worth a million retweets.The ability to work with others and achieve a goal is worth at least 256,000… Continue reading Yeah but…

I had an interesting conversation this week about “netbooks,” and their suitability for content creation. It was suggested that these small devices are better suited to “consumption,” rather than creation of media. Leaving aside the obvious question of creating in words (writing,) I thought this did not fully reflect what is happening in the visual… Continue reading Are full sized laptops necessary for content creation?

I once facilitated a live videoconference between a group of forth graders in central Maine and one in Belem, Brazil, on the Amazon. There were wild episodes of hand waving, amid sessions of question and answer. For example:“What kinds of animals do you have?”“Moose, porcupines, skunks.”“Snakes and monkeys.”“What kind of snakes?”“Anacondas and Boas…”I especially remember… Continue reading Say Yes to global connections

This webinar by co-author Michael Horne was the culminating feature of a book discussion for ISTE’s administrator’s group. It’s a great help in fleshing out the book if you’ve read it, or especially if you haven’t and are looking to get the gist. I am not a fan of futurists, and don’t often promote their… Continue reading Hear from a Co-author of Disrupting Class…

In the wake of Governor Baldacci’s speech this evening, I wanted to voice support for Maine’s goal of a one-one ratio of laptops for grades 7-12. I understand the costs and difficulties, but I think it’s the only answer to the question: “how many computers should a school have?” There’s simply no other equitable way… Continue reading One-one laptops

Today, October 15, 2008, is Blog Action Day to end Poverty. Instructional technology has often been described as a leveler. Here in Maine, we give laptops to every 7th and 8th grader in part to ensure that those in poverty have equitable access. I have seen first hand the changes in kids’ lives and aspirations… Continue reading Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty

I was giving a workshop for administrators about technology costs in 2002, and had just outlined a ballpark figure for core technology (hardware, networks and personnel.) I still remember John, a rural superintendent, who replied with visible disbelief when I said it would take 3.5 % of his operating budget, plus hardware. “Are you saying… Continue reading A Required Course for School Leaders