Technology & Learning - April 2008 - (Page 43)

Internet pipeline was soon increased to 100MBs, making it the largest Internet user in the county and one of the largest in the state. Kershaw also experienced security problems after students hacked into the network, importing viruses and spyware. Officials there dealt with this problem by purchasing Total Traffic Control from Lightspeed Systems, which includes a filter and allows the district to better monitor network traffic. Though it’s faced challenges, Kershaw has also seen the results. Parents have become more involved since each teacher created an eChalk page where homework is posted. In fact, Web site hits increased from 30,787 the first year to 118,715 last year. Teaching the teachers One essential aspect of implementing the one-to-one program was professional development. As part of the lease agreement, HP provided training through its partnership with Classroom Connect. Teachers were placed into three skill levels: high, medium, and not comfortable with technology. Training was tailored to these levels. During these sessions, teachers were issued laptops and digital cameras. The timing was planned so that teachers could apply the training to develop lesson plans during the two-week holiday break. The group that was most adept with the new technology became mentors, and each school appointed an instructional technology specialist. These specialists are nowadays responsible for working with teachers on the integration of technology in the classroom by modeling lesson plans, finding resources and software, and providing staff development. Each school also has on-site technicians responsible for repairs. Some of these are district employees while others are employed by HP. Each summer Classroom Connect staffers train teachers in four-day intensive workshops and conduct follow-up observations in the fall and spring. Worth Thompson, a principal at North Central High School, but until recently the district’s director of professional development, says he found it took time for teachers to develop the proper skills to use the Toolbox Classroom Connect http://corporate.classroom.com/laptop.html HP K–12 Education http://government.hp.com eChalk www.echalk.com SynchronEyes www2.smarttech.com Total Traffic Control www.lightspeedsystems.com/K121To1 Initiative.aspx Interwrite Learning Products www.innovativeidea.com/interwrite.html technology effectively. In the beginning, he says, teachers were using PowerPoint more, then multimedia, and later they were creating student group projects using high-tech tools. “What I ask of my teachers is to continually engage kids in the learning process,” Thompson says, “and steadily try to improve.” Going forward The 2007-’08 school year is the first that all high school students have a laptop. This year’s graduating class will be the first to have had a laptop for all four years. These students are also being given the opportunity to buy their laptop for $50 and leave ready for college or the 21st-century workplace. Dr. Slayman sees the iCan Project evolving. The technology will become smaller and the learning environment more flexible, she believes, with virtual learning breaking through barriers. “I hope this program is always a part of the vision for the district. It’s exciting and ties the world of work with school.” Due to this success, the South Carolina Department of Education is looking to replicate the project throughout the state. Tom McHale is an educator in New Jersey. Technology & Learning April 2008 | 43 Students are given the opportunity to buy their laptop for $50 and leave ready for college or the 21st-century workplace. http://corporate.classroom.com/laptop.html http://government.hp.com http://www.echalk.com/ http://www2.smarttech.com http://www.lightspeedsystems.com/K121To1Iniative.aspx http://www.lightspeedsystems.com/K121To1Iniative.aspx http://www.innovativeidea.com/interwrite.html

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Technology & Learning - April 2008 Contents New @ techlearning.com Editor's Desk News and Trends Digital Age Assessment: Part 2 Anytime, Anywhere Learning Caught on Video Cover Story: Plan and Deliver Cutting Edge in Carolina Product Guide Reviews Best of the Blogs What's New LOY Profile Series

Technology & Learning - April 2008

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