During a tour of campus, Laura Burgess, our Mercersburg Academy guide, told us that students check their email four or five times a day for updates about on camps activities. Frequent announcements make sense on a school campus. It's great to learn about electronic rather than loud speaker distribution. Most of the students use laptops in and out of classrooms, so checking is a simple process.
I took away a couple of other observations that local teachers can implement without costing anyone an arm and a leg. I think of these as CABs, Conversations, Achievements, and Boosters.
Refine conversations. Boarding school students learn to converse. not just talk. Meal times have rotating assigned seats, a dress code. and acceptable social behavior assistance, including refining conversation skills and content. Perhaps CUBS could organize ways for students to learn public behavior consistent with ways we expect public figures to act when they represent us, such as Olympic athletes, elected officials, business executives and diplomats.
Display alumni achievements. Make heros and models for students local. Public school alumni have their own stories to share with students. Let public middle and high school students organize a campus college/university bound students' club; call it CUBS for College/University Bound Students to collect and show these achievements. Just as school athletic records reside on hallway walls, post names of colleges local school alumni have attended, businesses they have started, patents they have recorded, and other notable achievements they have celebrated as a legacy for current and future students.
Boosters. Many boarding schools have full time college prep counselors, plus gaggles of alumni and school supporters who help students prepare for the college of their choice. Local public school students will accept, I think, local community members who provide information to support academic ambitions to attend a college or university. This support can initially occur as an informal group of college grads now operating local businesses talking with students at the local library one about preparing to select a college or university. Boost local academic interests at least as much as athletics.
Thanks, Laura, for sharing your time and thoughts with us. In turn, I want to share a few of them with others who will not attend your academy, but who's students may someday have a chance to work with your alumni in service, academic, and commercial settings, perhaps initially with Tablet or other mobile PCs.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
QuickStart Learning with and without Tablet PCs
QuickStart Learning (QSL) refers to activities that provide a person with prompt changes in behavior. Some have called this eons old practice learning-by-doing. It is a generic category of immediate, efficient behavior change activities. QSL is to learning what instant gratification is to the learner. They define engaged learning. Once the person starts the activity, measurable learning occurs. QSLs increase a learner’s behavior repertoire efficiently, that's one of their common attributes.
QSL activities contrast with discovery learning, whole language reading, and other such efforts that accept extensive trial-and-error behavior as a criterion for a learning process to occur. With QSL, learners do not play hide-and-seek to complete academic tasks, rely on collaborators, stand around while someone else finishes their task, or sit waiting for someone or something to get to the point.
Here’s a sample list of five types of QSL instruction and electronic tools such as software programs used in learning venues, especially PK-20+ schools.
1. QSL Tablet PC Direct Learning Software Programs
MathPractice Starter (publisher authorized free download available)
Displays simpler addition and subtraction problems than its cousin MathPractice, but it also displays objects for each number that users can count in order to determine the answer.
MathPractice (publisher authorized free download available)
Designed for Tablet PCs and other Ink enabled mobile PCs, as you handwrite your work MathPractice recognizes each digit and provides immediate reinforcement as to whether your solution is correct or not. Available in five levels of difficulty from beginners to advanced elementary grades for each of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers.
Revelation Natural Art (Publisher authorized free download available)
Configurable to meet any learner’s specific needs by adding or reducing the number of tools available to make the program as powerful or as simple to use as you wish. The rich range of super realistic natural media effects allows all users to work intuitively with the same tools on the computer that they have already used in their real life Art and Design work: Crayons, Oil Pastels, Pencils, Charcoal, Felt pens, Chalks, Acrylic paints, Poster paints, Watercolor paints, Airbrush sprays.
Tablet PC Music Composition Tool (Publisher authorized free download and tutorial available)
Create and play your own music. Use your Ink pen to write notes on the staff and then play your tune.
FractionPractice (publisher authorized free download available)
Solve problems naturally--just as you would on paper. As you handwrite solutions to problems automatically generated, FractionPractice recognizes your work and provides instant feedback.
TabletFlash 1.1 (publisher authorized free download available)
A flashcard program for use with Tablet PCs, handwrite anything you want on a series of blank cards, record audio hints or answers for each card, and then step through these cards either sequentially or randomly. Supports writing on the back of each card.
2. QSL Programming
Lisp Quickstart
This quickstart is only intended to get you introduced to very basic concepts in Lisp. It's enough to get you up to speed so you can more easily understand a good book (ANSI Common Lisp, etc.)
3. QSL Scientific Procedures
Quick Start Learning Guide for LabColors Cosmetic Dyes
This step by step guide includes hints about mixing cosmetic dyes.
4. QSL Direct Instruction (DI) (the subject of the largest single empirical study of affects of teaching on learning)
Direct Instruction links person-to-person instructional effectiveness to student learning efficiency. DI emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It eliminates misinterpretations by learners in order to greatly improve and accelerate learning.
A report from the American Institutes for Research for AASA, AFT, NAESP, NASSP and NEA of all schoolwide reform models indicated that 32 of 34 qualifying studies demonstrated a positive effect of Direct Instruction on student achievement .
In addition, DI was reported effective in improving overall achievement plus achievement in language, reading, mathematics, spelling, health and science. Perhaps most interesting, it had a positive effect on these affective behaviors and social skills: self esteem/concept, attitudes toward self and school, attribution of success or failure to self or outside, sense of responsibility and high school success.
See how Gering Public Schools, a small district in northwest Nebraska, closed a 23 percent achievement gap between white and Hispanic students in three years by implementing the full immersion model of Direct Instruction (DI) with NIFDI.
5. Try Another Way (TAW)
An instructor driven process developed by Marc Gold for arranging tasks in ways that a learner has only two choices to meet each learning objective successfully. When the learner chooses the incorrect option, the instructor simply says, “Try another way.” It works with simple and complicated tasks when used with people who have IQ scores ranging from the middle 30s up. One of the first processes to yield objective, empirical data (generated in middle 1970s in Massachusetts) that demonstrated the affect of instructor training on learners’ new behavior acquisition rates.
Well, that's a starter list. I'll add to it and post a QSL Q&A as I have time.
Please use this starter for your own purposes, and let me know of that use, so I can let others know also. And, thanks for your interest. Now, let's increase those student learning rates.
Note: The term QuickStart Learning is not related to any other use of the term quick start.
QSL activities contrast with discovery learning, whole language reading, and other such efforts that accept extensive trial-and-error behavior as a criterion for a learning process to occur. With QSL, learners do not play hide-and-seek to complete academic tasks, rely on collaborators, stand around while someone else finishes their task, or sit waiting for someone or something to get to the point.
Here’s a sample list of five types of QSL instruction and electronic tools such as software programs used in learning venues, especially PK-20+ schools.
1. QSL Tablet PC Direct Learning Software Programs
MathPractice Starter (publisher authorized free download available)
Displays simpler addition and subtraction problems than its cousin MathPractice, but it also displays objects for each number that users can count in order to determine the answer.
MathPractice (publisher authorized free download available)
Designed for Tablet PCs and other Ink enabled mobile PCs, as you handwrite your work MathPractice recognizes each digit and provides immediate reinforcement as to whether your solution is correct or not. Available in five levels of difficulty from beginners to advanced elementary grades for each of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers.
Revelation Natural Art (Publisher authorized free download available)
Configurable to meet any learner’s specific needs by adding or reducing the number of tools available to make the program as powerful or as simple to use as you wish. The rich range of super realistic natural media effects allows all users to work intuitively with the same tools on the computer that they have already used in their real life Art and Design work: Crayons, Oil Pastels, Pencils, Charcoal, Felt pens, Chalks, Acrylic paints, Poster paints, Watercolor paints, Airbrush sprays.
Tablet PC Music Composition Tool (Publisher authorized free download and tutorial available)
Create and play your own music. Use your Ink pen to write notes on the staff and then play your tune.
FractionPractice (publisher authorized free download available)
Solve problems naturally--just as you would on paper. As you handwrite solutions to problems automatically generated, FractionPractice recognizes your work and provides instant feedback.
TabletFlash 1.1 (publisher authorized free download available)
A flashcard program for use with Tablet PCs, handwrite anything you want on a series of blank cards, record audio hints or answers for each card, and then step through these cards either sequentially or randomly. Supports writing on the back of each card.
2. QSL Programming
Lisp Quickstart
This quickstart is only intended to get you introduced to very basic concepts in Lisp. It's enough to get you up to speed so you can more easily understand a good book (ANSI Common Lisp, etc.)
3. QSL Scientific Procedures
Quick Start Learning Guide for LabColors Cosmetic Dyes
This step by step guide includes hints about mixing cosmetic dyes.
4. QSL Direct Instruction (DI) (the subject of the largest single empirical study of affects of teaching on learning)
Direct Instruction links person-to-person instructional effectiveness to student learning efficiency. DI emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It eliminates misinterpretations by learners in order to greatly improve and accelerate learning.
A report from the American Institutes for Research for AASA, AFT, NAESP, NASSP and NEA of all schoolwide reform models indicated that 32 of 34 qualifying studies demonstrated a positive effect of Direct Instruction on student achievement .
In addition, DI was reported effective in improving overall achievement plus achievement in language, reading, mathematics, spelling, health and science. Perhaps most interesting, it had a positive effect on these affective behaviors and social skills: self esteem/concept, attitudes toward self and school, attribution of success or failure to self or outside, sense of responsibility and high school success.
See how Gering Public Schools, a small district in northwest Nebraska, closed a 23 percent achievement gap between white and Hispanic students in three years by implementing the full immersion model of Direct Instruction (DI) with NIFDI.
5. Try Another Way (TAW)
An instructor driven process developed by Marc Gold for arranging tasks in ways that a learner has only two choices to meet each learning objective successfully. When the learner chooses the incorrect option, the instructor simply says, “Try another way.” It works with simple and complicated tasks when used with people who have IQ scores ranging from the middle 30s up. One of the first processes to yield objective, empirical data (generated in middle 1970s in Massachusetts) that demonstrated the affect of instructor training on learners’ new behavior acquisition rates.
Well, that's a starter list. I'll add to it and post a QSL Q&A as I have time.
Please use this starter for your own purposes, and let me know of that use, so I can let others know also. And, thanks for your interest. Now, let's increase those student learning rates.
Note: The term QuickStart Learning is not related to any other use of the term quick start.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Seven Lessons of Leadership
David Gergen reports in Eyewitness to Power an explosion by President John F. Kennedy when he was asked by a group of historians to assess past presidents:
"How the hell can they know?" he said. "They've never had to sit here, reading all the cables, listening to people all day about these problems." (p. 344)
I heard this comment decades ago, but don't remember from whom or where, but likely passed on from someone in that administration to someone I knew. (Ah, the rumor mill!)
President Kennedy had a point, one that has come to mind whenever I have heard people other than direct participants talk about peer reviews, reviews by experts, et al.
The most we can offer is our best description of what we see.
Gergen offers his judgment that seven keys exist to responsible and effective leadership in the White House, based on working for four presidents of the United States.
1. Leadership starts from within.
2. It has a central, compelling purpose.
3. It includes the capacity to persuade.
4. It requires an ability to work within the system.
5. It requires a sure, quick start, hitting the ground running with purpose.
6. Calls on strong, prudent advisers.
7. Inspires others to carry on the mission.
These fundamental lessons do not guarantee success, but as Abigail Adams observed, great crises bring forth great leaders.
In reading and hearing teachers, community members, students, and experts discussions of educational leadership, I have a difficult time matching them up with these seven lessons from four presidents of the U.S. Perhaps public schooling has not yet reached a sufficient crisis to bring forth a great education leader?
I wonder if that difference exists among outspoken educators on purpose or my omision? Will mobile learning technology provide teachers with sufficient assistance to lead students to increased learning rates?
"How the hell can they know?" he said. "They've never had to sit here, reading all the cables, listening to people all day about these problems." (p. 344)
I heard this comment decades ago, but don't remember from whom or where, but likely passed on from someone in that administration to someone I knew. (Ah, the rumor mill!)
President Kennedy had a point, one that has come to mind whenever I have heard people other than direct participants talk about peer reviews, reviews by experts, et al.
The most we can offer is our best description of what we see.
Gergen offers his judgment that seven keys exist to responsible and effective leadership in the White House, based on working for four presidents of the United States.
1. Leadership starts from within.
2. It has a central, compelling purpose.
3. It includes the capacity to persuade.
4. It requires an ability to work within the system.
5. It requires a sure, quick start, hitting the ground running with purpose.
6. Calls on strong, prudent advisers.
7. Inspires others to carry on the mission.
These fundamental lessons do not guarantee success, but as Abigail Adams observed, great crises bring forth great leaders.
In reading and hearing teachers, community members, students, and experts discussions of educational leadership, I have a difficult time matching them up with these seven lessons from four presidents of the U.S. Perhaps public schooling has not yet reached a sufficient crisis to bring forth a great education leader?
I wonder if that difference exists among outspoken educators on purpose or my omision? Will mobile learning technology provide teachers with sufficient assistance to lead students to increased learning rates?
Be a Social Media Change Agent in School
Many schools aren't taking advantage of social media applications as a way to connect with students, parents, and community members. A video interview with Groundswell coauthor Josh Bernoff, VP and Principle Analyst, Forrester Research offers suggestions for business that teachers can adapt to schooling.
Right now, your customers are writing about your products on blogs and recutting your commercials on YouTube. They’re defining you on Wikipedia and ganging up on you in social networking sites like Facebook. These are all elements of a social phenomenon — the groundswell — that has created a permanent, long-lasting shift in the way the world works. Most companies see it as a threat.
Tableteers and other mobile PC users, here's an opening to step forward to provide guidance to other teachers and administrators about what others say about them and how they may address this phenomenon in order to increase student learning.
Let us know how you use your Tablet PC, UMPC, MID, or other mobile PC to convert social technologies to increase student learning rates.
Right now, your customers are writing about your products on blogs and recutting your commercials on YouTube. They’re defining you on Wikipedia and ganging up on you in social networking sites like Facebook. These are all elements of a social phenomenon — the groundswell — that has created a permanent, long-lasting shift in the way the world works. Most companies see it as a threat.
Tableteers and other mobile PC users, here's an opening to step forward to provide guidance to other teachers and administrators about what others say about them and how they may address this phenomenon in order to increase student learning.
Let us know how you use your Tablet PC, UMPC, MID, or other mobile PC to convert social technologies to increase student learning rates.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Leaders Seek to Find Themselves
... leadership is a quest of men seeking to find themselves and that in so seeking, they shape the lives of other people. ... At the core of every great political identity lay an idea - an idea imposed on the leader from his past, which the leader absorbed, changed and then imposed on the others outside. ... their identities came from the ideas that been pumped into them, the ideas they chose in turn to pump out. Their cruelties and nobilities, their creations and tragedies, flowed far more certainly from what was in minds than from what was in ther glands.
White, T. H. (1978). In search of history: A personal adventure. NY: Harper & Row, p. 4.
This description of leadership by a noted journalist derived from five decades of observing world leaders who made history during the 20th Century. They lead nations with ideas that resulted in peace and war, slaughter and healing, celebrations and scandels, prosperity and hard times for hundreds of millions of people at a time.
I wonder how this experienced based definition of leaderships matches definitions of those who manage schools under the same title. On the surface, White's definition appears inconsistent with school leadership programs.
And, what implications do mobile PCs have for implementing White's idea of leadership for learning?
White, T. H. (1978). In search of history: A personal adventure. NY: Harper & Row, p. 4.
This description of leadership by a noted journalist derived from five decades of observing world leaders who made history during the 20th Century. They lead nations with ideas that resulted in peace and war, slaughter and healing, celebrations and scandels, prosperity and hard times for hundreds of millions of people at a time.
I wonder how this experienced based definition of leaderships matches definitions of those who manage schools under the same title. On the surface, White's definition appears inconsistent with school leadership programs.
And, what implications do mobile PCs have for implementing White's idea of leadership for learning?
Reading Defines Educated Person Core
As a school we subscribe to the idea that reading—and reading widely—defines the core of an educated person. The best preparation for active and engaged learning is reading. There is little question that the habitual reader is more inquisitive, more sensitive to language, and more responsive to subtle distinctions than is the person who reads little or not at all.
Eugenio Sancho, Academic Dean, Mercersburg Academy, 2008
Eugenio Sancho, Academic Dean, Mercersburg Academy, 2008
Summer Reading 2008 - Mercersburg Academy
The entire Mercersburg Academy will read at least one of these four summer reading selections:
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster, by Jon Krakauer
The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century, by Thomas L. Friedman
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, by Michael Pollan
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace… One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson
In the fall, students will declare their reading selection with the history and English departments and we will also share our reactions to these books in school-wide seminars.
I'm behind! I've read Friedman's book, as I'm sure most teachers have by now, but not the other suggestions. The Amazon reviews of these books are great, Teach.
Even if you don't plan to read these high school requirements, reviews provide enough info for you to keep up with book chatter at parties with an intellectual component, you know the kind at the school superintendent's house at the beginning of the academic year!
Note: Amazon provides these titles for Kendle download as well as hardcopy purchase.
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster, by Jon Krakauer
The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century, by Thomas L. Friedman
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, by Michael Pollan
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace… One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson
In the fall, students will declare their reading selection with the history and English departments and we will also share our reactions to these books in school-wide seminars.
I'm behind! I've read Friedman's book, as I'm sure most teachers have by now, but not the other suggestions. The Amazon reviews of these books are great, Teach.
Even if you don't plan to read these high school requirements, reviews provide enough info for you to keep up with book chatter at parties with an intellectual component, you know the kind at the school superintendent's house at the beginning of the academic year!
Note: Amazon provides these titles for Kendle download as well as hardcopy purchase.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Demonstrates Control of Memristors
Stanley Williams, HP Senior Fellow and UCLA's California NanoSystems Institute AOB Chair, demonstrates control of memristors. This discovery could lead to computers that learn.
A memristor is one of four basic electrical circuit components, joining the resistor, capacitor, and inductor. The memristor, short for “memory resistor” ...
HP Labs scientists who in April proved the existence of the memristor have made another significant advance toward developing a new type of computer memory that's many times faster than Flash and could lead to analog computers that process information in a manner similar to the human brain.
It is now possible to design memristors into integrated circuits that remember information, consume far less power than existing devices and may someday learn from past behavior.
Scientist Jianhua Yang said, "What we're talking about is the computer itself - the hardware - being able to learn."
A memristor is one of four basic electrical circuit components, joining the resistor, capacitor, and inductor. The memristor, short for “memory resistor” ...
HP Labs scientists who in April proved the existence of the memristor have made another significant advance toward developing a new type of computer memory that's many times faster than Flash and could lead to analog computers that process information in a manner similar to the human brain.
It is now possible to design memristors into integrated circuits that remember information, consume far less power than existing devices and may someday learn from past behavior.
Scientist Jianhua Yang said, "What we're talking about is the computer itself - the hardware - being able to learn."
Nano Systems Academic Exchange Agreement
The signing of an Academic Exchange Agreement between the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA and the Research Institute for Electronic Science (RIES) of Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan occurred on Tuesday June 10th, 2008 at the CNSI Building.
The Academic Agreement will be the basis for collaborations and exchanges of students and faculty between RIES and CNSI in the area of nanoscale research into electronics and biological systems.
This agreement serve as an early indication of skills required for those wanting to participate in near future top tier scientific research in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
The Academic Agreement will be the basis for collaborations and exchanges of students and faculty between RIES and CNSI in the area of nanoscale research into electronics and biological systems.
This agreement serve as an early indication of skills required for those wanting to participate in near future top tier scientific research in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Nanomachine Kills Cancer Cells
Researchers from the Nano Machine Center at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA have developed a novel type of nanomachine that can capture and store anticancer drugs inside tiny pores and release them into cancer cells in response to light.
Known as a "nanoimpeller," the device is the first light-powered nanomachine that operates inside a living cell, a development that has strong implications for cancer treatment.
UCLA researchers reported the synthesis and operation of nanoparticles containing nanoimpellers that can deliver anticancer drugs March 31 in the online edition of the nanoscience journal Small.
I understand the State of California has started pumping money into this field to establish it as the next Silicon Valley in the state. Seems reasonable that science and math teachers will see this as the beginning of an area of study they can pioneer in PK-12 grades.
I expect that some of the teachers who took early steps to use Tablet PCs in schools will also set the pace for nanotechnology studies in their schools.
I'm guessing at least one teacher has initiated at least one lesson at least in an AP or IB science course about nano research and technology. Can anyone point me to a source that describes where or how many public schools offer lessons or courses on nanotechnology?
Known as a "nanoimpeller," the device is the first light-powered nanomachine that operates inside a living cell, a development that has strong implications for cancer treatment.
UCLA researchers reported the synthesis and operation of nanoparticles containing nanoimpellers that can deliver anticancer drugs March 31 in the online edition of the nanoscience journal Small.
I understand the State of California has started pumping money into this field to establish it as the next Silicon Valley in the state. Seems reasonable that science and math teachers will see this as the beginning of an area of study they can pioneer in PK-12 grades.
I expect that some of the teachers who took early steps to use Tablet PCs in schools will also set the pace for nanotechnology studies in their schools.
I'm guessing at least one teacher has initiated at least one lesson at least in an AP or IB science course about nano research and technology. Can anyone point me to a source that describes where or how many public schools offer lessons or courses on nanotechnology?
School Campus Mobile Learning Whitepapers and Webinars
Campus Technology offers an array of white papers and webinars useful as background for drafting proposals to initiate and increase use of Tablet PCs and other mobile PCs in schools, including to increase student learning rates.
Grant Institute Proposal Writing Workshop
Funding of Tablet PC and other school projects follows good ideas. Using mobile PCs to increase student learning is a good idea. Workshops such as this one provide hints about ways to generate funding to supplement regular school funding for your efforts.
The Grant Institute's Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop.
Where: The Outlook at Duncan Center in Dover, Delaware
When: June 18 - 20, 2008.
Can't make it to this workshop? Check out on their website others they offer.
The Grant Institute is a service of the Institute for Communication Improvement. Founded by nonprofit professionals and educators, ICI was created to address a fundamental need within the public and private sectors for quality communication consulting and training.
Interested development professionals, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly.
Call ASAP to reserve a seat: (888) 824 - 4424
I've attended such workshops and found them valuable for showing current proposal formuli that receive funding.
Be sure to ask which funding agencies and foundations accept the proposal formuli promoted in each workshop. It's important to know these results, so you can calculate the likelihood of your proposal receiving funding.
The Grant Institute's Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop.
Where: The Outlook at Duncan Center in Dover, Delaware
When: June 18 - 20, 2008.
Can't make it to this workshop? Check out on their website others they offer.
The Grant Institute is a service of the Institute for Communication Improvement. Founded by nonprofit professionals and educators, ICI was created to address a fundamental need within the public and private sectors for quality communication consulting and training.
Interested development professionals, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly.
Call ASAP to reserve a seat: (888) 824 - 4424
I've attended such workshops and found them valuable for showing current proposal formuli that receive funding.
Be sure to ask which funding agencies and foundations accept the proposal formuli promoted in each workshop. It's important to know these results, so you can calculate the likelihood of your proposal receiving funding.
FETC CALL FOR SPEAKERS and PAPERS - A Reminder
Organizers of FETC 2009 issued a call for speakers and papers from education professionals, as well as business and industry experts.
FETC welcomes applications representing all levels, content areas and specialties. If accepted, your presentation will be scheduled as one of the 55-minute sessions planned for the three-day conference.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 20, 2008
FETC has the reputation of being The education conference that school purchasing decision makers attend (more than other education showcases) when looking for new ideas and materials that appear likely to increase learning and make teachers' work easier in their districts.
Here's an invitation for you Tablet PC and UMPC educators and independent software developers to describe how you use your mobile PC for instruction, classroom and academic management, research, etc. That includes you, Math Professor, math teacher, science department chair, PreK school owner, teacher's aide, ...
FETC welcomes applications representing all levels, content areas and specialties. If accepted, your presentation will be scheduled as one of the 55-minute sessions planned for the three-day conference.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 20, 2008
FETC has the reputation of being The education conference that school purchasing decision makers attend (more than other education showcases) when looking for new ideas and materials that appear likely to increase learning and make teachers' work easier in their districts.
Here's an invitation for you Tablet PC and UMPC educators and independent software developers to describe how you use your mobile PC for instruction, classroom and academic management, research, etc. That includes you, Math Professor, math teacher, science department chair, PreK school owner, teacher's aide, ...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Instant messaging useful in reducing workplace interruption
A new study finds workers who use text messaging at the office actually report fewer interruptions.
We found that the effect of instant messaging is actually positive. People who used instant messaging reported that they felt they were being interrupted less frequently. ... instant messaging was often used as a substitute for other, more disruptive forms of communication such as the telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face conversations. Using instant messaging led to more conversations on the computer, but the conversations were briefer, said R. Kelly Garrett, co-author of the study and assistant professor of communication at Ohio State."
I wonder how many teachers have tried using IM in order to reduce distractions during a learning exercise?
We found that the effect of instant messaging is actually positive. People who used instant messaging reported that they felt they were being interrupted less frequently. ... instant messaging was often used as a substitute for other, more disruptive forms of communication such as the telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face conversations. Using instant messaging led to more conversations on the computer, but the conversations were briefer, said R. Kelly Garrett, co-author of the study and assistant professor of communication at Ohio State."
I wonder how many teachers have tried using IM in order to reduce distractions during a learning exercise?
Curriculum as the Cause of Failure
Zig Engelmann published a provocative article titled Curriculum as the Cause of Failure with this topic sentence:
"When children do not learn it is evident that they have not been taught."
It's a good read for any parent or educator interested in knowing what learning is possible in schools.
I'd ask any teaching applicant to describe how he or she would instruct students in light of this article, and what criteria I should use to evaluate that performance the first month of employment.
Parents might find it useful to adapt that question to their purposes during student-teacher meetings.
Come to think of it, perhaps board of education members should ask school superintendents the same question.
"When children do not learn it is evident that they have not been taught."
It's a good read for any parent or educator interested in knowing what learning is possible in schools.
I'd ask any teaching applicant to describe how he or she would instruct students in light of this article, and what criteria I should use to evaluate that performance the first month of employment.
Parents might find it useful to adapt that question to their purposes during student-teacher meetings.
Come to think of it, perhaps board of education members should ask school superintendents the same question.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
NASA to Probe the Sun
NASA scientists plan to send Solar Probe + (Plus) to the Sun in 2015 to address two questions!
"We are going to visit a living, breathing star for the first time," says program scientist Lika Guhathakurta of NASA Headquarters. "This is an unexplored region of the solar system and the possibilities for discovery are off the charts."
Q 1: Why is the corona of the sun hotter than the surface?
Q2: Why does the sun have winds among planets and not on the surface of the sun?
The probe will use solar power.
I wonder which students now in K20 school will help to plan, build the craft, and conduct this exciting probe? Will Tablet and mobile PC students have an advantage qualifying for one of these positions?
"We are going to visit a living, breathing star for the first time," says program scientist Lika Guhathakurta of NASA Headquarters. "This is an unexplored region of the solar system and the possibilities for discovery are off the charts."
Q 1: Why is the corona of the sun hotter than the surface?
Q2: Why does the sun have winds among planets and not on the surface of the sun?
The probe will use solar power.
I wonder which students now in K20 school will help to plan, build the craft, and conduct this exciting probe? Will Tablet and mobile PC students have an advantage qualifying for one of these positions?
Bacteria Anticipate Coming Environmental Changes
Princeton University scientists discovered that bacteria react to changes in their surroundings and they anticipate and prepare for them.
"What we have found is the first evidence that bacteria can use sensed cues from their environment to infer future events," said Saeed Tavazoie, an associate professor of molecular biology, who conducted the study along with graduate student Ilias Tagkopoulos and postdoctoral researcher Yir-Chung Liu.
While higher animals can learn new behavior within a single lifetime, bacterial learning takes place over many generations and on an evolutionary time scale,
This finding may help to develop strains of bacteria to clean up environmental contamination.
The findings, reported in the June 6, 2008, issue of Science, challenge the prevailing notion that only organisms with complex nervous systems can anticipate changes in their environment.
"What we have found is the first evidence that bacteria can use sensed cues from their environment to infer future events," said Saeed Tavazoie, an associate professor of molecular biology, who conducted the study along with graduate student Ilias Tagkopoulos and postdoctoral researcher Yir-Chung Liu.
While higher animals can learn new behavior within a single lifetime, bacterial learning takes place over many generations and on an evolutionary time scale,
This finding may help to develop strains of bacteria to clean up environmental contamination.
The findings, reported in the June 6, 2008, issue of Science, challenge the prevailing notion that only organisms with complex nervous systems can anticipate changes in their environment.
Brain Anticipates the Future to ‘See’ the Present
Scientists argue that the brain has evolved to see a split second into the future when it perceives motion. Because it takes the brain at least a tenth of a second to model visual information, it is working with old information. By modeling the future during movement, it is seeing the present.
In an experiment originated by Dr. Nijhawan, people watch an object pass a flashbulb. The timing is exact: the bulb flashes precisely as the object passes. But people perceive that the object has moved past the bulb before it flashes. I wonder if anyone has anyone considered implications this principle has for learning? Do some learners use this principle to learn faster then others?
Source: Mind - Optical Illusions Show How Brain Anticipates the Future to ‘See’ the Present - NYTimes.com
In an experiment originated by Dr. Nijhawan, people watch an object pass a flashbulb. The timing is exact: the bulb flashes precisely as the object passes. But people perceive that the object has moved past the bulb before it flashes. I wonder if anyone has anyone considered implications this principle has for learning? Do some learners use this principle to learn faster then others?
Source: Mind - Optical Illusions Show How Brain Anticipates the Future to ‘See’ the Present - NYTimes.com
Thanks, Kurzweil, for the link.
Start Work at $50,000 Annually
Cherie Berkley highlights 10 occupations with starting annual salaries at $50,000 each.
PayScale offers calculators so people can compare their salaries against others. Check out a cost of living calculator, a salary calculator for job listings, a chart generator, and links and logos to cnnect visitors to sdalary data.
Teachers may use this site as a reference for demonstrating how their course content relates to occupations, salaries, and the necessity of using advanced personal discipline with advanced technologies, such as Tablet and other mobile PCs to earn these salaries.
PayScale offers calculators so people can compare their salaries against others. Check out a cost of living calculator, a salary calculator for job listings, a chart generator, and links and logos to cnnect visitors to sdalary data.
Teachers may use this site as a reference for demonstrating how their course content relates to occupations, salaries, and the necessity of using advanced personal discipline with advanced technologies, such as Tablet and other mobile PCs to earn these salaries.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Nonverbal Advantages for Teachers
Have you ever wondered why some people do not take your talk seriously? Carol Kinsey Gorman offers a brief video introduction about influences posture, gaze, and other behavior have on listeners. This video summarizes information in her book The Nonverbal Advantage. Teachers may find these tips useful for classroom management as well as for career promotion.
Try MSN Mobile to Win a Zune
Use MSN Mobile on your phone to keep connected with Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Spaces, Hotmail, and more. Enter your mobile number for a chance to win a Zune!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Virtual Learning: 25 Best Sims and Games For the Classroom
Christina Laun suggests that, if you’re looking for something educational for your own kids to play or for a simulation or game your students can enjoy that applies to their lessons, here are 25 to consider. Check out this new site that supports virtual college learning. Seems like a natural reference for Tablet PC and other mobile PC learners and instructors.
Thanks, Fiona King, for the link.
Thanks, Fiona King, for the link.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Innovative Learning Conference 2008
International Learning Conference 2008 (ILC):
October 14-16, 2008, San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA
ILC is an interactive three-day conference and exposition for the K-12 education community. Devoted to advancing student achievement through innovative education strategies.
ILC will offer “hands-on” workshops, concurrent sessions, meetings and exhibitions.
For,
Superintendents
Site and district administrators
District CTOs
Technology directors and other IT professionals
Private and public K-12 educators
Media specialists
Curriculum designers
Business managers
Register
October 14-16, 2008, San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA
ILC is an interactive three-day conference and exposition for the K-12 education community. Devoted to advancing student achievement through innovative education strategies.
ILC will offer “hands-on” workshops, concurrent sessions, meetings and exhibitions.
For,
Superintendents
Site and district administrators
District CTOs
Technology directors and other IT professionals
Private and public K-12 educators
Media specialists
Curriculum designers
Business managers
Register
Monday, June 02, 2008
Tablet PC as Cornerstone of Technology Initiative at Dwight-Englewood School
The Tablet PC serves as the cornerstone of the technology initiative at P-12 Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, NJ.
By making technology more available, reliable, and flexible, the school hopes to capitalize on the success of its Math, Science, and Technology (MST) program to offer students an educational experience which encourages creativity and real-world problem solving using the tools and information that will be the foundation of the society they will one day lead.
In the Upper School, students will do all of their work for Tech class on tablets. This work will integrate with Math and Science classes.
Middle School instruction will include Tablet note-taking and organization in addition to their extensive lesson use. Most students will use the device as a personal organizational tool to keep track of all of their electronic resources such as documents, books, schedules and eMail.
Computer use in other subjects will vary depending on the teacher.
In AY 2008-09, sixth-grade math text will be available in electronic format. Administrators will continue to investigate the availability of other electronic texts. D-E goal is to lighten backpacks with these Tablets.
Tablets also enable teachers to ask test and quiz questions that require the use of the Internet to solve problems.
School officials argue that success in school and in the “real” world increasingly depends on an individual’s ability to find, evaluate, and use information. Tablet PCs give students daily practice in that type of thinking. D-E has come far in its use of technology as a learning tool. This is the next logical step.
All academic teachers have been trained on Tablet PCs. In the fall of 2007, all incoming 6th and 9th graders purchased tablets to use in their classes. Other students may also purchase and use a Tablet PC through the school.
The model for the 2007-08 school year was the Fujitsu Lifebook 4220, with a 2.0 Ghz dual core processor Intel Centrino technology, 80 GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM and an 802.11b/g wireless radio. These devices make for faster mobile performance with longer battery life. This tablet has an internal CD-ROM which can be removed from the device to acommodate a secondary battery. With the secondary battery, students can to get through the entire school day with a single charge.
A full time technical staff responds to students’ technical problems about connecting and using the school's network.
All campus buildings have equipped high speed wireless Internet access. Classrooms have an audio/visual system that includes a ceiling mounted LCD projector, VCR / DVD player and a control system to allow them to project web sites, movies, or other sources such as a video microscope for their classes to discuss. A control system allows the teacher to instantly switch among these sources so that a web site or Power Point presentation can supplement a video.
Kudos, Dwight-Englewood School for demonstrating to other school educators a way to include Tablet PCs as an integral part of instruction and learning. Thanks for your level of detail that allows others to follow your demonstration. Please keep us informed of your progress!
By making technology more available, reliable, and flexible, the school hopes to capitalize on the success of its Math, Science, and Technology (MST) program to offer students an educational experience which encourages creativity and real-world problem solving using the tools and information that will be the foundation of the society they will one day lead.
In the Upper School, students will do all of their work for Tech class on tablets. This work will integrate with Math and Science classes.
Middle School instruction will include Tablet note-taking and organization in addition to their extensive lesson use. Most students will use the device as a personal organizational tool to keep track of all of their electronic resources such as documents, books, schedules and eMail.
Computer use in other subjects will vary depending on the teacher.
In AY 2008-09, sixth-grade math text will be available in electronic format. Administrators will continue to investigate the availability of other electronic texts. D-E goal is to lighten backpacks with these Tablets.
Tablets also enable teachers to ask test and quiz questions that require the use of the Internet to solve problems.
School officials argue that success in school and in the “real” world increasingly depends on an individual’s ability to find, evaluate, and use information. Tablet PCs give students daily practice in that type of thinking. D-E has come far in its use of technology as a learning tool. This is the next logical step.
All academic teachers have been trained on Tablet PCs. In the fall of 2007, all incoming 6th and 9th graders purchased tablets to use in their classes. Other students may also purchase and use a Tablet PC through the school.
The model for the 2007-08 school year was the Fujitsu Lifebook 4220, with a 2.0 Ghz dual core processor Intel Centrino technology, 80 GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM and an 802.11b/g wireless radio. These devices make for faster mobile performance with longer battery life. This tablet has an internal CD-ROM which can be removed from the device to acommodate a secondary battery. With the secondary battery, students can to get through the entire school day with a single charge.
A full time technical staff responds to students’ technical problems about connecting and using the school's network.
All campus buildings have equipped high speed wireless Internet access. Classrooms have an audio/visual system that includes a ceiling mounted LCD projector, VCR / DVD player and a control system to allow them to project web sites, movies, or other sources such as a video microscope for their classes to discuss. A control system allows the teacher to instantly switch among these sources so that a web site or Power Point presentation can supplement a video.
Kudos, Dwight-Englewood School for demonstrating to other school educators a way to include Tablet PCs as an integral part of instruction and learning. Thanks for your level of detail that allows others to follow your demonstration. Please keep us informed of your progress!
Class Capture Service Improves Learning Efficiency
Learn how John Marshall Law school deploys an Internet based class-capture service. They count increased learning efficiency, increased satisfaction among improved outcomes.
Date: June 5, 2008
Time: 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern
Sponsored by: Tegrity
Register
This system eliminates the need for special recording equipment in classrooms for teachers to record anywhere, anytime they choose. Students can also access learning modules and supplemental materials with just a web browser or mobile device. And the burden on IT is lifted, as administration is and maintenance is simple.
Discover how John Marshall Law School uses the service to save time and money, to bolster the classroom experience, and help students learn more efficiently.
Date: June 5, 2008
Time: 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern
Sponsored by: Tegrity
Register
This system eliminates the need for special recording equipment in classrooms for teachers to record anywhere, anytime they choose. Students can also access learning modules and supplemental materials with just a web browser or mobile device. And the burden on IT is lifted, as administration is and maintenance is simple.
Discover how John Marshall Law School uses the service to save time and money, to bolster the classroom experience, and help students learn more efficiently.
Call for Speakers FETC 2009
Become a speaker at (Florida Education Technology Conference) FETC 2009, January 21 - 24, 2009 in Orlando, FL. Share successful uses of Tablet PCs, Ultra Mobile PCs, and other mobile in classroom, creative teaching and learning solutions, research, policies and products that show current or future promise for K-12 mobile PC learning and education. Share your strategies, methods and best practices.
This invitation will likely allow at least one Tablet PC school to present data about how their students increased learning rates. I know some of you have these data. Go for it!
Informed rumors among exhibitors hold that school district administrators with authorization to purchase software and other products attend FETC more than at other education conferences.
Deadline for Application Submission: June 20, 2008
This invitation will likely allow at least one Tablet PC school to present data about how their students increased learning rates. I know some of you have these data. Go for it!
Informed rumors among exhibitors hold that school district administrators with authorization to purchase software and other products attend FETC more than at other education conferences.
Deadline for Application Submission: June 20, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Education Malpractice Continues
Drew Kim, a top drawer public policy strategist, asks the provocative question, "Why are we still letting education malpractice take place?
To borrow and then modify a famous political campaign mantra, "It's the teacher, stupid!"
Great teachers focus and deliver on one core mission: consistently improving student achievement.
He asks, Armed with data and understanding, why do we still allow the equivalent of education malpractice to take place? Where is the moral outrage?
He goes on, teacher's academic caliber has a clear, measurable effect on student achievement; yet, we know that on average schools recruit new teachers from the bottom third of college graduates and roughly one in four secondary classrooms are taught by teachers lacking a major or minor in the subject matter.
Also, he argues, as long as the teachers' unions and colleges of education keep protecting this antiquated 80-year-old system and the status quo, we will never place the interest of children first.
I wonder how successes with Tablet PCs, other mobile PCs, direct instruction, direct learning, and other technologies that give priority to efficient learning will influence Drew's topic.
Kudos, Drew, for explaining your thinking publically. I'll check out your policy recommendations further. You provide a cogent introduction to discussions of administrative abuse, teacher malpractice, education corruption, and other uncomfortable topics we all know must be addressed sooner than later, but hope we can get our school houses in order before others push in our doors. Have you given us a shot across the bow?
Kim volunteered two years with Teach For America and encourages educators and academics to adopt core commitments similar to TFA.
To borrow and then modify a famous political campaign mantra, "It's the teacher, stupid!"
Great teachers focus and deliver on one core mission: consistently improving student achievement.
He asks, Armed with data and understanding, why do we still allow the equivalent of education malpractice to take place? Where is the moral outrage?
He goes on, teacher's academic caliber has a clear, measurable effect on student achievement; yet, we know that on average schools recruit new teachers from the bottom third of college graduates and roughly one in four secondary classrooms are taught by teachers lacking a major or minor in the subject matter.
Also, he argues, as long as the teachers' unions and colleges of education keep protecting this antiquated 80-year-old system and the status quo, we will never place the interest of children first.
I wonder how successes with Tablet PCs, other mobile PCs, direct instruction, direct learning, and other technologies that give priority to efficient learning will influence Drew's topic.
Kudos, Drew, for explaining your thinking publically. I'll check out your policy recommendations further. You provide a cogent introduction to discussions of administrative abuse, teacher malpractice, education corruption, and other uncomfortable topics we all know must be addressed sooner than later, but hope we can get our school houses in order before others push in our doors. Have you given us a shot across the bow?
Kim volunteered two years with Teach For America and encourages educators and academics to adopt core commitments similar to TFA.
Tablets for Tots through High School
This 2.5 minute video shows Kindergarten students with Debora Daniels and 5th grade students using Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet PCs and DyKnow, a presentation system at Kings Ridge Christian School outside Atlanta.
Lower School students (grades K-5) use basic keyboarding, academic skill reinforcement using developmentally appropriate software, and writing and illustrating simple words and sentences in a multi-media format.
Middle School students (grades 6-8) develop skills in keyboarding, computer basics, file management, word processing, Internet, spreadsheet, graphics, and multimedia. Specific skills will include but are not limited to, collection and application of data, ethical and legal aspects of technology, text and page layout, manipulating graphics, concepts of programming, multimedia expression, and web page creation. These skills are taught through a series of projects integrated directly into a student's curriculum. Teachers work with a technology specialist in order to create projects that teach the skills in a meaningful manner.
Upper School students (grades 9-12) develop skills in word processing, Internet, global communication, spreadsheet, graphics, desktop publishing, and multimedia. They collect and apply data, learn ethical and legal aspects of technology, manipulate graphics, learn text and page layout skills, create web pages, and use various multimedia tools to express their views and creativity. They develop these skills through a series of projects integrated into the curriculum. Teachers work with a technology specialist in order to create projects that combine their curriculum and technology in a meaningful manner. Students use computers in semester and year long elective classes, including: AP Programming, Digital Media (Video Editing), Computer Graphics, Desktop Publishing, Web Publishing, and Independent Study.
I was amazed by what they could do. It clearly shows potential school uses for more students.
The video is a little slow to load and is prefaced by a brief commercial for an air conditioner company - so be patient if you opt to follow the link.
King's Ridge Christian School an independent college preparatory school in the Atlanta metro area.
The video was shot by a local Atlanta news channel.
Lower School students (grades K-5) use basic keyboarding, academic skill reinforcement using developmentally appropriate software, and writing and illustrating simple words and sentences in a multi-media format.
Middle School students (grades 6-8) develop skills in keyboarding, computer basics, file management, word processing, Internet, spreadsheet, graphics, and multimedia. Specific skills will include but are not limited to, collection and application of data, ethical and legal aspects of technology, text and page layout, manipulating graphics, concepts of programming, multimedia expression, and web page creation. These skills are taught through a series of projects integrated directly into a student's curriculum. Teachers work with a technology specialist in order to create projects that teach the skills in a meaningful manner.
Upper School students (grades 9-12) develop skills in word processing, Internet, global communication, spreadsheet, graphics, desktop publishing, and multimedia. They collect and apply data, learn ethical and legal aspects of technology, manipulate graphics, learn text and page layout skills, create web pages, and use various multimedia tools to express their views and creativity. They develop these skills through a series of projects integrated into the curriculum. Teachers work with a technology specialist in order to create projects that combine their curriculum and technology in a meaningful manner. Students use computers in semester and year long elective classes, including: AP Programming, Digital Media (Video Editing), Computer Graphics, Desktop Publishing, Web Publishing, and Independent Study.
I was amazed by what they could do. It clearly shows potential school uses for more students.
The video is a little slow to load and is prefaced by a brief commercial for an air conditioner company - so be patient if you opt to follow the link.
King's Ridge Christian School an independent college preparatory school in the Atlanta metro area.
The video was shot by a local Atlanta news channel.
Kent School Students Use Tablet PCs
Kent School, Kent, CT, students from 35 states and 26 countries use Tablet PCs for research, analysis, composition, school communication, presentations and for various assigned classroom exercises.
Kent includes the necessary academic computing tool in the enrollment contract, in order to guarantee a computer up to the job, the right software pre-configured to work, proper protection from viruses, and access to our best resources for quick repair and minimum downtime.
As described in a letter to parents, besides school support, warranty and accidental damage coverage and the tablet PC, the student package includes Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote, Outlook, Groove and Publisher), Anti-Virus at Kent and a voucher to select one of the many excellent computer cases from Timbuk2.
For 2007-2008 students used Toshiba Tecra M7331 14” Tablet PC (6 lbs.) and an upgraded option: Toshiba Portege M400 12” Tablet PC.
Kent includes the necessary academic computing tool in the enrollment contract, in order to guarantee a computer up to the job, the right software pre-configured to work, proper protection from viruses, and access to our best resources for quick repair and minimum downtime.
As described in a letter to parents, besides school support, warranty and accidental damage coverage and the tablet PC, the student package includes Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote, Outlook, Groove and Publisher), Anti-Virus at Kent and a voucher to select one of the many excellent computer cases from Timbuk2.
For 2007-2008 students used Toshiba Tecra M7331 14” Tablet PC (6 lbs.) and an upgraded option: Toshiba Portege M400 12” Tablet PC.
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