Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

What you are getting at is to look at the student "job description" FIRST and then carve out the necessary tools to fit that job.

The "Alpha Geek" in us wants to put the hardware in front of the need, but that's wrong. Buy a computer, then force the task to fit that tool - it doesn't make sense.

Define the job of a student at each grade-level, then find the best tools to support it.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

I believe that productivity should be the goal. In my recent experience teaching High School Math, student apathy is a huge issue. I am beginning to think that we have to change the paradigm in secondary education or we are not going to be able to reach a large segment of our students. Technology can be a way to change this and maybe 1:1 computing is a step in the right direction. Whichever way we choose to go, it is important that we choose a course that is well researched and has been tested. To jump into 1:1 computing and make that financial commitment could be a debacle if we are not careful.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

As a student, this may appear as a biased comment, due to the fact that everyone wants a laptop.
I am a freshman at AHS, and one of the students in Anne Smith's English Honors class. Block 2, for good measure. We are the ones with laptops already.
That aside, I too, believe, that productivity should be the goal here. A laptop will surely give lots of students the opportunity to succeed, but what about those not-so-technologically adept types? I see alot of students not really using the laptops to their educational advantage, but rather to screw around in class, presenting an even worse distraction, than say, posters.

However, if we are ever to proceed with this idea, we can't dwell on the bad things. We have to think about how much more could be done in such a small amount of time in the hour of class everyday. A laptop, or similar device, would increase the knowledge of a student eager to learn fivefold, at the least.
Also, in the increasingly technology dependent world, high schoolers need all that they can to get ahead of thirdworlders that can take their jobs (all due respect to those willing to work for such low pay).

Mr. Maas, thank you for your time.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

Yes. Let's also remember that in our knowledge economy, almost all work in business gets done in teams. Those teams interconnect, either by being in the same place, or by working in the same virtual space. I think the role of a student is not only about accessing and publishing content, but also learning to learn together and work in teams. That will drive some of the discussion about what "assured productivity" means in this context.

{virtual nod to the work of Siemens on connectivism}

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

I too am a student in Anne Smith's 9th grade honors English class.

Although a laptop might provide a distraction for some as Alex said, I do not think that people who are going to screw around and giggle with their comrades are going to become model students without computers. There's always a way to avoid paying attention.

Technology is rapidly becoming a necessity in this society. Seeing as education is the foundation of society, it's not difficult to put two and two together. Simply put, we need this to stay globally competitive.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

I am also a freshman in Ann Smith's laptop English class, and I agree that laptops allow us to do so much more in our small period of time. The amount of projects, papers, powerpoints, and movies that we have made this year is amazing, and as I look back over the last semester, I am surprised that we have been able to learn so much in only eighteen weeks. This could be partly becaouse of the vigourous speed of an honors class, but I also think that laptops have made a difference. I've noticed this especially in writing; when I am handwriting, it takes so much longer and I don't usually have time to add in enough strong supporting details. Also, I've noticed the difference in research. For example, one time during a discussion of The Chosen, we were wondering about the symbolism in the origin of wine. About three clicks later, we all had the answer.

Overall, I feel like I have been able to expand my abilities because I don't have to slow down. Using ALL the tools given to me by the laptop, there is no limit to digging through knowledge.

What is assured productivity?

As a student, I certainly support 1 on 1 computing. It has certainly helped increased my knowledge, as well as my productivity. I think that 1 on 1 computing is good for productivity because it helps increase what can be done, as well as how quickly.

However, I was wondering what exactly assured productivity is?

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

I agree with both Mason Gregg and Jim Stephens' comments. I feel that it is essential that we first determine the outcomes (or productivities) that we feel our students need in order to be effective 21st century learners and then figure out which technology tool(s) best meets those needs. Otherwise we are just buying the technology for the sake of looking "cutting edge" -- when in reality we may not even be sure how we're going to use this technology to enhance learning. As a result, we may end up teaching the same old way -- just with fancier tools. So the technology makes the school look good, but if it doesn't really change the learning environment. It's like buying a bunch of wireless laptops and having students word process their papers in class. What have we gained from this purchase????

Jim's comments about teaching students to learn and work in groups is also very important. I know my husband is constantly working with teammates and clients both locally and remotely, sometimes from the office, sometimes from home and sometimes from hotel rooms (when we're on vacation). The traditional office is a thing of the past, so we need to prepare our students for a work place that truly has no walls and no time zones.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

Ben, Assured Productivity is not the right term for what I'm trying to describe. Perhaps you and your classmates can help me. The point is to define what every student needs to be productive at each level. This would mean both products (word processors, web access) but also skills (writing, critical thinking, problem solving). When we say "1:1 Computing" we think of computers for kids. What I'm driving at is what kids do with the computers. I want to define this because in 10 years, or even 5 years, computers might seem archaic ways to accomplish the productivity we are trying to inspire.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

Answering the question of whether or not each student having a computer is productive and worthwhile is not easy, but I think I have a few insights. First of all, computer skills are not only necessary to survive in most jobs today, but they make communication quicker and information more accessible. Students at the high school level, atleast at my school, are required to take computer applications as a freshman. This class provides sufficient computer knowledge to every student so that they can use it as they need throughout their education. One idea is to have one computer per student once the student has passed this class. This would take care of any problems due to lack of knowledge with computers. It would also limit the number of computers that each school needs every year. As far as the uses and benefits of the 1:1, education as it exists today could move to another level. Picture a classroom with one teacher lecturing and occasionally asking a question to which one student can give an answer. Now picture the teacher giving the lesson, but every student can not only give their opinion, suggestion, or answer, but all of those thoughts are captured in writing and can be shared with other students and teachers. As a student, I often have an idea or thought that runs through my mind, but that is all. If every student had the opportunity to capture their thoughts at all times during a class, it would benefit the student and others tremendously.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

I am a student at Arapahoe High School where I do occasionally have personal access to a computer in my English class. Granted, we do not always have the privilege to use it every day and it is my only computer accessible class, I think that it is the greatest idea yet. Not only do we learn how to use the computer more efficiently, we also learn how to become more efficient in writing our papers. We have the privilege to quickly navigate onto others essays to be able to peer edit each others papers. I learn better from my peers than I do from anyone else so it is always a positive aspect to be able to have instant access to peer criticism. This 1:1 concept is a great idea that will greatly privilege everyone in the program. This is the best step towards to completing the "No Child Left Behind" program or goal. Everyone loves the access to a computer. It makes us better students and we are all able to gain from the experience.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

Levi and Jeff, thank you for your thougthful insights. I'm glad you support this concept because ultimately it will be the students who make this vision come to reality.

Re: 1:1 Computing or Assured Productivity?

I am a senior over at Columbine High School in Jeffco Schools and first off I am amazed that LPS is taking an active role and going out to the students and the community alike to find out what they think and to get their opinions. I wish Jeffco or even Columbine would do this. I worked my way into the technology department at CHS and have worked to improve the way technology is done there but proving myself countless ways. Your blog is a great way to communicate information to the public and to get feedback on what you want to do. Maybe being a smaller school district allows this to happen. I'm not really sure the reason why.

But back to your topic of 1:1 computing in the classroom. Great idea. But I think there are things that should be done before this happens. personally as a student I would rather have a "smart classroom" with a projector on the cealing and have the lessons be technology based. PowerPoints instead of overheads with graphics, maps, diagrams, etc. They are much easier to learn and read and plus, I believe that they keep the students attention much longer than traditional overheads. And then publish the lesson as a webex or a podcast on the web for students to go listen/view if they missed something, needed to hear it again or was absent that day. Laptops in the current enviroment of lecures with notes on a whiteboard won't do much good in my opinion. They will just transform the way students take notes. They can now type them in Word instead of writing them down on paper. Team work, group projects are where the true learning is going to happen. Get the teacher to provide the foundation and set the students loose on projects. Let them use the technology to enhace what they are learning. 1:1 computing may provide this but lets get the staff trained on the new technology and get it to the classrooms before we go for 1:1 computing.