Evolution and ReflectionMiddle School Technology

Evolving

Pilot in 2001-02 in 7th grade; now in year 9

Parent feedback & surveys Fewer bells and whistles (just enough for

classwork) Smaller, lighter Durable, “ruggedized” Lower cost School-owned & managed Loaner pool & school supporting repair Training for kids

Evolution… Hardware

2005-06 Traditional “PC”

hardware Large, heavy laptops Desktop lab shared by

grades Business machines ▪ Didn’t always support

classroom needs▪ Had features that

became distractions Projectors in some

classrooms

2009-10 Tablet PCs &

netbooks Toshiba M700s ClassmatePC

Convertible (Nobi) ▪ Built for kids

(ruggedized)▪ Instructional tool

Laptop for every student

Projectors/sound in all classrooms

Speaking of Hardware…

M700s•Keyboard & screen size (compared to 14.4”)•Durability (cracking)•Loaner availability•Cases•Webcam

NOBIS•Keyboard & screen size (compared to 12.1”)•Stylus sticking

Future laptops…

Classroom use + … Tablet capability Touchscreen Keyboard Webcam Slightly larger Affordable Durable Responsive

Evolution… Access

2005-06 Spotty wireless access Novell network Limited use of shared

folders Slow, unreliable

Internet 2-3 printers per floor

2009-10 Standardized wireless Windows Network Increased bandwidth Extensive use of

shared folders for electronic file exchange

Improved support Z drive access to docs

at home 1 printer per floor

Evolution… Training

2005-06 Student training

Start of the year When issues arose

2009-10 Student training

Start of the year 6th grade – advisory rotation 7th grade – rotation class 1x

per cycle All grades – in classes to

support curriculum New student immersion As needed when issues

arise Parent/student/advisor

request

What is Wellnology?

Proactive technology training Address the issues in a timely manner (or

before they become a problem)▪ Backing up data▪ Computer care & feeding

Balanced approach to technology Healthy habits in and out of school Bridge the gap between ideal use and realistic

use by middle school students Coping with distractions and temptations Helping kids understand why we have limits

What do we do in Wellnology? Back up data Burning issues Discussion of

personal use & habits Facebook, YouTube,

etc. Viruses Internet safety Personal

responsibility

Passwords/privacy

Skills instruction Typing Pal Gaggle email OneNote New tools Maintenance, Care &

feeding Configuration

(calibration, custom settings, printing…)

Evolution… Instructional Impact

2005-06 Word processing Heavy printing Research Desktop

publishing Pockets of

innovation

2009-10 Word processing

Peer editing Extensive revision Collaborative writing

Printing when appropriate Extensive Research Multimedia resources Audio/video recording &

projects Choice Shared notebooks on server Consistent integration

across teaching teams Shared innovation

How can parents keep up with the changes?

Resources available

Parent technology website Documentation & FAQ Use expectations & suggestions Links

Atomic Learning – Tutorial videos User name – spa Password – spartans

Library Databases Typing Pal

students have individual user names and passwords

Questions???