Lessons from the Past

Imagine you are waiting on your first shipment of brand new microcomputers! The year is 1983 and yes, those microcomputers are Bell and Howell Apple II’s with marvelous green monochrome monitors, or was it gold? I carefully unpack and set up our first Title I funded computer lab and unwrap our 5¼” floppy disks from MECC. With no NCLB requirements nipping at our heels, we step boldly into the future with our students… confident that we are preparing them for the world they will enter upon college graduation.

Little did I know that when our kindergarten students graduated in 1995 the Internet would just be gaining steam, revolutionizing the way we access information, communicate and do business around the world. By the time these students fully launched their careers, they were carrying more computing power in their pockets than the sum total of all our computers in that little Apple II lab in Houston, Texas.

From Basic programming and MECC Number Munchers to sophisticated digital learning content and tools, technology’s potential to impact learning has grown in leaps and bounds. As I traverse the country, visiting school districts from Michigan to Florida, I am struck by an odd contrast. During the past 28 years, while technology continues to grow in sophistication, we are still struggling to realize it’s true potential in our classrooms.

But wait – this year something feels different. Across the country a new movement is gaining steam, perhaps as a result of budget cuts, community pressure or a push to provide our students with 21^st Century tools and curriculum. 'Bring Your Own Device and Technology' (BYOD, BYOT) programs and one-to-one initiatives are providing students with unprecedented access to technology.

Let’s take a lesson from the past. Will we fail to capitalize on major technological advances, or this time will we make the most of this opportunity and find a way to harness technology’s full potential to transform learning. This time our students are leading the way… Will we follow their lead or be left behind?

Originally posted at: http://www.knownewideas.com

Unsung Heroes

One week in early October it was my honor to be in the presence of an amazing group of dedicated library media specialists in Milwaukee Public Schools.  Despite severe budget cuts and increased responsibilities, with some managing up to 4 and 5 school library programs at a time, they maintain a laser focus on providing high quality digital and print resources to their fellow educators and students.  Daily they model what it means to be a 21^st Century learner – creating, communicating, collaborating and thinking critically about how to manage their time so as to lead and support their many patrons. At the helm is Lisa Chatman, District Library Media Specialist. Vivacious and passionate about the role of library media specialists in schools, Lisa works diligently to support and provide new learning opportunities to her dedicated staff.

I found my unsung heroes that beautiful, sunshine-filled day in Milwaukee, in an unexpected place. 

Who are your unsung heroes? Have you thanked them lately for their dedication to providing a high quality education to our next generation leaders?  Let’s do it today!

Lisa Chatman, Milwaukee Public Schools

Kevin Clancy, Defined Learning; Lisa Chatman, MPS

Flash Mob on Opening Day - Milford School District

You need to take a moment to watch this one! Grace Wenstrup, and a group of teachers at Pattison Elementary in Milford, secretly choreographed a flash mob number for the opening convocation at the High School. Along the way they persuaded all the Central Office administrators to join the group. As you watch the video, keep in mind that the gentleman that starts it all out in the middle of the stage is the Superintendent, Bob Farrell, who is quickly joined by other members of the Central Office team. Upfront on stage and in the aisles you'll see members of the Pattison staff.  

What a great way to start the school year. Check out the faces in the audience. Can you sense the energy in the room? Why not start off the school year with fun, laughter, joy and hope (instead of the usual PPT on district goals)!  
(And yes, I am sorry I missed out on this!)

Milford Schools:Pattison and Central Office Flash Mob

Moving to a Wireless School Campus Environment

Lately we have had some spirited debates within the administrative ranks about the relative merit of moving our K-12 school campuses to a wireless infrastructure. Perhaps our less than stellar experience with our first wireless installation within the district has caused this spirited dialogue.
Here are a few of my initial thoughts on what a wireless environment brings to the table.

What changes? (The obvious)

With wireless access, students have greater access to technology, both bringing in their own devices as well as better utilization of the school’s resources. Overall, technology becomes more available and can be used in more flexible ways. As an example, a large cart of 32 laptops can be split up between multiple rooms to support student work.

So what? (From my observations and readings)
• Classrooms can go paperless – mirroring how students will work in the 21st century, and BTW saving on paper costs, too.
• Student choice on assignments/projects – with more availability of technology comes more freedom for teachers to give students choice on student work and projects, supporting differentiation in the classroom
• Increased access to quality resources – Better access and availability of wireless technology opens up access to high quality resources like those in the INFOhio online database collection, Ohio Resource Center, netTrekker, etc… This supports our goal of making sure our students develop  21st Century skills, such as information and media literacy. Problem-based learning is also dependent on access to high quality resources that are up-to-date and relevant. This is a proven pedagogy we support in the district.
• Cooperative/collaborative learning  - Students can pair up or have a computer assigned to their small group vs. using the technology on- on-one. Using less computers in one classroom frees up a cart/computers for other rooms and gives more students a chance to use technology as a tool for learning.  See the eMints research for more on the value they found in pairing students at a computer.
• Assessment for Learning is supported through greater access to a wireless network and devices. Poll Everywhere, Wiffiti, Turning Point’s ResponseWare are just a few examples of what is available. Our JHS and HS teachers are getting great results when they use these techniques to get immediate feedback from students. They can immediately adjust instruction, ask provocative questions and dialogue with students and do pre- and post-assessments to guide instruction. A wireless infrastructure makes all of this possible.
• Technology Trends – More and more hardware that is hitting the streets (and schools) requires wireless connectivity. Cloud computing has pushed this along. An example- our iPod Touches at the JHS have limited use without wireless connectivity. Most of the applications require the Internet and exchange data through a wireless connection to the Cloud or email.
• 21st Century Skills – A foundational piece within 21st Century learning is preparing students for both college and careers. Most colleges and work places are wireless and support anytime, anywhere learning. Giving students early opportunities to work and learn in a wireless environment helps prepare them for their future.

What am I missing?  What solid research it out there to support the implementation of wireless campuses K-12? I'd love to hear from you.

A Tribute to Dr. Ray Bauer, a year later

A year gone by, a legacy left behind, a man not forgotten…

We opened a new HS wing on September 7, 2010. Ray Bauers’ carefully laid plans with architects for open space, skylights, wide halls and new technologies have become a reality. The feel of the new space is no surprise if you knew Ray. What is surprising, and certainly not planned, is the amazing Bauer Commons.

In the early days of school, when first passing, you find yourself taking time - time to consider the beautiful lithographs depicting everyday high school life.  Ray would love this! And on the opposite wall, a tribute to Dr. Ray.  A lithograph and epitaph of Ray along with his signature; the floor to ceiling high letters spelling out Bauer Commons with quotes from Ray, students, staff and community woven throughout and the magnificent granite memorial.  So much to take in… a reminder of his careful planning and love for Milford High School staff, students, parents and community. The tears flow, memories are shared with strangers, friends and colleagues and we go on about our way. But from time to time we pause in this spacious hall. We walk the Bauer Commons… on tough days; hard days; days struggling with contractors trying to get the technology environment right; days fought for teachers; and Ray’s words resonate through our hearts and minds.  Words that keep us focused on what it’s all about, why we are here, what we need to do.

“The smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference.”

 “You can be anything, do anything.”

“Every day is a good day. Some are just better than others.”

 “Pay attention to every situation you are in. You never know where the experience may lead you or who may be observing.”

In Memory of Dr. Ray Bauer

Perhaps in a period of change or metamorphosis, it's good to remember some timeless principles in education. I was most recently reminded of these principles in the last few weeks, as many of us in Southwest Ohio were challenged by the loss of an incredible educational leader, Dr. Ray Bauer. His sudden death impacted everyone whose life he had touched, both professionally and personally.

What are the timeless principles this educational leader taught us in his 42 years as a teacher, school administrator, and superintendent? So many have tried to capture these thoughts through memorial services, funerals, Facebook pages and casual conversations. Students described Dr. Ray as a mentor, role model and friend. Everyone whose life had been touched by Ray considered him to be a friend.

...A reminder to all of us in the educational community. To have an impact on young people (and our fellow colleagues) we must first have relationship - respect, trust and admiration. Then a world of possibilities break open for us. Ray knew this better than most.

Thank you Ray for teaching us what matters most in school, and life!

Tribute to Dr. Ray Bauer, Milford School District
Dr. Ray Bauer Will be Missed by Many - Community Press

Seizing Opportunities in Hard Times

...This great title caught my eye in a recent email from eSchoolNews. In the full article, they quote AASA's Keynote Speaker Donna Brazille...
There is "so much hope, so much energy--so many people willing to do the right thing," she said. "This is our moment now--let's seize it to serve a greater cause than ourselves."

What a profound statement! At this very moment in time - when we are all worried about both personal and school finances, it's time to dig in and seize the opportunity that our new President has set at our feet. How will our 50 states respond to this unique chance to make a difference with technology through the EETT funds set aside for competitive grants? Will they choose solutions that have the potential to transform teaching and learning...or will it be same old, same old?

Now is the time to reflect on what we have learned from previous experiments with educational technology. Now is the time to spend these dollars wisely. Our 21st Century learners are waiting...