Personal Portable Computers And The Curriculum

This book considers a variety of issues relating to the use of portable computers in the school. It is based on the study the Pupil's Learning and Access to Information Technology (PLAIT) in Northern Ireland. The PLAIT project introduced 235 portable computers in 9 schools for use in English, science, and mathematics course. Following an introductory chapter, the second chapter explores the place of computers in the curriculum. The third chapter reports on the findings of the project in relation to the potential contribution of portables to the of teaching the main curriculum subjects. The fourth chapter explores the effects of portable computers in the classroom in terms of schedule, technical support, teaching issues, organization, software, and hardware. The general conclusions of the study, presented in the final chapter, are that the portable computers had resulted in high levels of pupil motivation, harmonious and purposeful learning environments, and greatly accelerated information technology literacy among the pupils and teachers alike. (JLB)

"A timely book. . . . 1-to-1 Learning: Laptop Programs that Work is a comprehensive resource for planning and implementing laptop programs in the classroom."--CDW-G Newsletter

This collection of papers presents a comprehensive overview of the concerns and developments in the use of Information and Communication Technologies that are currently of relevance to educators and educational policymakers across the globe. This book is one of the outcomes of the Working Conference on "ICT and the Teacher of the Future", (Melbourne, Australia, January 2003).

"What we all hope for our children's education is undiminished curiosity and creativeness, and solid practical preparation for adult work. Today, there's no doubt that easy access to computers is vital for students. Bob Johnstone has brilliantly and passionately told the story of the worldwide struggle to make today's equivalent of the pencil accessible to all students." -Victor K. McElheny, author of "Watson and DNA" If every kid had a laptop computer, what would difference would it make to their learning? And to their prospects? Today, these are questions that all parents, teachers, school administrators, and politicians must ask themselves. Bob Johnstone provides a definitive answer to the conundrum of computers in the classroom. His conclusion: we owe it to our kids to educate them in the medium of their time. In this book he tells the extraordinary story of the world's first laptop school. How daring educators at an independent girls' school in Melbourne, Australia, empowered their students by making laptops mandatory. And how they solved all the obstacles to laptop learning, including teacher training. Their example spread to thousands of other schools worldwide. Especially in America, where it inspired the largest educational technology initiative in US history-the State of Maine issuing laptops to every seventh-grader in its public school system. This lively, intriguing, anecdote-rich account is based on hundreds of interviews. In it, you'll meet the visionary leaders, inspirational principals, heroic teachers, and their endlessly-surprising students who showed what computers in the classroom are really for.

Deryn Watson and Jane Andersen Editors INTRODUCTION The role of a Preface is to introduce the nature of the publication. The book that emerges from an IFIP Technical Committee World Conference on Computers in Education is complex, and this complexity lies in the nature of the event from which it emerges. Unlike a number of other major international conferences, those organised within the IFIP education community are active events. A WCCE is unique among major international conferences for the structure that deliberately ensures that all attendees are active participants in the development of the debate. In addition to the major paper presentations and discussion, from international authors, there are panel sessions and professional working groups who debate particular themes throughout the event. There is no doubt that this was not a dry academic conference - teachers, lecturers and experts, policy makers and researchers, leamers and manufacturers mingled and worked together to explore, reflect, discuss and plan for the future. The added value of this event was that we know that it will have an impact on future practice; networks will be formed, both virtual and real -ideas will change and new ones will emerge. Capturing the essence of this event is a challenge - this post-conference book has three parts. The first is the substantial number of theme papers.

Co-published with UCEA, this exciting new textbook is the first to tackle the ISLLC Standard 2—Instructional Leadership. In light of recent curriculum reforms, accountability policies, and changing demographics, today’s leaders must not only have expertise in culture building and supervision skills, but also in adult learning, cultural funds of knowledge, curriculum, and the role of politics. The New Instructional Leadership helps aspiring school leaders examine their beliefs and practices about instructional leadership in relation to ISLLC Standard 2 and provides the theory, learning experiences, and analytical tools for effective leadership in today’s world. Chapters cover issues of collaboration, curricular programming, motivation, supervision, accountability, capacity building, use of technology, monitoring, and evaluation. Special Features: Case Studies—encourage readers to reflect and actively engage with instructional leadership beliefs and practices. Fieldwork and Extended Reflections—a range of inquiry activities provide students with opportunities to consider problems of practice related to the standard. Strategies for Leaders—offers students practical and accessible ideas in order to transform their practice to address the complex challenges facing contemporary schools. Theoretically grounded and research-based, this unique volume will help aspiring and current leaders to understand instructional leadership and help them to sustain strong curricular and instructional programs in their increasingly diverse schools and communities.

Put learning back into the hands of the learner! Personalized learning empowers learners to take control of their own learning. This resource draws on Universal Design for Learning® principles to create a powerful shift in classroom dynamics by developing self-directed, self-motivated learners. You’ll discover: A system that reduces barriers and maximizes learning for all learners An explanation distinguishing personalization from differentiation and individualization The Stages of Personalized Learning Environments that transform teacher and learner roles. Background information to build a rationale on why to personalize learning Strategies around the culture shift in classrooms and schools as you personalize learning. As recognized authorities, the authors have led educational innovation for almost three decades.