Blogs on Technology Integration

While the schools in our district are not far apart in terms of distance, it is often difficult for them to make connections with each other even though we have the best intentions and we all realize the potential for increased engagement when we do facilitate these experiences. As part of an increased emphasis on technology integration in our district, as well as our mixed device program, we've started using some tools that we have in common to facilitate these connections between classrooms throughout the district.

At the highest performing urban school in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, the mantra when it comes to education is "children always come first. " And it isn't easy.

Like most public charter schools, the Paul Cuffee School strives to provide the same excellence in educational technology as nearby public schools, but because resources must primarily be allocated to paying salaries and leasing school buildings, extra money for technology is scarce.

The iPad made a transformation in John's learning demeanor. Where once his attitude blared, "I dare you to teach me!" now it screams, " Teach me more!" Wouldn't that be a great story to be able to tell? It would be solid proof that technology transforms learning and teaching (this is the motto of our school this year). Unfortunately, these types of examples are rare. What we have typically seen up to now with the computer revolution, is a temporary interest piqued by an engaging program or computer game, but then followed by a general disinterest.

This year my school district in Vermont ventured into a sort-of BYOD/1:1 hybrid program. We realized the importance of allowing our students access to technology to enhance their learning, but the infrastructure wasn't in place to tackle a traditional BYOD. And we, like many if not all schools, were also constrained by budgets, so a traditional 1:1, where each student receives the same device, was also out of reach.