Almost here...

As I anxiously await the upcoming school year I continue to read and network with others in education. I read some information about an initiative in Australian schools to implement one to one computing. I thought I would add my comments here to the original post. Since the new school year is right around the corner and I wonder how will I make an impact this year?

I have been involved with the initiative of technology integration for many years now. I find renewed optimism whenever I read of this type of philosophy towards the use of learning tools. Our school is very fortunate to be participating in year 2 of such a goal. I would love to network our students with those involved in this project in Australia; that would be very cool.

As I reflect on our first year of one to one computing in fifth grade, my role is as technology coach, supporting the tool as the classroom teacher facilitates the content. It was an amazing year. The students adapted quickly to using the tool for learning, even though it was their first time using technology with this frequency. We all learned as the year progressed. Similarly to society, some students excel/adapt quicker than others but all became experts in using the netbooks as a tool for learning. Students also knew who was the "go to guy', when in need of assistance. Ultimately the tools allowed the students to take control of their learning and by doing so, could control when they needed to review information for clarity, investigate further and express/communicate throughout the learning process. As a life long learner these are all things I expect when I am in a learning environment. That is why I try to provide that to my students as well. As I learn more in this new learning environment; I am excited to see what this year brings.