Laptops all go: 1:1 Learning Initiatives across the World

Laptop learning across the world. My google alert is sending me links to projects and reports each day. These links provide insight into the conversations and learning being generated by the many 1:1 projects across the world.

The Enhanced Learning Strategy, a mid 90s project in Canada looks interesting.

Orono High School and the Maine Learning Technology Initiative’s 1-to-1 laptop program for schools

Wesley Fryer, @wfryer wrote a series of posts on an Oklahoma 1:1 project. Speakers from other states and countries were involved. Take the time to read all the posts and follow other links.

In NSW, Australia, not everyone was convinced at the end of 2008, it appears.

School head slams NSW netbook plan | The Australian:
"The head of one of the biggest public high schools in NSW has launched an extraordinary attack on the state government over its plan to spend commonwealth money on giving a mini-laptop or netbook to every senior student."

My thoughts:
Hopefully, the huge amount of resourcing and support for DERNSW as laptops arrive in schools will be removing any lingering doubts.

During 2009, the momentum and excitement generated in schools as this program rolled-out has been noted in the media and across professional networks.

2010 will be a telling time for this change-forcing, paradigm-shifting project.

In the short term, I predict very positive outcomes through quality teaching and increased student engagement. In the long term, time will tell and all eyes will be watching.

DERNSW is a work in progress.

My comment for @larryferlazzo One more day to share

"One more day to share, what I learnt in 2009."

I am a techy-type teacher and always-on learner from way-back. In 2009, I have learnt that:

*the pace of change in what constitutes effective teaching practice is seriously challenging most teachers. This has resulted in a dire need for many to update their practice. The notion of being a lifelong learner has never been so relevant for genuine educators. This is a non-negotiable, individual responsibility.

*web2.0 social media tools should be thoroughly assessed before teachers consider there use with students. This assessment would incorporate all the standard website content, functionality, age-suitability and eligibility criteria.

*being youngish does not necessarily mean that effective teaching practice using computing technology will automatically occur. The capacity to select online resources and tools that will achieve identified learning outcomes is the key.

Finally, 2010 will be even more exciting.

I look forward to Larry's post, that summarises what educators have said.

Tech-Savvy Young Teacher - Let's Unpack and Critique this Concept

What does it mean?

To whom does the term refer?

Is it a generational thing?

What do these teachers know?

What can these teachers do?

Is the reference valid?

What are the shortcomings, if any?

WORK in PROGRESS

Just One Post Left in the Pipeline-Forward to 2010

Finally, holidays. I have just one post to complete.

I may be boring even strange, but in the first two days of my holidays, I have:

• had time in the last two days to catch up, to do what I enjoy online.
• finished posts I started in October.
• started to think about how to proceed in the New Year with posts that promote the very best of #NSWDET and #DERNSW achievements.
• begun a reflection on my learning in 2009, more on this in following posts.

2010 will be a VERY big year for the Department of Education and Training in NSW.

I can't wait to report on the innovations and achievements.