High School Teachers Visit Omaha 1:1 School

A seminar that is set in a high school where every student has a laptop computer 24/7 may be the last place teachers would expect to hear good teaching and learning emphasized most during the conference. Teachers may even be surprised about how to use the 1 to 1 environment to make the relationships between students and teachers more collaborative. However, that was the case when four teachers from Spirit Lake High School explored the 1 to 1 learning environment while visiting Westside High School during two schools days last week. Kathy Kleen, science; Cathy Kuker, social studies; Kathy Owens, mathematics; and Tina Sherrill, teacher librarian and English, took part in the 21st Century Learning Leadership Institute in Omaha on Feb. 8-9.

“Using technology can help kids become better self-directed learners and help to create a culture of no-excuse, problem solving students who can move more easily to higher order thinking in the classroom,” said Kuker.

While at the institute, the teachers explored the key success factors in 1 to 1 environments utilizing Westside High School’s experiences as examples. Westside HS is in its sixth year of a laptop initiative. “Key success factors” discussed at one of the sessions included leadership, assessment, curriculum, professional development, community involvement, technical infrastructure, and financial planning. During one session, a panel of Westside administrators, teachers, students, and a parent answered specific questions about laptop learning. The group of SLHS teachers formulated ideas about such things as parent education for families who have students receiving a laptop from the school. For example, the group heard that one element of the family education is helping parents to understand that they control the student computer at home and can create restrictions for its use when the student brings it home.

Westside teachers, who presented content-specific curriculum and demonstrated how the 1 to 1 technology changed learning in their classrooms, also revisited each of the key success factors during presentations. Kuker said that she now knows that blogs, podcasts, and wikis are some of the ways a teacher can communicate with students about course content. The teachers returned from the leadership institute with an understanding of how these tools and other technology-based solutions for digital learning provide all students with the opportunity to access, create, and distribute information in collaborative environments.

Curriculum Tied To Computer Plan

Teacher Passion and Excitement Ignites
Technology Initiative, Maintains Momentum
Across Iowa, the potential of transforming teaching and learning is directing the search for methods which will yield the Characteristics of Effective Instruction as identified by Iowa Core Curriculum. Educators are also searching for guaranteed ways to prepare students for life and work and to ready students for the 21st Century. At fall 2009 focus meetings it became apparent that Spirit Lake teachers felt the school was behind in providing the technology needed to fully implement best educational practice for 21st Century learning and teaching.

Following the initial sessions, district personnel began researching and visiting other schools to discover the vehicle which would best provide the most efficient and effective tool for infusing, integrating and making technology accessible to every school family all of the time. The Technology Initiative in the form of a laptop computer for every student in Grades 5-12 and mobile carts of laptops for use in Grades K-4 emerged as the heart of the plan. Along with laptops for students, the plan will provide a laptop for every teacher, special education technology, science and math technology, digital cameras and projectors, and whiteboard technology. To support the laptops the initiative also includes wireless access throughout the district, security and virus monitoring, and warranty support for the computers.

At a December meeting, the school board unanimously voted to support this plan and to seek $1.77-Million through a voted PPEL. The voted PPEL provides 100% of the needed funds to support this technology initiative. Since the board’s vote of confidence, the district has sponsored more than 30 informational sessions open to community members about the PPEL. The district has used newspaper and radio dissemination and launched an informational website with video, audio and frequently asked questions (FAQ) features. Throughout the process the focus of the plan remained and will remain access and opportunity for all students and their families. Paired with detailed and individualized professional development for teachers, the district’s immediate, bold, and innovative plan is guaranteed to transform learning and teaching beyond the purchase of hardware and software.
Teachers at Spirit Lake Middle School aligned curriculum and are sponsoring a 1:1 computer pilot at the eighth grade level. Those teachers and students have become frontline presenters at many of the community meetings. An online BLOG about what Spirit Lake Grade 8 teachers and students think about the 1:1 computer environment is an ongoing informational source which now has a national following.

The activities developed by the teachers at the Grade 8 level have turned their rooms into student-centered classrooms in which students are directly involved and invested in the discovery of their own knowledge. Students are involved in collaboration and cooperation with others. Teachers assist the students in making connections between new and prior knowledge. Teachers guide students in developing understanding of core concepts and becoming producers of knowledge. Through the use of the laptops in the pilot, student learning differences are addressed. It is the laptops that provide the avenue for students to be involved in activities that challenge their thinking and help students relate to real world situations. The evidence is in--laptops used for teaching and learning will enhance the implementation of the Characteristics of Effective Instruction in Iowa Core Curriculum.

Levy Vote Passes To Support 1:1

Grade 8 Pilot Paves the Way
By Nelson Davis, SLHS Newspaper Writer
Imagine starting your fifth grade year with a brand new Apple laptop to take home and do school work! As one walks through the halls and visits with students of all ages everyone seems to be excited about the new change coming to the Spirit Lake School District.

For the last month students in Grade 8 have had laptops in their classrooms. Through a loan from the Apple company, a classroom set of laptops was used in various classrooms throughout the month of January. This allowed teachers and students to get used to how it would be if students each had a laptop all of the time.

The 1 to 1 program under the recent, successful levy vote will provide a new Apple laptop for every student from grades five through 12, and it will provide carts of laptops for grades K through four to move around and share. These laptops will be added to other technology that the school district provides for the students. The laptops come fully loaded with the hardware and software, 24-hour service and support for the staff as well as the students, a security and virus network, a monitoring system, and the entire school will be going to a wireless network.

On the learning side of things the school is trying to level the playing field for all students to be able to have the same technology. This means that over time the district would probably cut back on printing costs. For example, a teacher could tell the students that a worksheet is due and simply e-mail it to his/her students saving roughly 20 pieces of paper per class period. Another way costs could be lowered is through textbooks; some text-books are now online. All the students would have to do is get out their laptops and go to the website, and it would be a student‟s classic textbook only online.

Other questions can be answered by going to the Spirit Lake School District webpage and clicking on the PPEL link.

Teacher Journal

Did the Bell Ring Yet?
Mrs. Block’s Journal

Monday, January 18, 2010
Here is some background information on the current writing unit in Eighth Grade Language Arts. For the past week, I have been teaching students about persuasive writing. I took students through the process on how to produce a persuasive essay – find a topic of interest that has two sides to it, research and analyze other perspectives, take a stance on the issue, write an essay that has a strong opening, body which includes facts, examples, and personal experiences to support opinion, and a satisfying conclusion. Together, we analyzed the topic of cursive writing and whether schools should continue to teach and require cursive writing. Students read a variety of articles that presented different perspectives on this issue. After reading these articles and creating a class pros and cons list, students chose their position and what they felt were the best arguments and used these for their persuasive essays. We had a great time sharing these essays and had some lively discussions about this topic throughout the process.

Now it’s time for students to pick their own topic to develop into a five-paragraph persuasive essay. This is where the laptops came into play. To begin class today, I emailed the students two websites to access. The first website was used for our bellringer. Many students in period one, including myself, had difficulty accessing this website, but the rest of my classes had no problem. I was never able to access this site on my Mac – not sure why. This website took students to two different role-play situations – a conversation between a child and parent – the first scenario the student gave a very weak argument for his request. In the second scenario, the child gave a very strong argument for his request. We read both these scenarios out loud and discussed the connection to persuasive writing. The best thing about this is it was a simple way to get students engaged right away and thinking about our topic of persuasion, and it was PAPERLESS! Without a computer, this would have taken at least 120 copies for a classroom set of this role-play scenario so I probably would not have done it. I don’t think I would have done this activity in the computer lab either because of time. Usually when I take a class to the computer lab, we are under such a time crunch for a couple reasons…it takes 5-10 minutes to log on, the lab is always so booked – we only do what HAS to be done.
The main site I had students access today was www.iowaaeaonline.org where they selected the SIRS Issues Researcher. This is a perfect site to help students with research. It provides a variety of current, high-interest topics along with lists of articles that support the pros and cons of these issues. What I liked best about this site is it’s teacher-tested/teacher-approved – students have access to the most current information for their writing. Another thing I liked about this site is it narrows the focus for their research.
I showed students all the options this site gives using the projector hooked to my laptop. It was very easy to use the term “lids down” when I needed their attention in front. After my direct instruction, students’ task was to browse topics, choose one of their own, and write down their essential question for their research. Students worked quietly while I conferenced with individuals and recorded their topics.
The computers were user-friendly, the students were engaged, and they truly seemed excited to start the process of persuasive writing.
Great first day!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today I did less direct instructing because students needed time to research. Part of their research is to read 2-3 suggested online articles for both the pros and cons of their topic. Each student must develop a pros and cons list to be turned in for a grade.
One thing I did talk to students about is other possible sources of information students might use for their research…one in particular is email. I encouraged students to think about someone who might be a good contact for their research and interview that person via email.
Again, students worked diligently and quietly. They were engaged in their online reading and note taking. In one of my classes the bell rang at the end of the period and very few people moved. Usually students race to the door – on to their next class. Not today. One student actually said a few seconds after the bell rang, “Did the bell ring yet?” Hence, the title of my journal.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 Snow Day
My concern with not having school today was time. I was supposed to have the laptops through Thursday of this week, and then students would have them for social studies. Thanks to Mrs. Miller being flexible, I’ll still get them for four days.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Today I had to do some more direct instructing about the next step in the writing process – completing the graphic organizer. Most students were close to finishing their research, so if they hadn’t already chosen a position on their topic, today was the day they had to decide. Before drafting a writing piece, I always have students complete a graphic organizer. I made copies of the graphic organizer I wanted students to use and had them complete it using paper/pencil. Since then I have found online interactive graphic organizers for students and plan to try some for future writings. Megan was very excited today in class. She received an email from a professor at John Hopkins University. She had emailed him for information on her topic of the ozone layer and he responded with some very useful information. Other students have also used email for their research. After my direct instruction, students spent the remainder of the period to finish research and/or complete their graphic organizer.

Friday, January 22, 2010
As part of our study of persuasive writing, we’ve discussed other forms of persuasion – the power of images as a persuasive tool. Previously we looked at a WWI poster of Uncle Sam pointing and saying “I Want You.” We also looked at two images of animals… one a picture of elephants roaming in the open wild and another of elephants behind bars – this represented the issue of zoos and whether or not they are good for animals.
Because the focus of today’s lesson was on persuasive images, I started class by showing a YouTube video of a heartbreaking commercial that features famous singer Sara McLaughlin’s campaign to help prevent cruelty to animals. We had a great conversation about all the persuasive techniques used in that commercial – a celebrity, a sad song, images of mistreated animals, etc. Most students were familiar with this commercial and we all agreed that it’s one of the most difficult commercials on TV to watch because it’s so sad. It was a perfect example of persuasion. It was so fun to use YouTube – it really kept their interest and led to a great discussion.
To connect this to our persuasive writing essay, students were challenged to create their own computerized persuasive poster that will be shown using the projector when they share their persuasive essay. I showed students how to create their poster using Keynote. Students were required to have 2-3 images that support their position, citing the sources where these images were borrowed, a title/caption, and as well as their thesis statement on the poster. I was very impressed by students’ posters. I especially want to thank a few students in my first period class – Kaela, Justine, and Ethan – their posters were so impressive that I used them as models for my other classes throughout the day.
Today was the first day I experienced some frustration with the technology, however. The computers were VERY slow in the afternoon. I felt bad for my students – they became very frustrated because they could not finish their project. As I understand, these kinds of problems with our server would be corrected with Apple.
I now have to pass these laptops to Mrs. Miller – my four days are up. I’m not finished with my persuasive writing unit so I must finish in the computer lab. I really need a couple days for students to draft their five-paragraph persuasive essay on the computer. After some revising and proofreading activities, I really need to allow 1-2 days for students to type their final writing piece. I really need at least one day for students to finish their poster. I have the computer lab signed out for Monday and Tuesday, but then it’s not available again until Friday. The computer lab is not available at all the following week… This is our currently reality.
In the past four days I didn’t use the laptops every minute of every day, but they were used a great deal each day. Through the use of technology, though, students were excited, engaged, making decisions, being creative, collaborating, and helping their peers while still focusing on the basics…reading, writing, listening, speaking. Technology is a tool that will definitely change the way we teach and it will also make learning more relevant to our students at Spirit Lake.

Response

Dear K. and H.,

There will be a variety of software applications on the computers. Apple laptops come with iLife and we will also have iWork on some of the computers. That means students will be able to surf the Internet, compose music, work with photos, edit video, and compose documents and a whole lot more! The computers have cameras on them so students can use the camera to take pictures and upload the pictures and videos into their school projects. Teachers will be designing schoolwork to address what is necessary for students to learn (Iowa Core Curriculum) and to take advantage of the applications available on the laptops.

At this time students will not have access to Facebook, but there will be other ways students will be able to accomplish social networking in safe environments. Think how great it will be to be able to ask students in other schools about the work you are doing for school, get their comments/suggestions, and maybe even work with them on school projects!

Ms. Sherrill

Student Comments

"I think we should have YouTube and Facebook on our new laptops. I think we should bring them home in the summer and bring them to every single class. Please! Please!"

K.

"What is some of the software that will be on the laptops?"

H.

Response

Dear J.,

Looks like students are saying that there are different times when they would use the laptops. That's great. It will vary according to schoolwork needs, personal interest, and family involvement/rules.

Ms. Sherrill

Student Comment

When do you think you would use the laptop the most if you received your own to use for school?

--Study hall.
--After school.
--At home.
--At school.

J. (Blogspot reporter)

Response

Good question!

The answer to your question is--there is no technology fee for student use of the computers. That means, there is no fee to use the laptops beyond the money (tax) generated by the PPEL vote. Students in Grades 5-12 will be each given a laptop for school use. If the laptop doesn't work but it is not the student's fault, the repair is covered under warranty. If the computer is damaged and it is the student's fault there will be a charge.

Ms. Sherrill

Student Question

Do we have to pay any tax or is it all free if you don't damage the computer?

Response

Dear L.,

You touched on a couple of things with your comment. A laptop for each student will help the school "go green." The pilot at Grade 8 has shown that less paper is used in a 1:1 classroom. Less printer toner is used. Instead of buying every student a textbook, perhaps the textbook could be on the computer. Classrooms would then only have to purchase a "classroom set" of textbooks (if any).

Yes--you do have to save your schoolwork correctly. There will be computer training to help you learn how to work on your homework so it is less likely to get "lost."

I was glad to read that you would still "carry around" your Accelerated Reader book. Ebooks have a lot more flexibility for understanding and learning, but we still have to purchase the electronic copies. I hope we do more of this in the future. Just think of it! As a student, you could be reading a book and also be able to connect to an interview with the author, word definitions, a video about where the book takes place, or avatars of the characters!

Ms. Sherrill

Student Comment

L. writes:

Having the laptops, "Is easier. We waste less trees, and we don't lose homework as easily (as long as you save it correctly on your laptop."

"We would only carry around your A.R. book and laptop."

Answer

Well, it depends on the type of "trouble." The Spirit Lake Middle School handbook will still be used to define and address student behavior at SLMS. It is found online at this web address:
http://www.spirit-lake.k12.ia.us/new/Registration/MS/Student%20Handbook.pdf
School technology use is covered under a school acceptable use policy, and although the policy may be revised, students and adults will still need to respect the current, adopted policy and follow it.


In the cases where violations to the technology policy occur, there will be every effort made for you to keep your laptop for schoolwork--before, during and after school. In some cases students may only be allowed to use the computers at school. In other cases students will be able to take them home but Internet access will be disabled. Because of the 1:1 plan the laptop is about to become your source for learning. That means your textbook and assignments may be on the laptop. If you do not have Internet at home, you may have to copy some things to a folder on your laptop at home and transfer them to a different folder or email them to your teacher when you get back to school. Rest assured, that every effort will be made to keep the laptop with the student.

Ms. Sherrill

Student Question

What happens if we get in trouble?

Student Comment

S. writes "Yes!" when asked if she has enjoyed having a laptop for her own use in her classes.

Government Class

Students engaged in writing with the laptops.

Dear J.,

Because of the software features included on the laptops students are able to individually work on the computers' calculators and spreadsheet software. This helps the teacher to know exactly who needs help with what.

Homework is easier to hand in through email. Because each student has his or her own computer and email can be submitted from the laptop, teachers know when the emails arrived. We should also mention that this helps the environment as we "go green" with less paper, and it helps the school budget as we cut down on the use of paper and printer toner.

Ms. Sherrill.

Student Comments

How did each student having his or her own laptop help in learning math?

--The computers have a calculator.
--The computers have Excel and we were able to use formulas for the spreadsheets.
--Homework was easier to hand in through email.

J. (Blogspot Reporter)

Student shares speech on PPEL

Dear I.,

I agree with all of those statements! Because each student has his or her own laptop, students can research what interests them and what they are good at. When education considers students' strengths and passions, we call it individualizing teaching and learning. In education we know this is one of the best ways to help students learn more and learn well. It is also one the best ways students can begin to explore the world of work and careers.

Ms. Sherrill

Student Comments

Why do Grade 8 students in the pilot think we should get laptops for every student?

--There are great websites you can use on the laptops.
--The laptops are "cool" and "awesome." (We hear this a lot!)
--It is a great way to teach and learn.
--Using the laptops appeal more to students than textbooks, pencil and paper do.

I. (Blogspot Reporter)

Class Government Project w/computers

The history of writing the U.S. Constitution is at the center of lessons in Kim Miller’s social studies in Grade 8. The students are participating in an online simulation during which they become a member of the original Constitutional Convention. On a teen-based, Internet news site, students will be blogging with other students across the country and sharing their opinions through news articles. During the unit, the students will also be utilizing a site that allows them to review vocabulary appropriate to the content.

Abbey's editorial

As the world moves faster and faster into the 21st century or “The information age,” we are realizing how much the internet and technology truly come into play. In today’s day and age job employers no longer ask, “How neat is your handwriting” or “How fast you can write”, it seems like more and more employers are asking the question “How fast can you type?” Although writing is still a very important skill to have, it seems that typing and using a computer will make you more qualified for the job market, which is very important because of the current state it is in.
For the past few weeks we have been using laptops in our classes in the 8th grade at Spirit Lake Middle School. It has opened my eyes to see that technology has so much more to offer than just textbooks; that have a limited amount of information. We each got our own laptop to use and work with. In our math class we got to do an assignment on the laptops where we looked up prices for cars and then found out how much it would cost us in the end with loans. We then figured out which of the two cars we chose was a better buy by looking at gas mileage and features. Something we could never do with textbooks and limited computer lab space. In language arts we are doing writings on issues of today, the sites we use are perfect for it because they have topics to choose from; then links to get information to support it. We have not yet gotten them in science and American history, but I know of websites where you can do online experiments with chemicals that cost too much to buy. One very cool feature the laptops have is a webcam built into every one. So if a student was gone a day, a friend could tape the lesson and send it to them; so they don’t have to just guess off a notes.
In the end I think the laptops would let us expand our learning further, while also becoming something the families of the students could use at home. The laptops would be monitored and inappropriate websites would be blocked. The control center that we have for the computers can freeze your computer if they see you’re on a website you are not supposed to be on, therefore they become very safe. If you have more questions or confused about this please go to the Spirit Lake School website at http://www.spirit-lake.k12.ia.us/ . And simply press PPEL. The students and community would benefit from this, please vote yes for the pebble on February 2nd.


-Abbey

Reply

Dear J.:

"Me too! It has been so exciting to see all of the different lessons that teachers are designing because they have a classroom set of computers. What follows is an article that highlights some of the teaching and learning that has been going on this month in the Spirit Lake Middle School Grade 8 classes..." (Ms. S.)

Spirit Lake Middle School Pilot Provides
Evidence of New Ways to Teach and Learn


“If I didn’t have the laptops to use, I couldn’t have done the project with all of the students because of lab access,” said Spirit Lake Middle School Teacher Angela Olsen. Olsen recently introduced a project for her mathematics classes during which each student used his or her own laptop computer to research a used car online. Each student chose a car model to research, figured cost per mile, interest payments, and a multiple-year finance plan. The students emailed her the finished project when they were done—the whole project was a paperless one. Olsen said she “couldn’t believe it” when students asked to work on their car projects during study hall. She said she already knows how she will improve it in the future. “It’s a spreadsheet waiting to happen,” she said.

All of the students in Grade 8 at Spirit Lake Middle School are currently in a pilot program which allows students use of Apple laptops during the month of January. The computers have been rotated from classroom to classroom so all of the students have an opportunity to use the computers at school in core content areas. The Apple computer loan, which has been onsite since the beginning of this month, has allowed four teachers and a classroom set of computers to be used at the middle school during the project.

In mathematics, English, science and social studies, the teachers have developed student-centered activities during which students utilize the technology to learn. In algebra, students in Angela Olsen’s class are studying “slope.” Through research on the Internet, the students are learning about the construction of steps in a home. In addition to computer aided drafting and design work on the laptops, students have emailed local contractors for opinions and advice in an effort to determine the “best” size of step and degree of slope to be constructed to meet the needs of the general population.

The history of writing the U.S. Constitution is at the center of lessons in Kim Miller’s social studies. The students are participating in an online simulation during which they become a member of the original Constitutional Convention. On a teen-based, Internet news site, students will be blogging with other students across the country and sharing their opinions through news articles. During the unit, the students will also be utilizing a site that allows them to review vocabulary appropriate to the content.

Chemical reactions are the central focus of Randy Graff’s science classes. The students will be involved with online interactive experiments and chemical equation balancing. Through these simulations, students will be able to visually see chemical equations in graphic as well as mathematical terms. Because these simulations are online, they provide a safe and cost-effective way for students to experience and learn the curriculum.

In English language arts, students are studying persuasive writing. Chris Block, the teacher facilitates student research on the Iowa AEA Online (databases), but each student has chosen his or her own topic for the project. At Iowa AEA Online, the students are researching the pros/cons about their topics. Students will also be exploring the utilization of multimedia and photos for their final projects. For example, students may embed a video or a sound clip in addition to photos in their digital documents.

All of the teachers are writing written reflections of their experiences with the laptops in the classroom. Chris Block, 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher, commented about the high level of student engagement the laptops bring to the process writing class. Block described the scenario during which a student eventually asked, “Did the bell ring?”

“I already know what I’m going to title my reflection,” she said. “It will be, ‘Did the bell ring?’ When the bell rang, none of the kids got up. They were so into exploring their topic on the Internet for their persuasive [writing] topics,” said Block.

Log in to http://mscomputerpilot.blogspot.com for more information, classroom videos and student/teacher comments regarding the Spirit Lake Middle School 1:1 Pilot Program.

On Feb. 2, the community of Spirit Lake will have the opportunity to approve a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). All of the revenue raised by the PPEL will be spent on a technology initiative which includes a laptop computer for every student in grades 5-12, mobile carts of laptops for students in grades K-4, laptop for every teacher, handheld science devices, special education technology, mathematics calculators, digital/video cameras, projectors and whiteboard technology. The complete package facilitated by Apple includes all of the hardware, software, service/support, security and virus monitoring, wireless access in the district, and warranty agreements.

For more information about the PPEL, visit the Spirit Lake School District website at http://www.spirit-lake.k12.ia.us School patrons can also call the school district office at 336-2820 or email Spirit Lake School Superintendent Dave Smith at dsmith@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us

Student Comment

J. said:

"The pilot has been fun and I hope we get the laptops. :)!"

Reply

Dear M.:

I can tell you are really excited about the laptops at the middle school. I agree that learning with the laptops is suited to students like you! As another resource, the laptop is definitely a compliment to anything we have in our classrooms today--including textbooks.

I wish we could say that once you get a laptop you would get to keep it beyond graduation, but the truth is the district will need to reuse the computers for younger students. Don't worry. Many colleges and universities are now providing laptops for their students as part of their admissions programs. Educators at every level are beginning to recognize that digital learning is essential.

Ms. Sherrill

Student Comment

M. said,

"I think it would be good for our generation (to have the laptops)and would help (grades) 5-12 to learn more than our textbooks. I think we should be able to keep our laptops after we get out of school and keep them forever! Please! Please!"

More Student Comments

If we had the laptops longer:
--We could finish our stairs/slope project in math.
--We could explore more of its functions.
--We could use safari and other applications.
--We could learn new/easier ways to work with it.

If we could bring the laptops home:
--We could explore the new features.
--We could start getting used to the differences (between Apple and PC).
--We could experience what it would be like when we actually get them.

Mr. Frostestad shares his thoughts on technology in the classroom.

Student comment about Apple laptop

I learned how to use the Mac. It was much easier to use a calculator and the research was faster and easier.

A.

Students' comments

The laptops help us learn math:
--The laptops have a calculator
--The laptops have Excel (We are able to use formulas for the spreadsheets.)
--Homework is easier to hand in through email.

Students use email to do classroom bellringer.

Students design stairs using math and the laptop

Student uses Google Earth

This is what collaboration looks like with a laptop.

Teacher Comments

How Technology Would Be Great For Spirit Lake Community School District
By Angela Olsen, Grade 8 Mathematics

It is the year 2010. People today are different. Workers are performing much different jobs, using different machines, and our society is different than it was 100 years ago, 25 years ago, 10 years ago, or even 2 years ago.

In order to prepare our students for these new and different jobs, and for this new society, it is imperative that our students have access to technology. This technology will be at the heart of what the majority of them, if not all of them, will use when they leave our school district. This technology might be a cell phone. Many people do not even have a regular phone any more. The technology could be a laptop at college, as many colleges provide a laptop or some type of computer for usage at their institution. It might be an i-pod to study or work out with, or a debit card for their purchases since many stores no longer accept written checks. Lastly, this technology could be a computer in the work force, running many different types of software.

Whatever the technology is, our students NEED exposure, accessibility and experience with technology. This is how students become prepared. This technology would change how we teach students and how our students’ learn. Our classrooms would become student centered – the lessons would be differentiated to meet the needs and levels of EACH student. Students would become producers of knowledge, content, and have hands on experience. The current reality is our students are consumers of knowledge instead of the producers we want them to be.

Students would have the ability to access large amounts of material quickly. Students could utilize their peers and teachers better as resources. This access could happen quickly, using I-chat, Skype, and email. Students would be involved in global education and would have access to students, staff, and on-line resources at any moment. Students using this technology could use, experience, and learn the thinking skills needed to be successful in today’s new society. The world and job market are full of technology. Our district having greater access to that for ALL students would be a definite advantage for the students when they leave our school district.

Teacher Angela Olsen's Comments

Day One – Monday, January 11

Today was a day where I tried to explain the platform of the Mac notebook, as well as show/explain the features and software the Mac had on it. I did not know tons about the programs but enough that I could show or explain the basic use of them. We talked about social responsibility and appropriate use. Then I allowed the students some class time to “experiment” on the laptops. The students did not use them to do an academic assignment. Students did open their email to check for an email I had sent them. The test went through and students did receive the email.
My first hour and fifth hour classes were excited about how quickly the Macs booted up and were ready to use. They were extremely excited about the potential of not wasting five minutes of class time to log in, etc. However, we did notice that the computers were quite a bit slower when all the students in the same room were trying to access the web or especially if they were trying to access the same website. I am hopeful this is a network issue and when we update or make our network better with this project, that this issue may be resolved.
The kids are very excited about the laptops…however, I hope they are excited about them educationally as much as they are about it as a toy. I have been working to correct their terminology. Their question is: “Can we play on the laptops?” I have tried to use this response to negate this attitude: “No, you may not play on them. However, if you would like to work or explore on the laptops you may.”
This was one of the concerns I came across today as I let the students use them in a study hall…they all gravitated towards Google and items on the net which they could access anywhere. Some did experiment with the garage band program etc and were trying to figure that out. I was quite concerned about them having “free reign” therefore, I have established a new procedure for their use in study hall, study back, or lunch bunch. Students are able to explore or work on the laptops as long as they are doing their work for my class which requires them or the students are working to figure out a program/software that is part of the Mac notebook.
It seems that students are very excited about some of the features of the computer. Students were taking photos with the Mac notebook and using the I-Photo button were editing those, putting them over a certain background, and many other cool features that can be done with photos of anything or anyone. A student today showed me how to capture a picture of the text/photos/graphics/ etc that are on the computer screen. I can see a big educational benefit for my absent students using this tool. This picture can be captured (similar to a mimio without the writing), saved and posted or emailed. (Personally, I still want a mimio so I can also write on the notes, but this was a really cool feature.)
Kids were also very interested in garage band. Many students experimented with this program and seemed to really enjoy it. These students were all non-band students, and oddly enough many were not in chorus. It seemed to interest many, irregardless of their interest or participation in organized music.
Today was a day where I tried to explain the platform of the Mac notebook, as well as show/explain the features and software the Mac had on it. I did not know tons about the programs but enough that I could show or explain the basic use of them. We talked about social responsibility and appropriate use. Then I allowed the students some class time to “experiment” on the laptops.

Day Two – Tuesday, January 12
Today I ran into several kinks. It felt like a not very productive or good day for me with the technology and the items I had tried. In fact, there were several times throughout the day where I wondered why you had asked me to pilot this. Nothing seemed to work or go as planned.
We did have success in that I had emailed students documents and the students received my email and were able to open (by downloading) the document. I don’t know if there is a better way, but it seems that when students open an attached document they must go through the download feature to be able to open/read the document.
The first kink happened with the website I had identified for algebra to use with their exploration of slope. I was able to load the page on my Mac, project it on the screen and show the kids what the site looked like and what the expectation was on the assignment I had emailed them. The students tried to get to the website and were not allowed. We kept getting an error message dealing with Java. It was very strange how I could load the site almost instantaneously on my Mac, but a student right next to me could not. When students could not get to this site, we went to plan B.
Plan B involved working on their slope/stair project. Students are being asked to measure steps, do research on step size, email a local contractor, prepare a persuasion of their ideal step size, as well as create a model or drawing of the ideal size step (scaled to size). Again, I had emailed the students with the project. Kink two: students could open the attachment (which I sent as a PDF for compatibility reasons I thought); however, students could not type in the document. I wanted students to fill their measured data into the chart emailed, as well as put their internet and contractor data on the emailed form, and type their persuasion all in this document. However, students could not even click into the document…and therefore could not add any of their information. (Fortunately, for this pilot I had also provided the students with a hard copy of the project…so they were still able to work on the project. I have no intention of, in the future, doing both copies, but…..glad I had for this!) Students worked great on the project – found some fantastic research on the web and were VERY engaged. They were all busy and worked very well on the project…I was quite surprised and impressed. I had zero problems with students being places (that I know of as I walked around the entire time!) where they were not supposed to be!
I worked for a period or so trying different ways to email students documents and save them so that they were able to type on them. So far what I have figured out is that students can not type to a PDF. If a document is saved as either a doc or docx, students are able to open and type right in the document. It still requires the student to download when they open the document, but it worked. Students were able to save and reopen these files as well.
I did have some positive news today. I had been in contact with Gene Krueger Construction about fulfilling our role as a professional. Jim Krueger was more than willing to handle all student questions via email. He would respond very quickly to the student and get them the information they had requested. He was thankful to me for asking them to be involved in our project. It was fantastic…several students sent their request during this period. (Many reported later when they checked in study back for a response that they already had a response!!!!) In addition, Jim also offered to draft up some drawings of staircases (using different slopes and types) on his CAD program at home tonight. I could not believe the extra time he was willing to put in for our class project. I sent him some measurements and requests today at the end of the day…will see what I get back tomorrow. I feel like this has been a great community connection…and this business feels very good about being involved in what we are doing! He has been a fantastic resource and very willing partner!
On another positive note, we used the excel program in my transitional math class to calculate our average scores on our mental math and minute math that we do each week. Students put their scored into the spreadsheet, wrote formulas and input the formula, and calculated the average they needed to find for their two sets of scores. (Typically we do this at the end of every quarter with a calculator!) We also saved this document to the computer….to see how that is done on the Macs. This worked very well and lent itself to students helping other students, both with just using the Mac but also with the skill of putting in formulas, etc. I went through the process of writing the formula on the data projector, but some students were behind others, and then peers stepped up to show and help. Again, the students were very engaged…loved doing this on the computers, instead of a calculator. This was something that took a lot longer today than it would have on the calculator, but I believe will be beneficial and shortened the next time we need to do this. In addition, I believe it is a skill that many may be able to use in the business world or at some point in their life.
More positives…my transitional math kids were working on a project involving unit rate. The project required them to be virtual shoppers and choose the better buy. Students were given certain items to purchase…they found the item at various retailers, compared brand, size, price, etc. and selected the better buy. Again, I found the students very engaged and on-task! I had zero problems with students being places where they should not be – they were working and looking for the items I requested. I can’t promise that none of them went somewhere else – but not that I noticed as I walked around and supervised.
Kevin and I did try to download a Java update onto the student computer to see if it would then open the website. It did not….therefore, I did email Laurie and Dan at the end of the day to try to figure out what was going on with my website. Hopefully tomorrow they will have some insight or help for me on why this is occurring.
I have also noticed that the batteries in these computers are not lasting nearly as long as I thought they might. We have had them on the last two days from 8:15 – 10:30. The computers are then shut down – used from 12:25 – 1:07 and then shut down again. The students then used them from 2:15 – 2:40 and 3:05 – 3:26 but they were on from 2:15 until 3:25. A couple of them had to be plugged in – many were very low battery. I am hoping that perhaps this is just a result of having older computers and batteries as loaners.
Also, charging them is a bit of a pain as I do not have room in my classroom to plug them all in, either during the day to charge them or at night. It would be nice to have some power strips or something to use so that the computers can be charged during a couple hour free time or even for the teachers remaining to charge at night. I am using the outlets I have in my room and then scattering them around Randy’s room as he has many outlets on his counter. The first couple days I used the computer lab. It would be more convenient and better for during the day charging, if needed, to have strips.
I did allow student use in study back and was again impressed with student usage in exploring and trying to figure out software. I am amazed at how quickly they learn “tricks” and how many students already know how to do a lot of these items. The expectation was again they would explore or investigate the software, learn something new and/or show someone something, or work on their math.

Day 3 – January 13, 2010
Today was a better day. It started with an email from Jim Krueger, my contractor, working with us on our algebra slope project. He sent me 6 different blueprints from his CAD programs of staircases, with sizes and three dimensional pictures of these. I projected these up on the data projector to share with the students. The drawings were fantastic…three of pretty routine and regular size steps. One was of a fold back staircase and one a spiral staircase. The last one was a very step and fairly short treaded step to emphasize the different sizes that are available and for students to see the difference in a blueprint. This was a great resource and super for the students to see visually what both the internet sites were relaying as information as well as Jim himself in the student emails. I had a student ask if he could do his project with a 3-D drawing like that. I have not been able to find a Mac CAD program that one can download for free yet (haven’t spent TONS of time trying, but….)so I suggested he email Jim and ask if he could come to the office and do this with him. I am not sure if he will approach that avenue or not, but have had super cooperation from this business! Students worked very well today on typing data into their document, which they were able to download and type in today, did research and/or typed research into document, and began the discussion on their actual models.
Students are really starting to become more familiar with the Mac and how it operates, which makes things in class go so much smoother. I am impressed with student use of these and how quickly they are becoming accustomed to the machine itself. I

In transitional math today, we discussed the factors that one might consider in buying a used car. Students then were allowed to research two similar models of vehicles, from the same year, and start to do a comparison. Students were using price, mileage, gas mileage, and additional features today as some of their comparison tools. Students did or will input that data into a chart that was provided in their document, sent via email. This will lead us to calculating the cost to pay back and monthly payments for the two vehicles being compared. Using all of this data, tomorrow students will need to pick the better buy in their eyes and persuade the class why it is the better buy.
I know I am repeating myself but I was very impressed again today at how engaged the students were on this project. Students got busy, started researching cars and were finding many, many different vehicles and were amazed at just how much cars and especially trucks really cost! Students worked the entire time. I showed various kids how to add a bookmark and where to find it tomorrow. I also helped students save items to the document folder because as they type information into the document I email them and try to save as, it defaults it to save in the “downloads” location. It is a simple pull down tab to change, but students were having trouble finding some saved items and this was why.
Again, I let students use the computers to explore software or work on their math projects during 7th and 8th period study hall and study back. Some kids are creating some awesome garage band tunes. I am very impressed with Brody Roberts’ determination to figure out garage band. He works every second he can and told me he is “determined to figure it out!” Other kids were experimenting with i-photo and i-movie today and learning how to utilize and create projects out of those two programs. It is quite exciting and kids are very excited about showing me what they are able to create! It was neat to see Harley E. today able to show some other students how to do some things within a program – I believe it was i-movie.
The one problem I foresee or can foresee is that in study halls students will want to be on the laptop, even if there work is not done. We had that happen today – a student was exploring on the laptop but had a test for another class he was to make up. Others were working on the laptop and had assignments that were late or needed to be done and turned in. This could be a potential problem for some kids is that in study hall, etc. they will want to check and/or email, create imovies, manage iphotos, but yet will not be working to accomplish assignments. Have schools noticed any decrease in daily work that does NOT involve using the computer?
At the end of today, I can say that I am very excited about working with the computers tomorrow and really wish that I would be able to use them longer! There is no doubt that this device would drastically change how the students are learning and the teacher is teaching. There is no doubt in my mind that this would be a fantastic shift in how we are educating our students here in Spirit Lake!

Computers in Math

This is our first stop for our 1:1 laptop pilot program.

Student Concerns

We do have some laptops now. However, at any given point in the day computer access is limited. Because we have so few and most are in lab situations it is difficult to facilitate learning in the classroom unless a teacher moves his or her whole class to the lab. Often teachers can't even reserve the labs because they are in such demand. I know at the high school, we have teachers who reserve the labs for five months in advance so that they can use them for multiple sections of classes.

In addition, when a student has his or her own laptop, learning is not confined to the school day. Students can do more of the types of learning which require the tools to be present all of the time. This type of in depth learning takes place at all levels of education--not just college. We, your teachers, know that all students, regardless of their ages are capable of producing knowledge and not just consuming it.

I was at an Iowa school today where every student in Grades 9-12 have an Apple laptop computer. Next year that school is issuing a computer to all students in Grades 5-12. The students there do exciting things every class period. I saw the superintendent talking to students at another school through the computer. I saw students producing books in Spanish using their laptops to design them. I saw students doing a presentation from their computers using a digital projector. Students took a variety of polls in the school and then created graphs on their computers from the data. Students were using their laptops to take classes not offered by their school. It was so exciting!

Ms. Sherrill

Dear M.

Thanks for gathering comments from your class. Here is another comment from a Grade 8 student:

Textbooks are limited; the Internet goes on forever. We will become smarter and therefore give back to what the community pays when we get better jobs. It's better to get educated than [be] just ones that have parents who buy for them.

A.

That answers one of the student questions. Equal education for all is an investment in our community's future. The laptop distribution plan calls for loaning a laptop to each and every student in Grades 5-12. Let's examine the other questions.

Ms. Sherrill

Student Comments

J. doesn't think it's a good idea because of all the laptops we have now. Thinks it's good for the high school because of college.

T. is worried that we may become dependent. It could lead to bad penmanship.

L. wants the older classes to have them but is worried about the younger grades.

E. wants to know about how they will be used.

H. worries about building needs like carpet.

L. comments that there are some people who live here who don't have kids so should they have to pay?

M.

Teacher Comment

I asked a teacher what she thought of the new laptop. Here is Mrs. Miller's answer.

H.

"This is an exciting opportunity. For years, we have heard...'In the classroom of the future, each student will have a computer at their desk.' That classroom could soon become a reality for our students. I love using technology in the classroom but have been restricted with availability of the computer labs. I belong to an educational web site and am constantly seeing online sites we can use to enrich our curriculum.

Students will be able to complete their assignments and projects in class and study halls without having to come in early, compete with classes in the library, or the computer labs. Students won't have to share computers because we don't have enough. We share many of the same frustrations.

We can take virtual field trips to the areas we are studying. The technology skills you were taught in the computer applications class can be applied in your classes, not just in computer class. The possibilities are endless.

One of my favorite quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson is, "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." That's how I feel about technology and teaching. Education needs to meet the needs of our students. Technology is becoming an increasing part of your lives and as educators we need to do what we can to support you."

Mrs. Miller

Dear I.

Students in Grade 8 at SLMS are currently in a pilot program which will allow for the students to use the "borrowed" laptops during the month of January, 2010. The computers will be rotated from classroom to classroom so that all of the students have an opportunity to use the computers at school. When the PPEL vote is successful, computers will be immediately ordered for teachers and students in Grades 5-12 will receive their laptops next fall.

The plan now does not call for students to pay anything for the laptops. However, parents may be asked to sign a plan and attend training. If the laptop is damaged an insurance deductible in the $250-$500 range may be charged for the repair. In schools where this is the "policy" few if any computers are damaged because the students feel a sense of ownership for the laptop.

If your battery runs low at school, you will have an opportunity to plug it in. Students will be expected to charge their computers each night so this doesn't happen often during the school day. In addition, there will be designated "charging areas" for students to use at school.

Questions

• When exactly are we going to get them?
• When will we know when we are getting them?
• How much does everyone have to pay?
• What would we do if our battery runs out during school?

I.

Dear H.

Under the proposed PPEL plan to purchase a laptop for every student in Grades 5-12, each student would be issued a school Apple laptop. Most students will be able to use the computer at home and at school. When at school, students would be expected to use the school computers. There will be advantages, like special resources on the laptops, to using the school computers at school.

Apple Computers

Many kids from our grade don't know how to use Apple computers, but they think that Apples are much faster than PCs.

What do we do if we have a brand-new PC? If we get new computers then what are we supposed to do with our other computer? Can we use it in school like the Apples?

H.

Presentations About the Computer Pilot

What did the students say about the presentation which happened before Christmas vacation?
If students had their own laptops...

• They would have less baggage.
• It would save paper.
• It would be awesome to have computers.

I was surprised at a chance to have laptops. I like the idea and I liked the way the idea of computers was presented. It's "cool." I am excited and it's a good idea to have them.

J.

Welcome

In the next few weeks SLMS, eighth grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot project during which computers are issued to students for class projects. The simulation will serve as a sample of what can happen when each student has his or her own computer laptop. Students will use the computers during school and sometimes at home. Educators associated with the project are hoping to gather valuable information about how teaching and learning are promoted when students are given the resources they need.