I'm glad that the US Department of Education is promoting schools to use new technologies to teach and inform students and their families. Sometimes I feel that the DoE just hands out curriculum and hides in its bureaucracy. What strikes me the most about the vision of tomorrow's schools is that it seems that the kids are ready to accept the challenges of moving into a "totally technological" learning environment, but the old people (teachers) aren't as comfortable with the idea. In addition, the cost of making these changes seems very high.
From the map, I think the most promising idea is free wi-fi hotspot standing on the corner in the middle of the town. A few times this year I have been talking to parents of students and have asked them for email addresses and, surprisingly, a few do not have the resources for a computer with internet access. I know how expensive young kids are to raise and I know they are going to want more expensive things as the years go on. I think that some parents aren't buying computers because of the awful "monthly fees" that go along with it. Dell certainly makes computers affordable; I think almost any household could spring for a basic computer. What I think holds people back is the thought of paying $50 per month for internet access. Have the Village of Hilton (at least) as a wi-fi zone would be very cool and I think that many more people would be on the web.
As far as what I would change...nothing but the perception that we shouldn't or can't move into the web 2.0 world. It sounds like a lot of money, work, and learning but the longer we wait, the harder we are making it for our students to compete in the global market.
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I agree when you say that that we(the older generation) are not as comfortable as most of the students in using fast paced technology. The expense issue is a huge factor but I think that some how and some where all students should have access to a computer at home even if services such as AOL and Road Runner reduced or waved their monthly fee for educational purposes. How long do we wait before we fall behind in "creating the schools of the future" and I wonder just what the impact will be on our future society.
I know that you are correct in assuming that many parents have access to computers which would be necessary for them to be involved in more meaningful ways. I also know that many don't have computers for the reasons you explain of not wanting another monthly bill. My own family is in that place and often my grandkids come over to my house to use the computer. A place they could go is the library, but they still have to get there and often wait in line. The time constraints often don't allow for this to happen. It would be great if somehow education money could hook parents up to the schools if they couldn't afford it.
I think the idea of the free wi-fi hotspot in the middle of Hilton is a great idea. I think that the core of our village is not economically advantaged.
I especially like the idea of the whole community being involved.I periodically wonder what happens to all the parents that are so involved when their children are in the elementary school.
So much of the new technology suggestions was mind boggling- of kids learning languages from kids around the world. What better way to erase ethnocentrism. How about a virtual whiteboard?! What could earth science do with that. A am for some textbook money going towards digital innovations. Many teachers don't use them very much, they are cumbersome and they age. How about making a text an option which the student could "rent" for a fee? What about moving away from using the tons of paper and its cost that we use?
It is important that we get moving now on School 2.0. I wish more teachers were taking this class, so they could learn of more up to date ways to present their material.
You gave me some insight into the School 2.0 free wi-fi hotspot. Thanks for your comments because it didn't occur to me that this was possible. I love it! Change is certainly coming and School 2.0 is not far off in the future.
I just loved this concept! I think that the future of our nation is dependent upon how technology is used to educate now.I believe that as time goes on a reduction in the cost of technology will continue to decrease enabling more and more people to have access to the internet. Remember how expensive cell phones used to be? Now many schools have realized the importance of technology and are issuing laptops to all their students to utilize. That way they are connected at all times. No more missed assignment, late homework, etc. AHH, Utopia!!
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