Total technology immersion doesn't happen overnight, but with vision and determination, transformation can take hold and start to grow. Floydada Independent School District (FISD), winner of the 2010 Sylvia Charp Award for District Innovation in Technology, is a great example of what a district can achieve when starting with a modest tech…

From one-to-one learning initiatives to laptop carts, schools all over the country are using portable computing models to achieve flexible technology access. To maximize learning and engagement at a sustainable cost, selecting the appropriate computing device is of utmost importance to best meet the needs of teachers and students. After all, a…

With no specific state or federal mandates to districts to maintain comprehensive technology infrastructure, how do districts, in the face of mounting financial pressures, continue to build and maintain their networks, integrate their systems, and expand their resources in a way that is reasonably "budget-proof?" In this article, the…

The convenient format, delivery, and accessibility of information offered by podcasting has made it a hot new trend. One of its limitations in educational applications, however, is its implementation primarily as a push technology--one that simply feeds users information. Podcasts tend to focus listeners inward and rarely encourage human…

Proving that technology works is not as simple as proving that a new vendor for art supplies is more cost effective. Technology effectiveness requires both the right software and the right implementation. Just having the software is not enough. Proper planning, training, leadership, support, pedagogy, and software use--along with many other…

In the book, "1-to-1 Learning: Laptop Programs That Work," author Pamela Livingston begins with an important point for those who are considering a laptop program for the first time: Newcomers are fortunate to be able to learn from the educators who have started down the 1-to-1 road before them. This proved to be true for two neighboring…

Education technology leaders are ever seeking new ways to eliminate the traditional social and geographic boundaries that hinder communication and collaboration for both K-12 students and educators. Larger districts with geographically dispersed schools often find that innovative ideas for technology use and integration are balkanized into…

For the last year the authors have been gathering examples of how perceived "threats of security" are hampering the integration of technology in teaching and learning. They hope that educators will examine both the challenges of increased security demands and ways in which security might enhance, rather than detract from, the use of technology for…

Each August, teachers from around the state gather for the Arizona K-12 Center's Tech Camp, a week-long immersion in technology for the classroom. The Arizona K-12 Center's mission is to improve teaching and learning in Arizona's schools through high-quality professional development and teacher leadership. The formula Tech Camp follows is a simple…

So far classroom use of the Internet has been limited to asynchronous communication, but virtual conferencing will allow real-time connections between teachers and classrooms separated by continents. This article describes virtual conferencing applications: Chat, audio- and videoconferencing, electronic white boards, application sharing, and file…

Discusses whether schools should somehow filter the information available to students via the Internet. Highlights include censorship versus an individual's right to information; fear for children's safety as motivation; filtering legislation; deciding what to block; rating Internet sites; filtering options for schools; and recommendations. (LRW)

Many of today's teachers are taking strides toward effectively incorporating technology into the classroom curriculum. Although most are aware of the benefits technology use can have on reinforcing learned material and promoting understanding, the positive effect that carefully selected software can have on a student's self-esteem--especially a…

Describes a teacher networking project using My Make-Believe Castle, an adventure program developing problem solving skills, that involved 100 elementary teachers around the country and demonstrated the utility of listservs. Discusses teacher observations of problem solving, peer teaching, one-computer classrooms, and deeper learning. (PEN)

Discusses how using technology in pre-K-3 classrooms (ages 4-9) can expand and enhance learning. Presents suggestions on integrating computers into classroom environments, and gives tips on introducing computer programs to students. Also reviews characteristics of software designed for early learning, and gives a list of software companies and…

Discusses some technical and nontechnical aspects of using electronic portfolios in the classroom; provides examples from Learning Quest's software for the Macintosh computer. Highlights include selecting student work samples, methods of saving samples on the computer, minimizing storage requirements, media storage devices, and suggestions for…