ARCHIVE of unanswered questions...

Do you have any unanswered questions? If so, please list them below.
1. i'd just prefer to have more hands on activities, with teachers leading us through the lessons as if we were their students
Tuesday will definitely satisfy this need.
2. Just need to work on the basics of use and learning much more about applications. I think it would be interesting to present us with an instructional challenge before we leave and see what we come up with. Kind of an "adult centered" challenge much like something demonstrated today.
What a wonderful idea! We will continue to work on the basics throughout the conference.
3. My students do not have tablets so many of the applications I've seen today would not work the same way or at all in my classroom. What are some ideas on how to use a tablet in the classroom when students do not have their own tablets?
Are you operating with just the teacher machine or carts too? I think you'll find some answers during Tuesday's dart n dashes.
4. no
5. You guys keep talking about video recording and using it with students, but I'm not sure how to go about this or what program to use. Can you save these files and e-mail them, or do you post them on a website, or what? I'd also like to know a lot more about DyKnow.
We will be showing more examples and how to use the voice recorder on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hold onto your socks- Dy-Know is Tuesday afternoon! Dy-Know testimonials and class visits also available on Tuesday!
6. I talked to Jason about computers crashing and similar issues with these. That was a big concern for my team at Cape Henry.
Could you please clarify this question during unanswered questions?
7. Nothing specific, I am really just looking for more ideas.
8. -The tablet session was not long enough/I could have used a 1/2 day
There will be more hands-on instruction Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday as well!
9. 1. Is power king?
So many machines, so few outlets?
There are actually outlets everywhere, they are just disguised to blend with the architecture. Floor outlets, ceiling, hanging outlets.
2. What about maintenance and repair of machines, network connectivity or printers?
We have a woman on staff that handles sending tablets to Richards computer, our service provider, and we also have a pool of loaners so the students don't experience interruption.
3. What partnerships have you developed? Other schools, universities, global connections?
We love to think of the schools that attend these conferences as partners. It's always great to hear from you six months or even three years down the line to hear how things are progressing.
4. What is the one thing you would not do if you were in the beginning stages of implementing tablet PC's?
We would definitely ask that the administration carve out more time for professional development. We would also ask that we create an environment where students are held more accountable for damage to computers.
10. I am overwhelmed as of now with information overload to even begin to ask questions. I am looking forward to the next two days.
Wonderful!
11. No
12. I think my question was answered, yet I have not been successful in doing it. I would like to take a poem(s) from a word file, print it to journal, and then manipulate the lines and words within journal. I did cut and paste from Word and then paste in journal, but I was not able to move the lines. My question may have been understood or I just did something wrong. Please help.
We would suggest using Ink Annotations in Microsoft Word. The differenced between ink annotations in Word and Journal will be discussed during the panoply tomorrow.
13. What are the challenges to managing a classroom with tablets, especially with younger students?
What system do you use to store student files while making them accessible to teachers?
Is everything transferred through email or is there a location on the server for this?
What are the activities/lessons being taught with the tablets that absolutely could not be done successfully with pencil and paper?
Why?
We'll talk about these during unanswered questions on Tuesday morning. Everything we do with the tablets enhances what could be done on paper. Examples: paper expansion, zoom for detail, sharing, store, organize.
14. I need to digest before I can come up with questions. I'm sure tomorrow I will have questions about today.
:)
15. Not yet.
16. Is CCD a school for gifted/talented? Or, what is the criteria for entry?
Only Kelly and Anna are gifted and talented. Like many independent schools, admittance is based upon teacher recs, academic performance and test score.
17. I would like to know more about Windows Journal. In general, I thought that the program today was good and recognize how difficult it was to determine what to cover.
You will hear a ton about Windows Journal today during the dart n' dashes. Kelly will also share Windows Journal ideas tomorrow during the panoply.
18. Not yet
19. None right now. Thank you.
20. Not as of yet- look forward to seeing some more Dyknow tomorrow
21. Hopefully will be answered in Nuts/Bolts but I'd like to know more about acceptable use agreements; how you handle tablet loss/damage; financing the tablet program; internet backbone and backup , etc..
Anna will be talking about our Internet Safety Campaign efforts on Wednesday morning. Specs for our current tablets are online and available on our school's web page. Just click on the Technology link. Our CFO, Todd Witt, will be joining you for lunch today. I would suggest sitting with him so that you can ask him some questions about financing.
22. None that I can think of.
 
Do you have any unanswered questions? If so, please list them below.
1. Could you talk a bit about the teachers at CCDS using a school-owned computer? Is there a contract or legal document of sorts that they sign prior to taking the computers off campus?
Are there limitations to what they can or cannot save onto the hard drive? What happens if a teacher dares to leave the school:) Is it possible to buy the computer from the school?
While, technically, our faculty laptops are owned by the school, they function exactly as if they were personally-purchased machines. Teachers may customize as they see fit, save their work to their harddrives, add software, etc. Only two restritions exist: 1) they must return the tablet on termination of employment, and 2) they must abide by professional standards (can't have illegal software, store inappropriate images, or propagate chainmail for example). They take their machines home at night, out on vacation, let their young kids use it, whatever. This ownership is fairly essential, given the fact that the program depends on faculty buy-in. We'll discuss more details tomorrow AM.

If we have ten tablets, how would you suggest using them in our school?
Depends on the grade of the students. With younger kids, I'd probably put one in the hand of each teacher or every two teachers. As Laura and Terri mentioned, a teacher's tablet can be the staple of a lower school classroom. With older kids, I'd focus on a few teachers, each of wihch could have access during weekends and breaks, but who would agree to plan on amassing the entire set for a day or two (or three) to work on in-class projects in pairs. This is what we did with our six tablets: different teachers "owned" them, but gave them up Monday through Friday if a teacher had signed the set out. The kids logged on with a shared student username, while the faculty logged on with their own credentials. All work was saved directly to the tablets.
Would it be best to distribute the ten amongst the 23 students in a particular classroom? Would it be better to distribute them amongst faculty so that more classrooms feel the benefit of the use of tablets?
Would it be better to distribute them in some other fashion?
Again, depends on the age. Your faculty would definitely need access to the machines. If they don't, it's likely that the tech pieces will be contrived--not a natural part of instruction.
 
2. Ever have any issues with students transferring information from one computer to the next when they should not? For example in a testing situation?

Often, in testing situations, restrictions are in place (testing via DyKnow with a software lockdown, having students log on to our exam account, having students facing away from the teacher with screens visible, etc.), so we haven't had that sort of characterless moment. We have had the occasional attempt to access one's own notes or to hop to the internet for info. It raises a great question about what types of assessments we give. Note that in the Upper School, on every department's course evaluation (which is filled out anonymously), we do ask about the degree to which cheating in general is present and whether the teacher's expectations are clear.


 
3. With younger children (say 4th or 5th grade) I'm not sure the benefits of using the laptops outweigh the time used futzing around with technology -- the booting up, shutting down, fidding with the machines, etc. Wouldn't it be better to introduce this technology around 8th grade when the students can really jam ahead with these materials?
We, of course, don't think so, since we start the program in 4th and encourage tablet use from preK-on. I, personally, am thrilled that our kids get to experience technology in an academic setting early on. If they waited until the 8th grade (when so much developmentally is in flux) I think they may feel far less at ease with those jam-ahead tools than they do now. Not terribly unlike language acquisition, it seems unneccesary to wait until proficiency is possible before letting students experience such fantastic tools.  

 
4. What steps do the kids take in entering their assignments (Outlook?)

If you are asking how students email work to their teachers, they simply open up their Outlook program, open a new message, attach the file, and send it to the teacher. Jeff Spain, our network administrator, has set up distribution lists for every class as well, so if a student or teacher is emailing to a whole class, they can. Note, too, that in nearly every program, there's a "Send To" option in the File menu which emails the document from within it. 
5. Since we have DyKnow at Norwood, I am eager to start using it more extensively and effectively.
Hooray!  
6. When text was put in Windows Journal it could be annotated with notes and pictures drawn. If the same thing can be done in Word then what is the advantage of using Windows Journal? When students email their work it seems like it would be more time consuming for the teacher to open the work and then email it back.

Here's the difference: once text is printed to Journal it can't be moved/edited. In Word, it can be. You wouldn't want to annotate a student's paper in Word, since the student would begin editing, responding to the teacher's comments, the text would shift; the annotations would no longer correspond the words with which they were intended to go. With Journal, the text is static, so there's no chance for dissociating text with mark ups. Word is great for annotations not associated with text, or temporarily associated with text. Does that make sense? 
7. i sent an email to kelly asking for the sites of international schools you have either contacted or videoconferences with. we are looking to establish similar relationships and had heard you had numerous international connections.
Here are some of our favorites:

 Global Nomads Group
http://www.gng.org/

COSI (live surgery)
 http://www.cosi.org/programs/ee.htm

Mote Marine Laboratory
 http://www.seatrek.org/03/programs.htm

VC Database- hooks you up with schools all over the world, as well as museums
 http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/vidconf.html
10. It seems like there are many homework assignments that require the internet. How does the school handle families that cannot afford internet at home? Do you help the families or are the students expected complete these assignments during school hours?

Most of us address this with the kids at the beginning of the year. We usually ask students to drop us a private email if they do not have internet access at home or if they share internet access with siblings (or parents!). We help those kids find think through how, during the year, they can manage those assignments. For the last six years, though, I have yet to have a student without Internet access. It may be that the student is not telling me, perhaps out of embarrassment, but so far, all have had access..
11. do you feel that support from the higher ups and the board contribute to the success of your programs
We think it's very important to have the support of the administration and the board. This helps in a myriad ways: finances, release time, professional development, parent communication. We would like to make sure our board is kept in the loop by presenting new ideas to them bi-annually.
12. Do your students' tablets have a cd drive? Do your teachers tablets have them?
Last year's model did not have a CD/DVD drive and students could purchase one separately through the school for a reasonable price. Faculty that were given machines last year were each given one when they received their tablet. Really, we no longer use this feature very often. Students install software off of our server, they back up work to the server and so the real reason that students like having them is for playing games and dvds. Ironically, this year's model of the tablet does have a CD/DVD drive.
13. No I don't - :)
14. How do we get to Anna's website?
http://wwwf.countryday.net/FacStf/ES/binkleya/default.htm
15. What will DyKnow cost us if we want a subscription after this workshop?
Please talk with Rob Baker about Dy-Know pricing or shoot him an e-mail at bakerr@countryday.net.

How do I erase the snipping tool line after I snip from the Internet and copy into Word?
Please pull Rob aside tomorrow so he can show you.

16. I'd like to know how teachers using digital versions of textbooks have found the experience.
So far, our teachers seem to really like them. Students like it because they don't have to lug the book around. Parents like it because it is more ergonomically appropriate and they're cheaper. If you'd like to ask a teacher that is using them first hand, please feel free to e-mail Elvira Carrillo (MS Spanish) carrilloe@counrtday.net.

Is it easy to transfer material into formats easy for students to manipulate? (for example, downloading diagrams or maps and then being able to label them)
Yes, it's a simple copy and paste into Windows Journal, PowerPoint, Paint, or PhotoShop and let then labeling begin.
17. Just one question today. What happens when a Upper school breaks poilcy or conduct with his or her computer. what punishment is given?
There are different levels of discipline depending on the disciplinary infraction.They range from scolding and detention to expulsion.

 

MONDAY

Do you have any unanswered questions? If so, please list them below.
1. HOW do the students send their work from their tablets to my tablet?
1. E-mail
2. Infra-red
3. Course folders on the server that students can drop larger files into
2. Yes, one of the big concerns at my school is with regards to using tablets in an IB program which is very essay (extended essay as a main part of the program) oriented. A few teachers have commented to me that tablets would not lend themselves to this. Any comments or experience with this? thanks.
Yes, we'll talk about this in the morning during the "unanswered questions" portion of the morning. Good question.
3. Yes, Dude where's my Car? Seriously, I do have some questions but I'll wait and see if those question are answered in Tuesday classes. If not I will ask them tomorrow.
You're funny.
4. I have process questions related to Windows Journal and Kelly's PowerPoint presentations. I hope to have some time tomorrow to ask those questions.
We'll have some time for open Q & A tomorrow.
5. it there a class we could visit that is using dyknow
Unfortunately, for the first time in several conferences, the rotating schedule did not allow for a Dy-know visit. You will be having a "how to" session and a testimonial dart n dash from Sam Tumolo.
6. Curriculum for emergent users? Students and faculty? How do you write it or do you?
We're not so sure we understand...do you mean "new users?" Let's talk about this in the morning so we can be sure to understand your question.
7. How did you get your administration to agree to not hold meetings after school?
We trust you the professional development workshops- we gave them the data and explained how attendance was dwindling after school. We looked for a creative solution and during school and part of our in-service day was out what we came up with...so far, so good.
Do your teachers have many other obligations such as curriculum mapping, portfolio development, etc?
Yes, yes. All of the above...and websites to maintain! Yikes.
8. I gather the recommendation is to use Journal until OneNote 2007 arrives?
We have really felt that the 2003 version is cumbersome and the beta version of 2007 looks great! We like the free form feel of Windows Journal and love that One Note will give our more linear minded note takers an option.
9. The styluses keep breaking. We have given the kids tethers and they did not help. Any suggestions? I think our school has gone through about 35 since Sept 1
Let's talk about this one in the morning.
10. How do your language teachers use the tablet to test oral proficiency (or do they?)????
Our language teachers LOVE the voice recording feature and the
voice narration feature in PowerPoint. Both of these will be discussed during the dart n dashes on Tuesday.
11. built in additional cost of carrying this program - over the hardware how you are finding Dyknow working?
I would attend Jeff Spain's nuts and bolts session to get a breakdown of costs. We are lovin' Dy-Know! You'll hear from Sam Tumolo on Tuesday and Rob on Wednesday.
12. I would like to learn a bit more about One Note. How do you prevent students from getting off track (surfing the net, instant messaging)?
Let's talk about "getting off track" in the AM.
13. I would like to have a chance to talk to more foreign language teachers about student use of the tablets inside of the classroom. I would also be interested in dialoguing with students about their experiences.
Tomorrow, there will be a foreign language class visit and a foreign language dart n' dash on Wednesday. You are also welcome to e-mail any of our foreign language teachers if you would like...
14. not at this time.
15. Lots, but I think I'll wait to see if they get answered as I'm sore they will.
16. I understand we will have time to spend in the lower school tomorrow. I am particularly interested in talking/observing/seeing projects of classroom teachers who use the tablets routinely with 4-9 years old students.
Great!
17. I want a proposal to get this type of program in my school. How exactly you handle the funding, repairs, purchases, installs, etc. How secure is the wireless set-up?
Please attend Joe and Jeff's nuts and bolts session.
It seems that you allow anyone with wireless access to connect, aren't you worried about others connecting to your networks?
We don't usually broadcast our SSID. We just do that for the tablet conference. We have a very isolated community and this does not seem to be a problem.
Policies for new hires as far as new teachers go?
No, we don't and we really wish that we did! We really do believe that it's most important to hire creative, capable faculty members, rather than tech wizards.
Did the tablets change the curriculum or did the curriculum change becasue of the tablets?
Hmm. The curriculum has evolved based on the environment. The more we see what can be done, the more we evolve. We seek solutions to the problems with our curriculum.
What are the downsides after all this time?
Talk about this in the AM.
What is your new student orientation?
Our new students receive a two day orientation.

What is your rational for the age of installment?
We've got two rumors running about this one, and it's been difficult to discern what the original (1994-5) reasoning was. One possibility is that "hooking" kids technologically in the 5th grade would result in greater re-enrollment as students moved up to middle school. The other possibility is that the school felt that 5th grade was a convergence of burgeoning independence, well rehearsed responsibility, and in-tact exploration.

Do you do surveys with your students and or teachers to rate the success of the program?
We do check in from time to time. Two years ago, for example, Joe Hofmeister visited every department and every grade-level team to collect anecdotal data. We have also used surveys and our own ISACS constituent survey.

How do you keep your resources up to date?
Jeff Spain maintains our licenses and, with Rob Baker, keeps track of our equipment lifespans.

What other technology do you have besides tablets?
Where to start, where to start... videoconferencing, SmartBoards, Vernier Probes, subject-specific software, scanners, digital senders, digital video cameras, digital microscopes, and more.

What is your software for admissions, registrar, grading, email, etc.
We use Senior Systems.

Do you have any measurable results of how this program has improved student learning?
When you're working with an independent school population, standardized test scores and similar quantitative data is already fairly high. Several of us, though, have learned that we can go farther and deeper that we used to with our classes. We have a slew of anecdotal data that supports what we're doing. (And, of course, teachers and the ultimate assessors are where I'd lay my success bets.)
18. Lots, but the conference is young!
19. Is there a source that provides instruction to all the capabilities that the tablet has?
A school faculty. Really. We provided some TabletPC books that covered all the features, but the additional tools keep springing up, and our faculty are finding 15 ways to use the same feature in the classroom--a much better gauge. (Still, we like having the books on hand for those few people who think they really need them.)
20. What does a middle school student look like as he/she travels from class to class with his/her tablet?
Small. Confused. At social unrest. Seriously, they generally park their paraphernalia in their lockers and swap out what they need between classes.

What happens when a student leaves her/his tablet at home?
They don't often, since they love them for play as much for education. Occasionally, it does happen, and students fall under the class rules of forgotten materials (some teachers take deductions, others sigh and ask the kids to share).

How can I use this tool to create timelines? (OK, very specific to my subject area.)
There are several options here. In my (Kelly's) class, we used the Windows Journal, drew a line, lassoed the line and headed to the Actions menu to change the shape to a perfectly straight line. More on this and other options during the humanities dart 'n' dash.
 
21. Are the tablets used in the early childhood classrooms? If so, how?
Yes. As Terri mentioned, students are allowed to use teachers' tablets when they'd like. Often, at that age, the use is for drawing.
22. What happens with faculty that are hesitant to accept the technology?
We flog them. Actually, we've been incredibly patient with those folks. As a caveat, we should explain that given the tech-saturated environment, even our weakest users are fairly proficient--they just may not work terribly hard to integrate. Faculty members are evaluated on their use of technology, and we approach faculty members who seem to be lagging with ideas. This is a pretty huge question, so we'll try to address it more in the unanswered question time.

Do you use students as teachers for the faculty?
Not formally, but, of course, this happens on a regular basis informally.

Are there any restrictions that you wish did not exist with the tablet?
Battery life remains an issue, particularly as models age. There are some other things we wish, but they're in the realm of the fantastical (we'd like folding screens, pop-out keyboards, and dual-stylus input for group work).

How durable is the tablet (drop factor, water issues, memory problems, software issues, support by the manufacturers?
Not bad, really. We had an odd year of middle school students who thought it was cool to abuse the machines (taking keys off, picking at delicate spots), but that was an anomaly. Aside from Windows Journal sometimes not showing the toolbars, everything's run pretty smoothly. We've seen some screen masks break, but (thank goodness) the screens themselves have been quite durable.

How do you know if the teachers are using the computers?
Several avenues, though we're really not a school that tracks this. Teachers are asked to document their tech use (unit by unit) on their curriculum maps in the so-titled section. We ask faculty to share their work with representatives on the Technology Advocacy Group who spread the news. We also solicit plasma screen work which helps us keep up on what's going on.

Are they stolen or damaged? What do you do?
Sure. Theft is less of an issue--more often a faculty member leaving a tablet in a car unlocked than a swiped-during-the-day issue. In those cases, the business office files a police report, we initiate tracking software (not terribly helpful), and issue a loaner until a replacement machine is ready. In the case of damage (which happens more often in the hands of adolescents), if it's accidental, we issue a loaner and the child proceeds as usual through his day.

 Why don't you have ceiling mounted projection stations (I know you use them going in different directions)?
We have a few in places where the space requires it. But to be honest, we'd hate to lose the flexibility of free-moving projectors. Often, we'll have multiple projectors in a room with groups huddled around small projections. Sometimes we project on doors, under desks, you name it.
23. Yes! However, I need to go over my notes to access them.
24. what do you do with grumpy faculty?
Give them Graeter's. Our professional development sessions are geared to engender a spirit of fun and frivol. That really helps. We also try to make it cool to share in those sessions and out. That often sends the grumpy into the background.

how do you get your faculty to become visual developers?
Could you rephrase the question?

where do your students get primary sources - web or print?
A hefty mixture of both. Our Upper School relies heavily on primary sources, and we've got a slew of databases (see our Library page off the main Country Day website) available for research. We use the web as well, and print from time to time.
25. How did you get funding for these initiatives? Raise tuition, raise fees, fund raise and coporate sponsors, etc.?
Hopefully you went to Joe's optional session. If not, email him (hofmeistj@countryday.net) and ask, remembering that he has a grandchild on the way.

Are you on some sort regular refresh program like every 3 years?
Every four.
26. How can our school use a class set of tablets to its fullest capability and still get a sense of the wide scope of use.
Anna will address this tomorrow and Wednesday.
27. You don't filter. How does this set with parents? How do you deal with student inappropriate use, such as accessing inappropriate websites?
They have mixed emotions. We do try to educate students and parents, though (listen for the Internet Safety Campaign attempt to partner parents with the school). Our acceptable use policy sets inappropriate use as a disciplinary infraction.
28. Specific to my needs: our school is tranistion 350+ 9th graders next year and we cannot decided about frosh grammar texts--we want all teachers to be using the same resource, but we cannot decide: should it be a CD-Rom, Website, or something else--we have 12 different freshmen english teachers--we need cohesion badly. What do you recommend? lm
Tough, tough question (and situation). Let us give it some thought.


 
   

 

 
 
Tuesday's Unanswered Questions
1. Yes, but I don't seem to be able to verbalize anything right now. :)
2. Not until I do some more processing.  :)
3. Probably, but I bet some get answered tomorrow.  :)
4. I'm still at times frustrated by One Note & don't fully understand why we have been told to work with this program rather than Windows Journal if everyone here is utilizing Windows Journal. Can students organize Windows Journal into "Virtual Binders"? Why would we use One Note instead?
OneNote can be a bit more cumbersome. You can use the Windows Journal in a similar way but it requires just a bit more discipline. Let's talk about this Wednesday AM.
5. once your students, Kelly, finished tracing their maps on Monday, how did your students eliminate the original (map from the web) that was underneath? ... so that they were only left with their own original work?
We'll show this in the panoply Wednesday at 11.
6. Still trying to figure out how you have been able to fund all the technology you have available for your teachers?? In the upper school art classes, how do you handle more advanced software programs esp. Photoshop CS, InDesign, Illustrator, Painter, etc.?? Are these available on school computers in the art rooms or do the students need to purchase them??
We have purchased school licenses for big software programs that students install and uninstall at the end of the course. They are given the opportunity to then purchase the license. PhotoShop Elements has been a very economical solution to our lighter PhotoShop needs.
7. It seems that the teachers that shared today stored all their files inside My Documents, not your network. Do or does everyone store all their files on your network? If they don't do they backup their files b/c I don't see CD burners or anything like that on the tablets.
We'll discuss backing up work in unanswered questions on Wednesday.
What are the specs of the tablets?
http://www.countryday.net/tech/AAL/Default.htm

How do you do the website /homework for each division? What is the breakdown by division?
LS and ES favulty use their webpages primarily for parent/student communication. They post newsletters and major events, as well as photo galleries. Some MS and US use them more for class direction. Take a look around the sites by division. http://www.countryday.net/

Is there an LCD projector in every classroom?
Yes, in MS and US. ES and LS sadly has to share.

What do you allow the kids to install at home on the tablets?
They own their computers so they technically can install whatever they'd like to. However, we educate them about what is smart and what will cause problems.
 
8. No.
9. How do students keep all of their files organized on the computer? How do Middle Schoolers keep it all in order? Is all of their work on their desktop -- what if their computer "breaks" and they need a loaner? What "back-up" methods do you use to ensure that work is not lost? How do you help students on financial aid to pay for these machines?
We'll discuss backing up work in unanswered questions on Wednesday.
10. How does a teacher tie together on-line textbooks with new ideas -- that is new ideas that enhance and deepens the idea being presented by the textbook/ homework that the teacher wants to focus on during class discussion?
Just like you might with a textbook. An example: More often than not teachers are dipping into the textbooks for multimedia enhancement.
11. Could some of the assessment materials teachers create be put on their website? Or perhaps a sample of a digital portfolio from the Pre-K and K teachers?
Yes, we'll put the overview in the resources section so you can show the samples we used on the first day.
12. I do not have a good understanding of how often 1st - 4th grade teachers use the tablets with their students. Do you have an estimate?
1st and 2nd grade use them more in small groups or as rotating centers based upon their unit of study.
3rd and 4th use them considerably more for everything.
(It's very hard to assign a number, 2-3 times a week?)
13. In initiating a pilot program is it necessary for the students to consistently bring a tablet home in order for parents to become excited about the program?
To involve families, try some parent classes. When student come home excited about their work and are eager to share, that's really all a parent usually needs.
14. not at the moment.
15. not at this time, we covered a ton today
16. I would like to visit Nick ???'s class to see and ask him about cd rom grammar text.
Nick actually doesn't use an e-textbook. Would you please refer to Rob Baker for questions and answers.
https://www.phsuccessnet.com/access/IPlanetServlet
 http://my.hrw.com/index.jsp
17. nope.
18. Thank you for having administrators in the lunches. I had questions at that time and all of them were answered in the lunchtime. So happy they answered your questions!
19. Is CCD debating removing stand-alone Computer classes in the Middle School since applications and skills are integrated throughout each discipline?
We don't have any stand alone computers in MS classrooms. You will find desktops in 18 months- Grade 4.
Does the computer teacher act as a facilitator in each classroom rather than a teacher with his/her own lab?
We don't have computer teachers. If you're thinking of Anna Hartle in Global Connections, she doesn't just teach computers etc. She teachers the 6th grade curriculum while teaching 6th grade subjects.
20. Can't think of them now. Probably a lot tomorrow, or, as my mind works, on Thursday.  :)

 

 Monday's Unanswered Questions
1. I want a proposal to get this type of program in my school. How exactly you handle the funding, repairs, purchases, installs, etc. How secure is the wireless set-up? Please consider attending Joe's session where he'll cover all of this information.
It seems that you allow anyone with wireless access to connect, aren't you worried about others connecting to your networks? We'll talk about this Tuesday AM.
Policies for new hires as far as new teachers go? I think we need a little clarification. Tech requirements?
Did the tablets change the curriculum or did the curriculum change becasue of the tablets?

What are the downsides after all this time? Cost and also we think some teachers will address this tomorrow.

What is your new student orientation? What is your rational for the age of installment? Tuesday AM.

Do you do surveys with your students and or teachers to rate the success of the program? We're currently in the self study  ISAACS accreditation and so it was a part of our community survey and has received rave reviews! Please note that the technology is an integral part of the curriculum and shows up under department evaluations.

How do you keep your resources up to date? What other technology do you have besides tablets? Keep your eyes open over the next few days...cameras, plasma panels, wireless projectors.....etc!!

What is your software for admissions, registrar, grading, email, etc.
We've just this year gone to Senior Systems. Rob Baker led this charge! So far, everyone seems to be very happy.

Do you have any measurable results of how this program has improved student learning?

The benefits issue is more difficult to address because of its intangible nature and the lack of longitudinal research. A study by Rockman, et al., in 1998 did conclude that laptop programs result in “significant learning and student and teacher accomplishments in skill development, applications of technology for schoolwork, and improved critical thinking.” (http://www.microsoft.com/Education/aalresearch2.mspx)
2. Lots, but the conference is young!
3. Is there a source that provides instruction to all the capabilities that the tablet has? Students!! :) There is no limit. Keep your eyes out for Linda Yokel's presentation. She used a book to learn. Teach Yourself Visually Series
4. What does a middle school student look like as he/she travels from class to class with his/her tablet? Because many students are now using online textbooks so this has helped the overloading issue. Students travel from class to class with their binder and tablet.
What happens when a student leaves her/his tablet at home? How can I use this tool to create timelines? (OK, very specific to my subject area.) I've never had a student leave their computer at home. But, I'd probably just ask them to share with another student.
5. Are the tablets used in the early childhood classrooms? If so, how?
Yes, please look forward to Terri Sears and Laura Rue!
6. What happens with faculty that are hesitant to accept the technology? Do you use students as teachers for the faculty? Are there any restrictions that you wish did not exist with the tablet? How durable is the tablet (drop factor, water issues, memory problems, software issues, support by the manufacturers? How do you know if the teachers are using the computers? Are they stolen or damaged? What do you do? Why don't you have ceiling mounted projection stations (I know you use them going in different directions)?

We'll address these Tuesday morning.
7. Yes! However, I need to go over my notes to access them.
8. what do you do with grumpy faculty? Tuesday morning.
how do you get your faculty to become visual developers?

where do your students get primary sources - web or print? both
9. How did you get funding for these initiatives? Raise tuition, raise fees, fund raise and corporate sponsors, etc.? The students pay for their own machines and we are only slightly over median budget for school like ours.

Are you on some sort regular refresh program like every 3 years? every 4 years.
10. How can our school use a class set of tablets to its fullest capability and still get a sense of the wide scope of use. Tuesday morning.
11. You don't filter. How does this set with parents? How do you deal with student inappropriate use, such as accessing inappropriate websites? Tuesday afternoon, Anna will talk about Internet Safety.
12. Specific to my needs: our school is transition 350+ 9th graders next year and we cannot decided about frosh grammar texts--we want all teachers to be using the same resource, but we cannot decide: should it be a CD-Rom, Website, or something else--we have 12 different freshmen English teachers--we need cohesion badly. What do you recommend?
Holt Reinhart's Elements of Language. Nick wasn't thrilled with it last year. In his words, "They have some kinks to work out." Still, he thinks there's potential.
 
13. In your hiring process, do you have expectations for a teacher's tech background? How do you support teachers in learning CCDS culture? The same for students? Maria: Our AP Spanish teacher. She knew nothing but had a willingness to learn. She's doing some remarkable things. (In hiring, look for creativity and flexibility!)
14. How has the implementation of tablets affect your CUA and can I get a copy of it? How can you calm the fears of the traditionalists who worry about students not paying attention because they're using their tablets.
Tuesday morning.
15. The differences between OneNote and Journal? Internet safety protocols during the school day if students own the machines? Transport, safety, afterschool storage??? How and when does CCD do out of the box sessions for new students? Tuesday morning.
16. How did you roll out the initiative to reluctant teachers? students? Could you show us a few more examples of what teachers and students are doing with the tablets? Could we see primary teachers and students interacting or pictures of them interacting with tablets? Coming soon! See Tuesday and Wednesday' s schedule.
Will we have the opportunity to play with other programs such as photoshop or any grading software you use? Time is limited and so we focus on things that make the tablet unique.

What type of orientation or training did you receive from Toshiba or Microsoft? We received no training.

Did you find most success with training a small group of faculty first? No, we're more successful when we learn together.
 
17. I have lots - so where should I begin. But each day I learn something new. To me the greatest part of using a tablet is the feeling of incredible inspiration!
18. yes. What are the advantages of Journal over One Note? Free-form expression and organization. We'll demonstrate on Wednesday if we have time.

I'd like to know more about on-line textbooks for Upper School students. On average how many days a week or weeks per month do most teachers actually use tablets in their classrooms? Understandably tablet use varies by unit and teacher but 2/3 days a week.
19. No. I look forward to seeing a science classroom using the Tablet tool.
20. - How do students organize all of their tablet notes? Where does all of that information get stored at? - Journal docs get stored in your My Notes folder in My Documents.
How do you use the infrared option to send a document to someone else? - We'll try to get to this during the Wednesday interactive session.

How much money does it take to get all of the equipment to take full advantage of using the tablets in every classroom (i.e. what was your budget for digital cameras, projectors, etc..) - How many people are needed in a technology dept. to support a curriculum that is so dependent on technology? Please attend Joe's session. No matter what he says, we need more people in our department! ;)!!
21. What are the essential differences between One Note and Windows Journal? Do you introduce students to both? Please see the answers above. 5th grade students will be introduced t the end of teh year and 6th grade students. We think it's important to let students choose which works best for them.
Which is best for a virtual binders? I would LOVE additional training on organizing my One Note documents.
22. I'd be interested in hearing what the students think of the tablets. Do they find that the tablets make learning more enjoyable? There will be a student panel on Wednesday! IS the material more accessible now? What would they say to a board that is considering implementing a one-to-one tablet program? These things would help me better assess what we can do to help encourage others at our school embrace the tablets. Although most already do embrace them greatly! Please attende Joe's session.

 

Do you have any unanswered questions? If so, please list them below.
1. no
2. I need to think through all of the ideas. I again feel full.
3. It seems that Windows Journal is the main benefit to a tablet over a laptop. Is that an accurate perception, or are there other other real differences/benefits.
The key difference isn't so much the Windows Journal, but the input mechanism of the stylus. The Windows Journal just happens to be a large receptacle of the stylus. Other bonuses are the screen interaction and durability, internal wireless, internal microphone, mobility, stylus, new forms for expression, screens down, student centered ability, PowerPoint annotations.
4. None at this time.
5. What is the breakage rate on these? How frequently do they need service. What is the cost of the warranty? Does it go up every year as the computers age? IS the swivel more prone to problems? Do the younger students have trouble carrying them without dropping them? Are students good about putting the machine back in the bag between each class to carry it from room to room, or do they just grab and go? How many tablets are being repaired at any one time?
Let's talk about this in the AM unanswered questions session.
6. none
7. Your teachers seem to be more than willing to give up content time to teach specific programs. Is this a topic that causes lots of conversation or just the culture of the school?
I think this has a lot to do with our collaborative, supportive approach to the tablet initiative. They are willing to share because they're excited to share how incredible this tool can be.

Do you have parents concerned about the number of hours young students spend on the computer?
Let's talk during the AM session...
 
8. Would like to address issues of internet safety, my space, etc. Any possible way to move dy-know to the morning session? Need to leave for airport at noon and I know I spoke to another group of ladies who also need to leave early.
We'll be announcing a lunch dy-know session for those that are leaving early. I hope this meets your needs although I'm not sure it sounds like it's early enough. More information in the morning...
9. I still have no idea how to have Photoshop help me. I'm a complete novice with digital photography, and the session was rather advanced.
Yes, Carole is advanced. Her session was really just to give you an idea of what is possible. If you're starting out with PhotoShop, keep it simple! Start with a family project!
10. I would like to have someone walk through the basic take a picture and then go from there. I would like to know how to use this process so that I can make attachments and use on a weekly parent communication.
Would you please grab one of us tomorrow during a break? We'd be happy to walk you through the steps.
 
11. Do you have any advice for: 1) dealing with the students who are literally addicted to their laptops?
2) dealing with parents who have a hard time putting limits on their child's use of the laptop when at home?
Yes, let's talk about this one during our morning unanswered questions.
12. (Lots of) silly little tech questions: When you prepare a lesson in PowerPoint (Kelly, I'm thinking of the architecture one we saw yesterday), do the kids save that ppt file into Journal Writer to be able to write/take notes on it?
No, you can actually write on top of PowerPoint. Open your PPT, Slideshow/ View show/ right click and select felt tip pen. Call one of us over tomorrow if you have any difficulty.

Do you email it to them or do they retrieve it off the network?
No, these students download them from Kelly's web page. If it's a large file, it can be downloaded from a public serv