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Digital Learning for All, Now

A School Leader's Guide for 1:1 on a Budget

By: Jonathan P. Costa, Sr.

Foreword by Kenneth R. Freeston

This breakthrough guide outlines field-tested strategies show how to affordably integrate technology, utilize open source and crowd sourcing, and align instructional systems and culture to optimize student learning.

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Product Details

Grade Level: PreK-12
ISBN: 9781452220055
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2012
Page Count: 208
Publication date: March 01, 2012

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Description

Designing the practically paperless classroom

Instead of carrying bulging backpacks, imagine students carrying mobile devices that allow them to access information from anywhere at any time. How do we transition from print to digital learning in the midst of economic challenges? This breakthrough guide shows educators how to affordably make the shift to one-to-one computing and transform schools into digital learning centers. Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. outlines a step-by-step road map of solutions for overcoming budget and systems barriers and moving forward with a sense of urgency. His field-tested strategies show how to

Acquire and pay for necessary equipment
Save money by utilizing open source, crowd sourcing, and Bring Your Own Device
Align instruction, assessment, curriculum, and professional development for a 21st century learning environment

A content-rich companion website provides adaptable tools, step-by-step guidance, resources, and access to an online interactive community. Digital Learning for All, Now will help educators make digital learning a reality on a districtwide scale that is supported at every level, and prepares students for life and work in the 21st century. The time to act is now, and this guide shows you how.

Key features

The book emphasizes learning and aligning the underlying systems that support teaching and learning with the goals of a 1 to 1 digital teaching and learning environment—systems that include curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development.
The author provides adaptable tools on an author-hosted website to guide readers through the suggested processes step-by-step, including software feature comparison grids, planning structures, change management interview techniques, models of Innovation Configuration Maps from districts who have made the transition to one-to-one, and a variety of other tools that have been found helpful by educators in the process of this transition.
Each chapter begins with the foundational concepts and proceeds to the very practical "in the trenches" application of those big ideas, with strategies, anecdotes and examples from the field.
There is an entire chapter on how to lead this change through modeling, long range planning, and strategies for addressing barriers to change.

Author(s)

Jonathan P. Costa, Sr.

Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. is director of school and program services for the EDUCATION CONNECTION, a regional education service center in Litchfield, Connecticut. A former public and private school social studies teacher, educational consultant and businessman, Costa’s current responsibilities include supervision of the highly regarded Center for 21st Century Skills and the delivery of all professional development and consulting interventions on behalf of the agency throughout the tri-state area. Through his 30 years of service, he has provided close support for strategic and technology planning in dozens of districts, guided all manner of instructional improvements, as well as consulted on the promotion, identification, definition, instruction and assessment of 21^st century skills. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and his writings have appeared in publications as varied as Educational Leadership and Runner’s World.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Illustrations

Foreword by Kenneth R. Freeston

Preface: Potential Within Reach

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Part I: Why We Need Digital Learning for All, Now

1. Beyond a Doubt: Digital Is the Future of Teaching and Learning

Starting With the End in Mind

Truth 1: The Future of Learning and Work Is Digital

Truth 2: Proper Preparation for the Digital Age Requires Digital Access

Truth 3: Continued Investment in Print Is a Waste

Chapter Summary

Part II: Getting to 1:1

2. BYOD: Crowdsourcing Hardware and Closing the Equity Gap

An Introduction to Bring Your Own Device

Three Trends that Make BYOD Possible

Implementation Challenges for BYOD

Planning for the Issues and Adjustments Needed for BYOD

Chapter Summary

3. Take the Open Path: The Browser and Open Source--Saving Money and Improving Learning

Introduction to Open-Source Software

How Much Can We Save?

Open Source Productivity Software Resources

Strategies for Supporting Open-Source Change

Open Source and Online Instructional Materials

Free, Engaging, and Rigorous

4. Overcoming Barriers to Success: Strategies for Defeating the Inertia of Print and Other Blocking Forces

Unwavering Faith

Barrier 1: It's All About Control--Part A: Curriculum and Instruction

Barrier 1: It's All About Control--Part B: Access and Equipment

Barrier 2: One Size Fits All

Barrier 3: Risk Aversion

Chapter Summary

Part III: Building the System

5. Systems and Measurement: Aligning Instruction, Assessment, and Support Systems With 21st Century Outcomes

Three Phases of Technology Integration

Systems of School Improvement and Their Impact on 21st Century Learning

Four Foundational Systems: Part 1--Focus, Focus, Focus

Four Foundational Systems: Part 2--Instruction and Assessment

The Next Level: Critical Support Systems--Curriculum and Communication

The Next Level: Professional Support, Professional Evaluation, and Resource Deployment

Chapter Summary: What Is Your Readiness for Realignment?

6. Leading the Change Process: Modeling the Skills and Behaviors We Expect From Our Students

Staring Into the Abyss

21st Century Skills: Modeling the Change We Hope to See

Skill 1: Communication

Skill 2: Independence and Collaboration

Skill 3: Innovation and Adaptability

Skill 4: Critical Thinking

Skill 5: Information Literacy

Skill 6: Personal Responsibility

Conclusion

Glossary of Terms

References

Index

Reviews

"A must-read for all who desire to make technology integration a priority in their school."

Amie Brown, Gifted ELA Teacher
Armuchee Middle School, GA

"This book is for teachers and schools seeking to truly prepare students’ for the future. It moves past the excuses and into a plan for legitimate and practical technology use. If you buy just one book this year, this is the one. It will change your school and the life of your students!"

Renee Peoples, Third-Grade Teacher
West Elementary School, Bryson City, NC

"Digital Learning addresses the importance of our ever-growing world of technology. It helps educators to stay abreast of the newest technologies and better assist their students."

Tanna Nicely, Assistant Principal
Dogwood Elementary, Knoxville, TN

"This book supplies all of the tools necessary to make the leap off the cliff into the next evolution in education. Here you will find the support you need to overcome the risks, get through the mess, and make the best change for our students."

J. Petrina McCarty-Puhl, Forensic Science Teacher
Robert McQueen High School, Reno, NV

"WOW! I wish I had this book several years ago. It sets an intellectual framework and then provides a pragmatic view that leads to implementation. This timely text should be read by all educators. It gives multiple on-ramps to the instruction, content, and context of this century."

Dr. Rick Miller, Superintendent
Riverside Unified School District, CA

"This book is the answer to the question that everybody has been asking about the 21st century classroom. For those who have stated, 'Wait until we are ready,' this is the resource that will make it happen now!"

Lyndon Oswald, Principal
Sandcreek Middle School, Ammon, ID

"Costa's blueprint is not just a theoretical exercise. He takes the reader step-by-thoughtful-step through teh process of making this drastic change in an affordable manner and with a plan."

Beth E. Anderson

Other Titles in: School Change, Reform, & Restructuring | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles | Leadership in Educational Technology

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