To Learn Twice

Here are the initial results of the Asus Student Trial where we have several students trying out the eee around school and home. Here is what the teacher said about the process: I've had two students try it out as a loaner and many others just test it out for a few minutes or so. I've also gone and talked to other teachers and students in their classes here about it and what possibilities it holds. It is now with another student and I'll get it back from her next week and pass it on. Here are the responses from two students who had the pc for a few weeks and what they thought. One is male, other is female. Both are AP Chemistry students. I did talk and bring the computer to share and show all levels of students and with their teachers permission brainstormed ideas if they had one. Many thought it was really cool. Here are the 2 student's responses. Their names have been removed (question #1) Student #1 2. What is your gender? male 3. H...

So I showed the Asus off yesterday at a staff development meeting. Lots of wide eyes and a few good questions. It will be in the hands of a couple of kids over the next few weeks. I had this article passed on to me about Fresno Unified School District that has put them in several classrooms to work on student portfolios. Here are a couple of quotes: "Anything we can do as a district to engage students in learning and keep them here is a good thing," Superintendent Michael Hanson said Yes - engagement is a key piece here. Changing the way we teach is an even bigger one which is why I like this statement better school officials said they purchased 1,000 wireless laptops that fit on a desk alongside textbooks and notebooks, as well as give students the opportunity to build a digital portfolio of essays, drawings and other creations But what really scares me is that we continue to see statements like these: Stephen Lewis, a geology professor at California State University, ...

I responded yesterday to Jeff Utecht's post on R&D in education - by coincidence our R&D Asus Eee Series Pc arrived on the same day (yeah that is the one - right there next to my business card - so you can get an idea of size). I have already lined up some students that are going to each carry it around for a few days and use it in their classes and at home - with the agreement that they will meet with me afterwards to give me feedback. Here is the question for you - what should I ask them? What do you want to know about the student experience with this type of device? We have also ordered an XO to do the same thing with. I will use the same students. So please consider that when submitting your suggested questions.