To Learn Twice

This blog post is not meant to be cry of rallying support for Arne Duncan. It is meant to be an educational primer on who he is. I put this together because I can no longer see respected people (people that I respect) put together blogs posts like these, that do nothing to help their readers, yet put out an opinion for others to follow: http://www.stager.org/blog/2008/12/arne-duncan-is-harriet-miers-of-obama.html http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/meet-the-new-story-same-as-the-old-story/ At least some are giving "Equal Time" Since others are not willing to do what we require (or inspire) our students to do - here goes: Basic Research on Arne Duncan Here is the CPS site for Mr. Duncan where you can actually see that he does have experience running a school district, even if he isn't a teacher. He also lists his email address. So if you have a concern or a question ask him. Here is the link to the Catalyst Chicago article on Mr. Duncan. In case you are not aware, " Cata...

The research I have done in the past does not quantitatively on a large scale connect on-line communication to student achievement. However, there are plenty of other studies out there that connect what parents do to student achievement. There are plenty of others that look at what schools can do to help parents do those things that will help their kids learn. What I have attempted to do is make logical relations between these concepts. This is my most "academic" post ever... Relationships are the Key to Achievement A classroom environment consists of an atmosphere shaped by relationships and instruction. Without one or the other the learning experience is incomplete. I believe that the two come together to create an environment where a student feels that they belong. “To create schools that function as personalized communities of learning rather than anonymous institutions where some students feel they belong and others feel ignored, we must know our st...

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...

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.